Assessment of Master Thesis – Opponent
Study programme:International Economic Relations Field of study:International and Diplomatic Studies Academic year:2020/2021
Master Thesis Topic:The Future of Kurds in the Middle East Author’s name:Oleg Marian Schoch
Ac. Consultant’s Name:Ing. Mgr. Pavel Přikryl, Ph.D.
Opponent:Ing. Jan Martin Rolenc, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 3
2. Logical structure 2
3. Using of literature, citations 2
4. Adequacy of methods used 3
5. Depth of analysis 3
6. Self-reliance of author 2
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 2
8. Language and stylistics 2
Comments and Questions:
The reviewed master’s thesis deals with the topic of Kurds in Iraq after 1991, which is relevant and repeatedly discussed in the field of International Studies. However, the topic is defined so broadly that it enables the author to produce only a general and vague overview. It is uncertain if there is an added value above the present academic debate. However, the author at least was able to collect relevant information and present it relatively logically.
Concerning the thesis goals or the research questions, the main and the first partial questions are met, but the second and third partial questions are covered only implicitly. Moreover, it is questionable whether the third question (about the Kurdish identity) is feasible in a student thesis and if the fourth question is relevant as it focuses on Iraqi internal/domestic issues.
The selected theory (international secession and Remedial Right Only) is interesting, and its analysis is mostly deliberate. Still, it could be better structured and tailored to the thesis topic. More importantly, it is not evident why it was chosen and how it is applied in the empirical chapters. They lack any explicit references to the theory, and its influence is hardly evident.
Concerning the depth of analysis, it was mentioned that it is mostly decent in the theoretical chapter.
However, the second chapter (especially chapters 2.1 and 2.2) is overly descriptive. The author provides an unnecessarily lengthy chronology of Kurdish history. The third chapter begins analytically, but the concluding subchapters seem like collections of random facts and information (although most recent). The author should have defined a narrower topic or taken a particular, original (theoretical) perspective, refrained from historical descriptions, and paid attention to the analysis of most recent issues.
Finally, there are some minor formal and language issues. Some in-text citations are inaccurate or incomplete, and some citations in the reference list are incomplete or inconsistent. There are some language errors and typos, but overall, the text is well readable and flows.
To conclude, the reviewed thesis meets the basic requirements of the Faculty of International Relations.
Therefore, I recommend it for defence, but given the critique above, I propose to grade it ”good” or ”very good” based on the supervisor’s review and the student’s performance during the defence.
Questions for defence: 1) Explain how the chosen theory applies to the thesis topic. 2) Analyze the relations between Kurds in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. How do they further complicate or benefit the prospects for an independent Kurdish state?
Conclusion: The Master Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 3
Date: 07/07/2021 Ing. Jan Martin Rolenc, Ph.D.
Opponent
