Assessment of Master Thesis – Opponent
Study programme:International Economic Relations Field of study:International and Diplomatic Studies Academic year:2020/2021
Master Thesis Topic:Analysis of the Evolution of Migration Policies in Mexico and the United States, from Development to Containment: A Review of Migrant Caravans from the Northern Triangle of Central America during the Period 2014 to 2020 Author’s name:Lic. Melissa Baltazar Flores, BA
Ac. Consultant’s Name:Ing. Mgr. Pavel Přikryl, Ph.D.
Opponent:Mgr. Ing. Kateřina Kočí, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 1
2. Logical structure 2
3. Using of literature, citations 1
4. Adequacy of methods used 2
5. Depth of analysis 2
6. Self-reliance of author 1
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 1
8. Language and stylistics 1
Comments and Questions:
The thesis focuses on the Evolution of Migration Policies in Mexico and the United States. Its main aim is clearly stated. It represents a thorough examination of the topic. However, there are several shortcomings that should be mentioned as well. The overall structure of the thesis is difficult for the orientation in the text.
One cannot easily say where the theoretical section ends and where the empirical part begins. Moreover, the main theoretical framework (related to Wallerstein’s theory of core and periphery) is rather short for the scope of the thesis and does not explain its relation to the main topic much in detail. Furthermore, there are other concepts, such as securitization, mentioned throughout the text, but they are not touched upon in the theoretical part. My other remark is related to the methodology. There is no coherent methodology section that would introduce the methods used for the research. Is the nature of the research rather quantitative or qualitative? What concrete methods are used? I would thus recommend adding such part (of the methodological framework) above the empirical part. Finally, although the conclusion is long and responds to the main research question, it would be good to add the limitation of the conducted research and avenues of further research. Despite these shortcomings, I think that the thesis is well written (its formal and stylistic arrangement is well prepared) and informative. I recommend the thesis for defense. My question is: What are your expectations regarding Biden´s administration and their position on the
migration of the Central American Northern Triangle?
Conclusion: The Master Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 1
Date: 16/05/2021 Mgr. Ing. Kateřina Kočí, Ph.D.
Opponent
