Euroculture Thesis Assessment Grid 

Name of Student: Maka Mdivani

Thesis Title: The EU’s Role in the Resolution of Georgia’s Conflict

Home University: Palacky University, Olomouc

Host University: Uppsala University, Sweden

Name of Supervisor: Jaroslav Miller

In this report, please consider the following:

1) Problem statement, method and theory:
	a) The aims and objectives of the thesis – are these clearly identified and explained? Is there a well formulated problem statement?

The thesis is primarily concerned with the strategies adopted by the European Union during the recent Georgia’s war with Russia. The issue is explained sufficiently in the Introduction and theories are well presented. 

	b) Has a suitable methodology and theoretical frame been taken to solve the stated problems?

Yes, the theoretical frame is discussed at length. Theories of European normative power and its Neorealist critique are more or less consistently applied upon the issue. As a matter of fact they serve to author as explanatory models which demonstrate the role of EU in resolving the conflict.   

Apparently, Russian-Georgian political tensions have their own historical roots going back at least to the 18th century Russian imperial expansion. In my view, “the factor of the past” has been underestimated. The author pays a proper attention to the historical background of the conflict since the second half of the 19th century and, though rather implicitly, she clarifies why Russia has been traditionally seen (and still is) as the hereditary foe by many Caucausians. On the other hand, I would expect a more convincing analysis of the historical involvement of separate European countries in the Caucasus region which may help to understand their often different stance towards the conflict.  

	c) Does the conclusion provide convincing answers/proof to the initial questions/hypothesis?

In the context of adopted theoretical frame the author has succeeded in answering questions previously raised in the introduction. It has been concluded that the EU policy towards Georgia was marked with diverging political and economic interests of its members. From this point of view, the Neorealist Critique of Normative Power Europe applied. 

2) Structure:
	a) Is the thesis coherently structured?

Yes. What I am missing, however, is the subchapter or at least the paragraph on the political strategy pursued by the United States of America which might have influenced the EU policy in more than one way. The author has touched this issue only marginally on page 51.

	b) Are concepts clearly introduced and explained, and critically and consistently applied?

See items A and B.
The thesis is rather based upon using facts and theories without, however, analyzing them critically. From this point of view the text offers an overview of the issue rather than the intelectually inspiring analysis.  

3) Sources (primary and secondary):
	a) Has (enough) relevant (primary and secondary) literature been adequately interpreted and integrated into the thesis?

Rather surprisingly, the author quotes only several Georgian sources which makes it difficult to see how the rather ambiguous EU involvement was perceived by both the people of Georgia and the Georgian political elites. 

	b) Is the bibliography/list of references complete and accurate?

Yes.

4) Stylistics:
	a) Is the use of language (English) acceptable and of the required standard (i.e. no spelling mistakes and typos, range of vocabulary, grammar)?

Acceptable

	b) Are references in the text given in a coherent and consistent manner (either in-text or as footnotes)?
Yes

5) Format:
	a) How is the thesis presented? (i.e. consistency in lay-out, choice of fonts, headings, tables and graphs)

6) General:
	a) Have recommended revisions been executed to a satisfying degree?

In a way yes. The author has substantially amended the text. Unlike the previous version, the thesis is more logically structured and the issue better reasoned. On the other hand, some recommendations have been completely ignored (Historical background, the US factor in the conflict). 

	b) To what degree has the student been able to work independently?

The student insisted upon the almost absolute independence giving the supervisor only a limited chance of commenting upon draft versions of individual chapters. 

	c) Any other relevant comments.
The issue itself has obviously a great potential and the thesis might be of academic relevance for international relations students. The author has substantially improved her arguments and followed some, though not all, recommendations made by the supervisor.  

Grade: C

Date: Olomouc 23.8.2011

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