Political Science Commons^™

The Gulf: An Appeal For More Coordinated Action On Climate Change, Fareed Yasseen

New England Journal of Public Policy

This article seeks to provide the rationale behind Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s call at the United Nations for the formation of a negotiating group within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process that brings together all member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq, and Iran. This article argues that these countries would benefit doubly from such an arrangement, because it would help them better address the direct effects of climate change, on the one hand, and to better address the effects of the measures taken to address climate change, which will affect them as fossil fuel producers, …

Middle Eastern Defense: The Role Of The Abraham Accords, Graciela H Phillipps

Helm's School of Government Conference - American Revival: Citizenship & Virtue

Defense organization in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region has been historically fraught with instability and conflict, rooted in tensions ranging from centuries-old religious disputes to modern geopolitical power struggles. However, two years ago deep-seated status quos in the area were challenged and successfully overcome through the drafting and signage of agreements in which Arab nations normalized ties with the nation of Israel, popularly known as the Abraham Accords. The Accords emphasized the mutual desire for peace and prosperity in MENA between signees with a pointed reference to maintaining security in the traditionally volatile region. These pivotal feats of …

Review Of Shia Islam And Politics: Iran, Iraq, And Lebanon, Christopher Anzalone

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

"Woman, Life, Freedom": A Movement In Progress In Iran, Arastoo Dabiri

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

On September 16, 2022, a new movement began in Iran. It shows the potential to be a serious uprising. The death of an Iranian woman in the street in Tehran, the capital of Iran, due to being beaten by morality police because she was wearing an unappropriated hijab sparked the uprising. Her death was a result of wearing an “inappropriate” hijab. This was an excuse that turned on people’s anger not only because of hijab but also because there are many other combinations of causes to bring out people for protest. This movement was started because people were dissatisfied with …

Revolution In Cuba And Iran: Toward A Unified Theory Of Analysis, Mason Sims

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis seeks to fill a small gap in the study of revolution through unifying approaches and theories utilized to explain the complex social phenomenon. To facilitate this, a large portion of the work focuses on revolution literature which has been chosen to represent authors from the earliest generations covering the subject to the more recent. In compiling and reviewing these works, it can be seen that there exist common lines of not just explanation, but also a continuous series of critiques resurfacing within each generation. Within this compilation lies the roots of the theory presented in this thesis, that …

United States Policy To Undermine Iran’S Regional And Global Strategy, William Stewart

CMC Senior Theses

This paper aims to understand the way in which Iran uses proxy groups to implement its regional foreign policy strategy while increasing relationships with foreign actors to implement its global foreign policy strategy. I will dive into the intricacies of Iran’s strategy on a country-by-country basis while outlining the goals of the regime. I will analyze the way in which the United States has dealt with Iran and its proxy groups in the past as well as provide suggestions on the steps the Biden administration and the United States as a whole must implement in order to contain Iran’s influence …

Uninvited Guests In The Backyard: Dangers And Risks Of Terrorist And Anti-American Activity In Latin America, Santiago Spadiliero

MSU Graduate Theses

The international security environment has changed. In the last two decades, new challengers to the American liberal order arose, with China being the most defiant one, in political and military terms. Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative opened the doors to these extra-continental powers, as their loans provided an alternative source of funding for Latin America, walking these countries away from American-led lending institutions. In this new context, Latin America becomes a desirable piece of land in which these new challengers can safely create trade routes while decreasing American influence. Russia and Iran also want to project power in America’s backyard. …

The Iranian Crisis Of The 1970s-1980s And The Formation Of The Transnational Investment Bloc, Mazaher Koruzhde

Class, Race and Corporate Power

The events surrounding the Iranian Revolution in the 1970s and 198s significantly contributed to the formation and consolidation of a U.S-Saudi transnational investment bloc.

Coercing Fluently: The Grammar Of Coercion In The Twenty-First Century, C. Anthony Pfaff

Monographs, Collaborative Studies, & IRPs

To illustrate the logic and grammar of coercion, this analysis relies on decision-theory methods, such as game theory, that examine the strategic decision-making process in interactions with adversaries and partners. The intent here is not to offer predictive models of rational-actor behavior. Rather, the intent is to use game-theory and similar approaches to understand how coercion works better. This analysis considers competitive interactions between actors that have discrete and qualifiable, if not quantifiable, preferences and who behave rationally, though this analysis acknowledges the behavior that is considered rational is frequently informed by nonrational social, cultural, and psychological factors. Considering these …

The Rise And Fall Of U.S. Secondary Sanctions: The Iran Outcasting And Re-Outcasting Regime, Pardis Gheibi

Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law

No abstract provided.

A Case Study: Socialism In Venezuela, Victoria Matlock

Helm's School of Government Conference - American Revival: Citizenship & Virtue

No abstract provided.

A Twenty-First-Century Strategy To Counter Russia, China, And Iran, Sorin Matei

FORCES Initiative: Strategy, Security, and Social Systems

The FORCES white paper / report A Twenty-First-Century Strategy to Counter Russia, China, and Iran published by the National Interest proposes a new approach to American foreign policy, which provides the flexibility needed to handle two major international conflicts at the same time. We propose "cascading realism," The United States should consider a strategy of selective and deeply collaborative realism. The new realism should rely on three principles: a convergence of purpose; flexibility of action and shared and cascading responsibility. The second principle is the most important. It requires disconnecting the understanding of U.S. national interests from maintaining a maximal …

When Sanctions Can Benefit The Target: State Strategic Adjustment To Multilateral Sanctions In Russia And Beyond, Anna Marie Zapolska

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The study analyzes how external threats in the face of multilateral sanctions can contribute to the sanctioned (target) state’s strategic adjustment in Russia and beyond. In 2014, the United States and the European Union, along with other Western allies, imposed severe economic sanctions in response to Russia’s military intrusion into Ukraine. In the Russian case, the sanctions failed to achieve their objectives and change the target state’s behavior. As a result, the country could strategically adjust its domestic and foreign policies to mitigate the damage. The key mechanisms that help explain Russia’s strategic adjustment to sanctions are an elite coalition, …

Framing The Axis Of Evil: American Fear Of An Iranian Nuclear Attack, Sabrina Ghashehbaba

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Since 9/11, the American perception of Muslims, Islam, and Middle Eastern people and countries has shifted seemingly negatively. This paper will investigate American’s opinions on Iran and fears of a nuclear strike by Iran while examining American fear of Muslims, party identification, 2020 election voting, news media representations of Iran, social media usage, fears of immigration, fears of falling victim to a terrorist attack, and fears of whites not being the majority. I predict the more Republican one is, the more they will fear an Iranian nuclear attack because of the conservative rhetoric used. I also expect those who voted …

On Fabric, Feminism And Faulty Legal Systems: Iran’S 1979 Revolution And Its Politics Of Touch, Zeena Amin

Theses and Dissertations

The intersection of body and state is a fascinating phenomenon of modern-day politics. We are continuously subjected to the ingeniousness with which the ruling classes monitor and regulate our bodies; and most times we are not even aware of it. Whether it is for control over resources or political power and authority, the state uses its institutions and various tools available to it for the purpose of maintaining disciplined, uniform populations that could otherwise threaten prevailing power structures. In particular, the patriarchy has perpetuated the notion that a woman’s body is a specific threat to those prevailing power structures. This …

Tërheqja E Presidentit Amerikan Donald Trump Nga Marrëveshja Bërthamore Me Iranin, Drin Hoxha

Theses and Dissertations

Ky punim ka për synim të analizojë tërheqjen e Presidentit amerikan Donald Trump nga Marrëveshja Bërthamore e Iranit, në mënyrë që të kuptohen dhe cilësohen arsyet prapa këtij vendimi të papritur por me shumë ndikim në politikën e jashtme amerikane si dhe botërore. Për ta bërë këtë, autori provon ta vërtetojë hipotezën se Presidenti Trump është tërhequr nga kjo marrëveshje për arsye të historisë së hidhur SHBA-Iran si dhe besimeve dhe qëndrimeve të tija personale e politike. Në pjesën e parë të këtij punimi, është paraqitur problematika e detyrës, objektivi kryesor dhe ato specifike, pyetja hulumtuese dhe hipoteza, si dhe …

Strategic Culture And Cyber Strategy, Andrew S. Olejarski

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this paper is to explore the relationship between strategic culture theory and how it interacts with war-parallel usage of cyber methods. Cyber methods, at times incorrectly classified as "cyberwarfare", as a means of statecraft are becoming increasingly prevalent, and developing an understanding of how states use them, particularly during conflicts, would be a great boon to the field of security studies. Strategic culture theory, an international relations theory focusing on the relationship between culture and strategy, may be an effective means to analyze conflict-parallel use of cyber methods. This paper will consider the relationship between strategic culture …

Stronger As One? Examining Us-Saudi Relations Since 9/11, Caroline Jenkins

CMC Senior Theses

In the first several years following the attacks on September 11, 2001, many in both the American political elite and general public questioned the merits of the US’s strong alliance with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as fifteen of the nineteen hijackers, as well as Osama bin Laden, were Saudi citizens. The Kingdom was known for its lax regulations surrounding terrorist financing, which played a role in al Qaeda’s ability to carry out the 9/11 attacks. Due to this, many called for the US to end its historic partnership with the Saudis.

However, under further examination, it becomes clear that …

The Specifics Of The Political Analysis Of The Foreign Policy Of Muslim Countries, Guzal Kadirova

The Light of Islam

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of the foreign policy of Muslim states, where the Islamic factor plays an important role in society. It is known that the religious factor manifests itself in different ways, depending on the historical heritage, culture and characteristics of the socio-political development of the country. At the same time, it has a significant impact on the foreign policy of all Muslim states. So, the Islamic factor is present both in the state foreign policy strategy and in the form of ideology promoted by non-state actors.

In the state policy of Muslim countries, mainly the …

Modern Military Weaponry And (Un)Sustainable Treatment Of The Environment, Melanie Siacotos

The Commons: Puget Sound Journal of Politics

An often ignored aspect of environmental degradation in the modern age is military pollution. How has the military impacted environmental health over time, from ancient Rome to the Marshall Islands? This paper compares and contrasts types of environmental degradation, like chemical warfare and deforestation, and attempts to lay out the steep increase in their negative impact following industrialization in the west entering into the 20th century. The paper concludes that a different understanding of human relationship with the earth is necessary to combat environmental degradation going forward.

Political Power Of Iranian Hierocracies, János Jany

Comparative Civilizations Review

The aim of the paper is to demonstrate that the current Iranian regime is no novelty in Iranian history and political thinking, but has two antecedents: the rule of the Sasanians in late Antiquity (3rd–7th centuries) and that of the Safavids (16th–18th centuries) in modern times. After a brief outline of relevant historical events the paper scrutinizes the common features of these three regimes. The comparison includes the analyses of foreign policy, its scope, aim and direction, cultural policy and the relevance of political ideologies, socio-economic policy, religious policy, political structure and mechanisms of decision-making. The results of the comparison …

Alternate Warfare: The Unseen Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Elyse Keener

Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy

Biological warfare is a national security concern that transcends centuries. In the current international climate, biowarfare is of particular interest due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article seeks to follow historical cases of biological warfare and international response to these cases in order to understand the implications of COVID-19, if it were to be weaponized. Also covered is the current capabilities that Russia, China, and Iran are assessed to possess.

A Guarding Of The Change: Saudi Arabia, Iran, And The Quest For Stability In The Middle East, Scott Harr

Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy

This article analyzes the composition and disposition of Western-style reform efforts within Saudi Arabia and Iran (the Middle East's premiere rivalry) and argues that several current and prominent US policy efforts and actions, that appear to enjoy widespread support, actually frustrate reform efforts in each country and perpetuate the unstable status quo. Focusing the analysis from a historical and religious lens, the article uses historical sources, coupled with an analysis of current events and modern theories on change dynamics to make the argument. As tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia (and the US) continue to escalate and compel US military …

Thank You For Considering Me Such A Huge Threat: A Critical Analysis Of Iran's Foreign Policy, Liza Boyer

Honors Theses

The United States has long held the idea that Iran poses a threat to our interests as well as global stability, implying that Iran is irrational and makes decisions rooted purely in ideology. After creating an independent framework based on rational choice theory, descriptive decision theory, and the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I determined four possible ways to describe Iran’s foreign policy: rational-constitutional, irrational-constitutional, rational-unconstitutional, and irrational-unconstitutional. I then apply this framework to six cases which I have identified to be vital to understanding Iran’s foreign policy: Iraq, Israel, United States of America, China, the nuclear program, …

Nonstate Actors And Anti-Access/Area Denial Strategies: The Coming Challenge, Jean-Loup Samaan Dr.

Monographs, Collaborative Studies, & IRPs

This monograph explores the emerging challenge of nonstate actors’ anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) strategies and their implications for the United States and its allies by looking at two regions, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, with case studies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen, and separatist groups in Ukraine. The historical monopoly of states over precision-guided munitions has eroded, and this evolution eventually challenges the ability of the most advanced militaries to operate in specific environments. As they gain greater access to advanced military technology, some nonstate actors increasingly lean toward …

How Will President Trump Respond To Iranian Retaliation For The Killing Of Qasem Soleimani?, Aubrey Immelman

Psychology Faculty Publications

This analysis attempts to predict the general tenor of President Donald Trump’s likely response to Iran’s anticipated retaliation for the targeted killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani, based on (1) empirical studies of Trump’s personality profile and leadership style conducted at the Unit for the Study of Personality in Politics and (2) rational-intuitive inference derived from Trump’s observed behavior in office.

2020 Children's Story Cards, Tsos

TSOS Interview Gallery

Arif: "I like being in school again."

Norina: "We laugh a lot but I also worry."

Nooda: "I came on a boat. It was a big boat!"

Madina: "I just want to live in a safe place..."

Shurangez: "Sometimes we didn't feel safe at school."

Alex: "I'm from Nigeria. Coming to Italy was very difficult-very, very difficult, a real struggle."

Danial: "I want to be a useful person and follow my dreams."

Firoz: "I am 13 years old and I am worried about my family."

Ali: "Ali lived in Afghanistan. One day while walking to school a bomb exploded near …

Torture Under The Regime Of Bashar Al-Assad: Two Decades Of Failed Human Rights Campaigns And Foreign Interference In Syria, Olivia Giles

Honors Projects

This honors thesis analyzes human rights campaigns to end the practice of state-sponsored torture in Syria during the presidency of Bashar al-Assad. It compares the 2000 Damascus Spring and the 2011 Arab Spring using the concept of the “contentious spiral model.” The model is based on the elements of the original “spiral model” introduced in The Power of Human Rights (1999) and the factors of contentious politics discussed in Dynamics of Contention (2001). It suggests that human rights movements that emerge from uprisings need effective mobilization by domestic and international actors. Sustained pressure from both sources should gradually force the …

A Binding Sisterhood Of Transnational Feminism: A Close Look At Iran And Argentina, Bernadette Mary Lazar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation examines the impact of transnational feminism in Iran and Argentina. Specifically, it focuses on the role of the diaspora and international communities and their interactions with social movements in these two countries. Although the study of transnational feminism is not a new phenomenon, very little research has been dedicated towards distinguishing the effects and differences in outcomes when either the diaspora or the broader international network is involved. By filling this gap in the literature, this dissertation will shed light on whether the diaspora community, NGOs, or the international community is necessary for success or favorable outcomes in …

Women's Rights And Representation In Saudi Arabia, Iran, And Turkey: The Patriarchal Domination Of Religious Interpretations, Roumaissaa Tailassane

International Relations Honors Papers

This research paper is divided into three case studies: Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey. The main focus of the paper is to examine barriers to women’s economic and political participation as well as the limits on their rights within the family and society. All three case studies are Muslim-majority countries. The paper argues that the subordination of women is not intrinsic to Islam but stems from patriarchal interpretations of Islam by religious authorities working in conjunction with autocratic political leaders. Furthermore, the paper analyzes cultural, political, and economic explanations for limits on women’s rights in these Muslim-majority countries and shows …