Digital Commons Network^™

To What Extent Is Social Media A Tool For Political Mobilization?, Bridget Westrum

Political Science Theses and Capstones

This study looks at the potential impacts of social media advocacy on mobilizing the pubic. Drawing from the Pew Research Center’s 2018 American Trends Panel, I look at Americans’ views of technology, political involvement, and their perceptions of social media and online engagement. I found that younger respondents view social media as more important to their political engagements. I find a significant relationship between census region and perceived importance of social media on issue involvement, as well. Respondents from the southern United States who consider themselves to be "very liberal" report a greater influence of social media on their involvement …

The Role Of Immigration In Handling The Criminal Act Of Human Trafficking To Cambodia, Alqy Raya Syadani, Eko Daryanto, David Ronald Tairas

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Human trafficking is a transnational crime that requires comprehensive handling by various parties, including immigration authorities. This study aims to analyze the role of immigration in addressing human trafficking crimes, focusing on cases involving Indonesia as the country of origin and Cambodia as the destination. The research employs a juridical-empirical approach with a case study method, utilizing data from official documents, interviews with immigration officers, and policy analysis. The findings indicate that the Directorate General of Immigration plays a crucial role in prevention through border surveillance, travel document inspections, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies and international organizations. The challenges …

Joe Biden Victory In The 2020 United States Presidential Election: Literature Review, Amril Hanif Zaki

Jurnal Wacana Politik

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020 US presidential election is worth watching. Also, who wins the US presidential election will influence US foreign and international policy. This research aims to examine the 2020 US Presidential Election, focusing on Joe Biden’s victory. The author uses Scopus sources, which are analyzed using VOS viewer, NVivo, SWOT, Literature Review, and political communication theory, resulting in the peak of Joe Biden’s research in Scopus in 2023 experiencing a decline. The author also finds the involvement of Russian researchers who analyze Joe Biden, where these two countries have been rivals for a …

The Phenomenon Of Political Voluntarism In General Elections: Between Democracy, Political Participation, And Political Parties, Arlan Siddha, Dadan Kurnia, Lukman Munawar Fauzi

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This study examines the phenomenon of political voluntarism in the 2024 General Elections in Indonesia, focusing on its role in shaping voter engagement, democratic participation, and political mobilization. The presence of political voluntarism is considered crucial in advocating ideas, values, aspirations, and has an impact on vote acquisition due to its broader nature in reaching various voter segments. There are three pairs of candidates in the 2024 General Elections, each with political volunteers engaging in various activities to support the candidates, such as “Desak Anies,” “Slepet Imin,” “Joget Gemoy,” “Demok(e)asi,” and “Tabrak Prof!”. The research methodology employs a descriptive qualitative …

Digital Representation Of Women Politicians In Indonesia: Youth Perspectives And Self-Portrayal On Social Media, Riri Kusumarani, Darmawati Majid, Anne Parlina, Ari Cahyo Nugroho

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Less than 25% of seats in Indonesia’s House of Representatives are held by women politicians. While studies have explored the topic of women in Indonesian politics, this article adopts a unique approach by examining the use of social media as a political marketing tool by women politicians in Indonesia during the 2024 pre-presidential election period. Key questions include how women politicians are portrayed on social media, how they portray themselves, and how Indonesian youths perceive them. Possible mismatches between portrayals are also considered. This study specifically analyzes and maps the characteristics of social media posts from 36 women politicians across …

Implementation Of The Electronic Parking System Policy In Bandung: Response To Public Demand, Nizar Adhari, Budiman Rusli, Ramadhan Pancasilawan

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Implementation Implementation of Electronic Parking System Policy in Bandung: Response to Public Demand This study examines the application of strategic planning in managing the electronic parking system in Bandung, focusing on the influence of local political dynamics on policy implementation. A qualitative approach and case study method were used to analyze strategic planning and political dynamics in the context of the electronic parking system. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews and field observations, while secondary data was sourced from media documentation and previous research.The findings reveal that the strategic planning of the electronic parking system aims to improve urban …

Political Communication And Digital Media Strategy General Election Supervisory Board Of Karimun District In The 2024 Legislative & Presidential General Elections, Khairunnisa Khairunnisa, Catur Nugroho

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Elections are one of the most important democratic processes in Indonesia. This study examines the political communication carried out by the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) Karimun Regency in the legislative and presidential elections of 2024, with a special focus on political communication strategies through digital media. This research uses a qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm, collecting data through in-depth interviews and document analysis. The descriptive analysis method was used to analyze related literature. This research identifies problems to ensure elections are fair, transparent, and free from manipulation or violations. The analysis includes communication and situation analysis, including cooperation with …

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework For Prosperity (Ipef) And Asean Centrality: Asean’S Role In Enhancing The Achievement Of Political Economic Cooperation, Unsaini Sabrina Taqfir

Jurnal Wacana Politik

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a strategic role as a regional organization in Southeast Asia in maintaining stability within the Indo-Pacific region. Through the adoption of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), ASEAN aims to uphold the principles of centrality, inclusivity, and complementarity. However, the participation of several ASEAN member states in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) introduces new dynamics regarding ASEAN’s centrality, particularly amidst the geopolitical rivalry between the Unites States (US) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This study analyzes ASEAN’s role in strengthening its centrality amidst member states’ participation in …

Deconstructing The Threat Of Technology: A Critique Of Surveillance Capitalism And Its Implications For E-Democracy, Rafif Sakti Utama, Mudiyati Rahmatunnisa, Ratnia Solihah

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This study critiques the phenomenon of surveillance capitalism in the digital era, focusing on its impact on digital democracy or e-democracy in Indonesia. Drawing from Shoshana Zuboff’s framework, surveillance capitalism leverages human behavioural data as raw material for commercial predictions, threatening privacy, fostering polarization, and weakening the digital public sphere. Using a qualitative literature-based approach and semi-structured interviews with experts and practitioners, the research validates its findings through data triangulation across journal articles, policy reports, and interview insights. The results indicate that social media algorithms contribute to the spread of disinformation, political polarization, and the manipulation of public opinion. For …

Cybersecurity Challenges In The Malacca Straits: Indonesia’S Strategic Approach Through Bssn And Imic, Robby Rizaldy, Satriya Wibawa, Arfin Sudirman

Jurnal Wacana Politik

The government’s attention is anticipated to be directed towards the proper management of maritime cybersecurity in the Malacca Strait, given the intricate nature of the dangers involved. This will assist Indonesia’s objectives as a Global Maritime Axis. Indonesia has created institutional synergies through BSSN and BAKAMLA to ensure that daily operations in this area are at the forefront of minimizing maritime cybersecurity threats. Using theories of cybersecurity, maritime security, and security cooperation, this article aims to understand the cooperation between these institutions, namely BSSN through BDS and BAKAMLA with IMIC, in the field of maritime security, including the mitigation of …

Collaborative Governance As A Model For Fulfilling Plantation Workers’ Voting Rights In The 2024 Election In Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province, Bobby J. Yuri, Asrinaldi Asrinaldi, Aidinil Zetra

Jurnal Wacana Politik

The low awareness among migrant workers of the need to exercise their voting rights is rarely highlighted. This research addresses how the General Elections Commission (KPU) and companies can realize the voting rights of these workers. One solution offered is the establishment of TPS in unique locations, namely within companies. This article views the successful establishment of TPS in these particular locations as an application of the collaborative governance concept. This article uses a qualitative research approach of the case study type. This research collected data through in-depth interviews with several sources from the KPU and Bawaslu of Pelalawan Regency, …

Phenomena Empty Boxes And The Rise Of Millennials In The Regional Head Election In Lampung Province In 2024, Dian Kagungan, Feni Rosalia

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This research explores the phenomenon of empty boxes and millennial participation in the 2024 Lampung Provincial Election. It highlights the constitutional concern of single-candidate elections, where a win means no competition, but an empty box win results in a government-appointed leader. This issue follows the Constitutional Court Decision Number 60/2024, which eased candidacy requirements. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data was gathered through interviews and FGDs. The findings show that millennials dominated the 2024 Lampung voter list, making up 55% or 3,641,169 of 6,515,869 total voters. In Lampung Barat, Parosil Mabsus-Mad Hasnurin, the only pair running against an empty box, …

Un Treatment Of Multiple Oppressions: A Black Feminist Perspective, Stanlie James

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

What The F**K Happened: An Analysis Of Why The Emerging Democratic Majority Theory Failed, Olivia Mitchell

Honors College Theses

Despite the Democratic belief that new generations would usher in a more successful era for the party, the 2024 presidential election saw the Republican Party candidate win the popular vote for the first time in two decades. Both Harris and Trump continued the trend of using social media to appeal to young voters, relying heavily on the use of digital platforms and new media to cater to their target audiences. But their approaches varied drastically, reflecting the patterns of political engagement and activity of young Millennial and Generation Z voters, and their successes and failures served as evidence of the …

The Use And Implications Of The Visual Presentation In The 2024 Presidential Debates, Emma L. Rasmussen

Journalism Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this study, the two 2024 presidential debates were analyzed for a variety of different trends including: who was on screen, the different camera shots used, and camera movement. Looking specifically at who was on screen, coding counted the moderators, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. Six different camera shot types were also analyzed including: wide-overview shot, split-screen format, single medium shot, two-shot head on, two-shot low camera angle, and two shot high-camera angle. Camera movement behaviors were: counterclockwise motion, clockwise motion, zoom-in, zoom-out, and no movement. Video formats of the 2024 CNN and ABC debates were run through …

When 'Weird' Means 'Dangerous': Viruses And Firewalls In Affective Polarization, Nathan J. Locke

All Theses

As traditional sources of epistemic authority face declining trust, alternative narratives have gained prominence - often leveraging the emotional and cultural resonance of seemingly simple terms. In the 2024 election cycle, the term “weird” emerged as a potent meme in American political discourse. Using a memetic perspective that incorporates elements of framing theory and Social Judgment Theory, this thesis investigates the use and reaction to “weird” and its role in shaping perception of Donald Trump, his political allies, his followers, and his opposition during and immediately after the 2024 Presidential election. The memetic perspective, which views ideas as units of …

Concurrently Implementing Islam And Democracy In Afghanistan: Failure Causes And Future Prospects., Mohammad Riaz Nassiry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Islam and democracy have been widely considered incompatible, especially in Muslim-majority countries. This thesis, with a contextual focus on Afghanistan, looks into the failure of the concurrent implementation of Islam and democracy in that country. The thesis takes a nuanced perspective and proposes a theory in which institutions (laws and regulations) and education play a prominent role in consolidating Islam and democracy. The research employs a mixed-method research design, with an aim to explore the influence of constitutional design and public education in shaping democratic outcomes within Islamic contexts. The findings reveal that Afghanistan’s constitution and laws were broadly compatible …

Who Gets To Have Fun? The Alternative Earmarking Of A Memecoin Marketplace, Mia Tanner

Sociology Honors Projects

Past research on cryptocurrency has highlighted its sociotechnical aspects, framing crypto projects as community-grounded movements disrupting traditional state and market structures through technological advancements. What happens when these disruptive promises are absent or only playfully invoked? Cryptocurrencies known as “memecoins” have grown their own followings without pledging future legitimacy that would seriously challenge existing institutions, instead linking their value to the meme they brand themselves with and vague democratic promises. That new scheme of valuation is especially evident in coins launched on the site pump.fun, which has lowered the barriers to crypto-coin creation. The platform's accessibility provides a new dimension …

Beyond The Legislature’S Website: Strategies And Tools For State Legislative Research That Informs Advocacy Work, Jennifer Horne

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

As the nation’s state legislatures increasingly decide the issues that affect citizens most directly, the ability to identify, track, and understand state legislation is key to successful advocacy efforts. While all state legislative websites provide the status and authoritative text of the bill, this may be insufficient to understand what the bill seeks to do and why the change is being proposed. To find plain English summaries and necessary context and background information on proposed bills, advocates may also need to find appropriate news sources and identify key stakeholders—those who care the most about the bill or are the most …

Democracy Divided: How Class Divisions Influence Political Participation And Political Attitudes In The United States, Ashlyn K. Boyd

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

How does an individual's socioeconomic status impact the level and type of their participation within the political realm? This research explores the many different participatory categories and behaviors within modern-day politics and examines how income, career, and social class affects participation. Using data from the American National Election Studies 2020 Time Series Study, this paper illustrates the most common forms of political engagement within the United States and displays the connection between participation and income level.

The Effects Of Dystopia On Political Thought, Kate Marie Rashevich

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The popularization of dystopian fiction throughout the 20th and 21st centuries make it vital to consider how this media has affected entertainment consumers. Authors such as George Orwell and Suzanne Collins invigorated the genre and spurred public interest such that dystopia emerged throughout film and television as well. The recent, widespread popularity of dystopian media has made it crucial to examine its impact on entertainment consumers. Through my research I aim to answer whether the popularization of dystopian media, particularly literature and film, has influenced the political beliefs of its consumers and hypothesize that individuals who have consumed dystopian media …

Recollections Of A Tejana Life, Carolina Yáñez

Art Theses and Dissertations

This thesis encompasses the life of a young woman navigating life in Texas through various political and social barriers. My interdisciplinary practice analyzes the historical context of Mexicans in Texas from its Revolutionary period into current injustices. Through fiber, printmaking, and photography I create a visual diary to illustrate what the political has made personal. These works display the beauty of Tejano culture, but also the power struggles that threaten communities I care for, as well as my own existence that persists against far-right wing agendas.

Current politics and government leadership in Texas have inspired me to make artwork calling …

Epistemic Dysfunction In American Politics: The Impact Of Misinformation On Knowledge Acquisition., Megan Crowley

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

Political misinformation has become an increasingly prominent topic of discussion among scholars across disciplines, particularly in the wake of the 2020 American presidential election. Despite growing scholarly interest in this phenomenon, however, contemporary research has yet to examine misinformation alongside traditional epistemological theory. This thesis aims to remedy this gap by synthesizing classical epistemology, journalism and media research, and political science to investigate the impact of misinformation on political knowledge acquisition. To accomplish this goal, the analysis will focus on the justification condition, conceptualized according to both internalist and externalist perspectives. The internalism section will cast misinformation as a form …

The Epidemic Of Ageism... The Rise Of Ageist Rhetoric In Potus, Annica Henry

COURI Symposium Posters

This paper explores the issue of ageism in the context of presidential politics in the United States. Defined as dismissive attitudes or actions toward individuals based on age, ageism affects younger and older individuals. Analyzing historical trends and societal expectations highlights how age norms for the executive branch are dictated by public perception and media narratives, which can often affect electoral outcomes. The study conducted in this paper examines societal norms and stereotypes that contribute to ageist perceptions and how this manifests in evaluations of presidential candidates. This paper discusses key research findings on the prevalence of ageism, including a …

The Wavering Future Of Democracy In Latin America, Brianna N. Bleeck

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The erosion of democratic governance in Latin America has emerged as a critical area of concern for political scientists, policymakers, and international organizations. Historically, the region has experienced fluctuating political landscapes marked by periods of democratic consolidation followed by authoritarian regression. Throughout the 20th century, countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Brazil witnessed military dictatorships resulting from socio-economic crises and political instability. Despite widespread democratic transitions throughout the 1980s and 1990s, contemporary Latin America faces new challenges that threaten its democratic integrity. The resurgence of authoritarian tendencies within the region coincides with escalating homicide and assault rates in many countries, …

Political Nonverbal Dynamics: An Analysis Of Smiles In Contentious Political Events, Megan Zingerman

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study analyzes smiles during the 2024 U.S. Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, revealing how nonverbal cues act as emotional signals and social tools. Findings indicate Harris displayed a significantly higher percentage of smiles than Trump. Limitations include potential human error in coding and influences of facial cosmetic procedures. The analysis underscores the importance of nonverbal communication in political settings and suggests future research on specific types of smiles, such as fear smiles, which are less understood in the context of political interactions.

Conversations With Friends: How Gender And Politics In The 2024 U.S Presidential Election Was Perceived By The People And By The Numbers, Hadley H. Burke

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The 2024 U.S. presidential election were largely unprecedented, with President Joe Biden withdrawing from the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Nominee mere months before election day. The events that followed were rife with opportunity to explore the intersection of gender and politics, a topic of increasing relevance as women have become more politically active over the past century. Going beyond the traditional gender gap research, which demonstrates the divergent voting patterns of women and men, this research seeks to understand how the gender of the candidate influences vote choice. Using empirical data on the gender …

Strategic Construction Of Anomalies: A Quantum International Relations Framework For Uap, Nate Ostdiek

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, are notoriously tricky to understand and analyze. The persistent ambiguity surrounding UAPs is not accidental but strategic; by keeping them in a liminal state of explanation, actors construct a geopolitical anomaly that blurs the boundaries between threat, curiosity, and control. Utilizing a Quantum International Relations (QIR) framework pioneered by Alexander Wendt, James Der Derian, and others enables new analytical tools to explain the creation and impact of these strategic anomalies. The social ontological status of UAP (extraterrestrial, fake, interdimensional, secret technology, natural phenomena, etc.) is determined by an entangled network of epistemological …

Deep-Fake Revenge Porn: The Intersection Of Artificial Intelligence And Revenge Porn For A Modern Attack On Women, Eva C. Hunt

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This study aims to provide a legal analysis grounded in gender legal theory to critique current legislation enacted in the United States. It focuses on the societal and gendered impacts of revenge porn, particularly examining how victimization differs across genders. The legal analysis explores state-by-state legislation addressing revenge porn, assessing the severity of criminal penalties and the timeline of enactment. For current contextual reasons, the study evaluates how emerging Deepfake artificial intelligence technologies intersect with and complicate existing revenge porn laws. Finally, it analyzes the extent to which each state has incorporated Deepfake AI considerations into its legal framework.

Parole Predictions: Estimating The Likelihood A Humanitarian Parole Group Will Receive A Status Adjustment, Amethyst Osborne

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Humanitarian parole is an immigration policy that allows paroled individuals to enter or remain in the United States temporarily. The standard pathway for parolees to gain legal permanent residency (LPR) is limited by a number of requirements and restrictions, i.e., sponsorship from a family member or employer is usually required. However, in some instances, laws have been passed that grant an automatic adjustment to LPR status for select groups of parolees. This study is intended to investigate the circumstances that lead some groups to receive a status adjustment while other groups are denied a dedicated pathway to legal permanent residency. …