Assessment of Master Thesis – Opponent
Study programme:International Economic Relations Field of study:International Politics and Diplomacy Academic year:2020/2021
Master Thesis Topic:Russia as the master shaper of the Arctic Author’s name:Bc. Jana Volšanská
Ac. Consultant’s Name:Mgr. Miloslav Machoň, Ph.D.
Opponent:Mgr. Ing. Kateřina Kočí, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 1
2. Logical structure 1
3. Using of literature, citations 1
4. Adequacy of methods used 1
5. Depth of analysis 1
6. Self-reliance of author 1
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 1
8. Language and stylistics 1
Comments and Questions:
The thesis on Russia as the master shaper of the Arctic belongs among the excellent papers. The aim of the thesis is clearly stated. The overall research design is logically established. The theoretical part defines the main concepts, such as the shaper of IR, the different forms of power, and the foreign policy in relation to narratives. These concepts are very well applied in the second part of the thesis which concentrates on Russia and its position in the Arctic region. It is thus the second part of the thesis which I see as an important value-added of the overall research, especially its last part dedicated to the analysis of narratives and their relations to current Russian policies and its strategies in the Arctic. I have only one minor remark.
While the structure of the thesis is clearly defined, I would move the enlisted Russian actors involved in Arctic policy (p. 10) from the theoretical to the empirical section as the rest of the theoretical section remains rather general. Despite this small remark, I do believe that the master thesis does not only fit the IR studies, but it brings a very interesting insight into the Russian current foreign policymaking in the Arctic region. I thus recommend the thesis for defense. My questions for defence are the following: How do you see the Russian position in the Artic in 10 years? Do you think that the narratives will remain unchanged?
Conclusion: The Master Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 1
Date: 16/05/2021 Mgr. Ing. Kateřina Kočí, Ph.D.
Opponent
