Assessment of Master Thesis – Academic Consultant
Study programme:International Economic Relations Field of study:International and Diplomatic Studies Academic year:2020/2021
Master Thesis Topic:Foreign Policy of Georgia as a Small State and Its Strategies Author’s name:Iuri Minadze
Ac. Consultant’s Name:Ing. Jan Martin Rolenc, Ph.D.
Opponent:Ing. Mgr. Pavel Přikryl, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 2
2. Logical structure 3
3. Using of literature, citations 2
4. Adequacy of methods used 2
5. Depth of analysis 3
6. Self-reliance of author 2
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 2
8. Language and stylistics 3
Comments and Questions:
The thesis meets the key requirements of the Faculty. Its goal is relevant, and it is defined clearly and logically, although it is not too ambitious and not entirely met due to the weaknesses discussed below.
The overall logical structure of the thesis is good. The theoretical-methodological chapter is followed by a general introduction to the Georgian foreign policy. The next four chapters follow the logic of the four foreign policy strategies identified in the theory chapter. However, on a lower or deeper level, the text is not very well structured and logical. A lot of information is unnecessarily repeated. Chapters 2 and 3 could have been shorter, as many information and arguments could have been presented only later in chapters 3 to 6.
The author has worked with a relatively large sample of good quality sources, including some primary sources, data, and documents. However, sometimes other higher-quality academic sources could have been used, and the sources could have been quoted more consistently and carefully.
The thesis is based on a suitable and relevant theoretical framework of a small state’s foreign policy strategies, which structures the analysis and gives it a distinct perspective. However, sometimes it is not certain if the strategies/concepts have been used as their authors intended and if/how they overlap and complement each other.
The above-mentioned weaknesses also influence the depth of analysis. Moreover, often the provided data, information, and arguments are repeated, messy, inconsistent, or they seem to be incomplete.
There are also some minor formal issues (e.g. page numbering, mistakes in quotations).
Finally, the overall impression is substantially lessened by a poor language and style. Too often, the text is hard to read and understand.
Having said that, as the thesis supervisor, I must appreciate the cooperation with the author. His
eagerness and willingness to repeatedly consult and improve the text was above the average. During the semester, the thesis substantially improved.
To sum up, I recommend the thesis for defence and propose to grade it ”very good” or ”good” based on the opponent’s review and the defence.
Tasks and questions for defence: 1) Explain the difference between shelter and status-seeking strategies and how they apply to Georgia’s case. 2) What is the position of the Georgian foreign policy towards the
conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh?
Conclusion: The Master Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 3
Date: 05/01/2021 Ing. Jan Martin Rolenc, Ph.D.
Academic Consultant
