Digital Commons Network^™

Compromised Communication: The Threat Of Disinformation To Rational Bargaining, Marydalia Jimenez

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

This paper integrates theories of disinformation with the “Bargaining Model,” a theory in political science that explains why actors choose to go to war even though they might achieve their aims more efficiently through bargaining. As a case study, the paper takes a disinformation campaign during the Cold War and Russia’s war in Ukraine (2014-present) to provide evidence for the way that disinformation undermines international dialogue and bases the status quo in unreal conditions, thereby making the bargaining process irrational and diminishing the opportunity for resolution.

Locked Gates: Japan’S Immigration Quandary In The Face Of Economic And Demographic Realities, Merna Karam Emara

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores Japan's reluctance to accept labor immigrants in the post-World War II era through the analytical lenses of identity politics and historical institutionalism. It examines how Japan’s national identity, emphasizing ethnic homogeneity and cultural preservation, has shaped restrictive immigration policies despite its economic need. Historical institutionalism provides a framework for understanding the persistence of these policies, which are rooted in the institutional legacies of Japan's post-war reconstruction. The research investigates the interplay between identity-based motivations and the institutional structures that constrain policy changes, highlighting how these dynamics have led to the exclusion of foreign labor despite the country’s …

The Disinformation Vaccine: A Case For Integrating Comprehensive Disinformation Education Into First Year Writing Classes, Benjamin F. Jackson

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Students’ exposure to disinformation and misinformation is far greater than it has ever been. As the ability of generative AI to produce image, video, and audio deepfakes grows more sophisticated, disinformation will become even easier to spread and harder to detect. The rapid spread of social, political, scientific, and medical disinformation has been deadly and its potential is disastrous. Security experts now warn that dis/misinformation is the greatest threat to national security. Americans at large and students in particular have a demonstrated lack of information literacy when it comes to detecting false information, and bad actors nationally and globally are …

Indonesia-France Defence Cooperation: Strengthening Naval Power With Scorpene Submarine Amid Regional Dynamics, Ruben Firman Ardiansyah, I Gede Wahyu Widnyana, Muhammad Syaroni Rofii

Global: Jurnal Politik Internasional

This study examines Indonesia’s submarine procurement cooperation with France, analysing whether it provides the appropriate amount of power to ensure Indonesia’s survival amid the great power rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region. Using a descriptive qualitative method, the research applies the framework of defensive realism to examine the power to survive. The findings suggest that Indonesia’s choice of the Scorpene-class submarine aligns with its primary security objective. The advanced lithium-ion technology in these submarines offers superior operational endurance and stealth capabilities compared to the conventional submarine technology provided by South Korea and Turkey. The Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with France …

Moral Positioning In The South China Sea Disputes Between The Philippines And China, Eryan Ramadhani

Global: Jurnal Politik Internasional

For the past two decades, disputes between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea (SCS) have experienced continuous escalation. Benigno Aquino III filed an arbitration case against China. This legal success was later overturned by Rodrigo Duterte in exchange for closer relations with China. However, his decision did not cease hostility in the SCS. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. then brought the Philippines back on legal track and steered the country closer to the United States, which further heightened tensions. Built on this background, this article intends to explain the unceasing escalation in the SCS using Positioning Theory (PT). This …

Laina Farhat-Holzman: Distinguished Iscsc Author, Incisive Thinker, Fearless Commentator, Innovative Leader, Joseph Drew

Comparative Civilizations Review

It is a sad duty to report that a luminary who was long associated with this journal and with the leadership of the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations, Dr. Laina Farhat-Holzman, has died.

Full Issue

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Does Money Buy Happiness? Examining Spending And Approval Of Senators, Steven D. Kaga, April Johnson

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project seeks to examine the relationship between approval ratings for US senators who ran in the 2020 election and the amount of campaign spending while controlling for Gender, Incumbency status, Party affiliation and the number of primary challengers to seek greater understanding on how campaign spending impacts the overall sentiment that the voters have for their representatives.

Amidst The Frenzy Over Deepseek Ai, Us Federal Science And Tech Policy Is A Mess Of Internal Contradictions, Yujia He

Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce Faculty Publications

The release of the R1 model by the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company, DeepSeek, shocked the US tech industry. Yujia He writes that while DeepSeek’s model may not be quite as superior compared to its competitors as originally thought, the Trump administration has responded to its innovations by further pushing for US leadership in AI. Taking a close look at US research and development policy under the second Trump administration, however, shows the significant disconnect between rhetoric and policy. Federal funding freezes and reduced funding for the National Science Foundation could have dire long-term consequences for research and international cooperation …

Front Matter

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Struggles Around Transgenderism In Hungarian Feminism: An Autoethnographic Account, Dalma Feró

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

In this autoethnography, I am using my personal experiences as data to examine the inextricable personal, political, social, and cultural aspects of one of the most decisive ruptures in Hungarian “progressive” activism of the second half of the 2010s. In the mid-2010s, I was part of an informal collective of women that started to outline a feminist approach critical of mainstream individualistic renditions of women’s rights as social progress, thereby diverging fundamentally from the country’s institutionalised feminism. As I and the circle of women I worked with focused on women’s reproductive autonomy, we encountered central feminist questions about sex and …

Deuce Redemption: Grindhouse Cinema, Moral Panic, And Urban Renewal, Robert Brenner

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

If you consult standard histories of the “redevelopment” of 42^nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenue, AKA “the Deuce,” you will read that it was filled with nothing but criminals and pornographers, that decent people avoided it at all costs, and the only way the block could be “saved” was by seizing it via eminent domain, evicting all the current tenants, and replacing them with Disney and its fellow entertainment corporations.

The purpose of this thesis is to offer a more nuanced alternative to these standard histories. I will argue that the Deuce was a lower-class, multiracial, queer entertainment …

Myth, Mayhem, And Pseudo-Democracy: The Role Of Political Myths In Mobilizing Nationalist Populist Movements And Political Extremists, Stephon J. Boatwright

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This body of research analyzes the enduring impact of political myth in nationalist populism and extremist movements. The rise of Western nationalist parties and acts of terror in the early 21st century gave life to this project. The manuscript advances two theories regarding political myths and their relationship to far right radicalism. First, nationalist myths—sprawling political worldviews whose dogmatic tenets are resistant to empirical critique and rational refutation—function as ideological constructs. They fictionalize the causes of events and serve to recruit adherents to authoritarian causes. Myths are continually reworked to address factual inaccuracies, failed predictions, and evolving social developments, while …

The Elephant (And Donkey) In The Room: The Effects Of Political Ideology On Diversity Training Effectiveness, Luke P. Kayga

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In recent years, the prevalence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) trainings in organizations has grown significantly (Wang et al., 2024). DEI trainings are typically designed with the purpose of educating organizational members on DEI-related content and promoting feelings of inclusion in the workplace (Devine & Ash, 2022). Much like many other types of organizational training efforts, the effectiveness of DEI trainings is contingent on a variety of input factors. One such factor that has been extensively covered in the broader training literature but relatively understudied in DEI training research is trainee characteristics. Since DEI trainings are values-based, ethically prescriptive …

The U.S. Grand Strategy Toward The Pacific Islands, Angela Vasovic

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The United States has recently placed its relations with the Pacific Islands, fourteen small states far out in the Pacific Ocean, on its high-priority diplomatic agenda. Although it has been interacting with the islands since the 1800s and had heavily relied on their cooperation during World War II, the importance of the islands waned in the eyes of the United States in the late twentieth and the beginning of the twenty first century as the country turned its attention to other regions of the world. However, in recent years, the U.S. has recognized the need to strengthen relations with the …

China And Russia In Africa: The Case Of Togo, Eli J. Messanh

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This thesis examines the impacts of China and Russia’s influence in Africa and focuses on the case of Togo, looking into how the increase in China and Russia’s presence on the continent affects the latter, the similarities and differences of their engagements, and what Africans as well as Togolese think of the proliferation of China and Russia’s influence in their countries. Using a mixed-methods approach with discussions and in-depth literature reviews, the research concludes that China and Russia’s relations vis à vis African countries produce both positive and negative effects, however, the negative effects outweigh the positive. It is therefore …

The Determining Factor Of Inconsistencies In French Feminist Foreign Policy In The Field Of Protection Against Women’S Violence, Sheila Salma Az-Zahra, Raden Maisa Yudono, Musa Maliki, Nurmasari Situmeang

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

Stratégie internationale de la France pour l'égalité femmes-hommes (2018-2022) is an international strategy on gender promoted by the French Government. It aims to promote the value of gender equality and women's empowerment, especially in protecting women's rights from any acts of violence in the European Union. Unfortunately, the French Government has shown inconsistencies in the implementation of the feminist foreign policy, which has increased the number of violence from the beginning of this policy until nowadays. This research was conceived by a liberal feminism approach and conceptualized under the feminist foreign policy and patriarchy concepts to prove the determining factor …

Repositioning North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato): The New Security Dilemma On Trans–Atlantic Relations Amid Shifting Global Geopolitics, Daniel C. George, Indra Alverdian

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

The shifting global geopolitics have led to a new security dilemma in Europe, especially in trans–Atlantic relations. NATO as the vanguard of the trans–Atlantic defense pact is faced with transitional conditions of non-conventional threats that return to conventional threats. Due to the shift in the new global order, these threats require a repositioning for NATO to counter the new security dilemma amidst shifting global geopolitics. By referring to the three asserted pillars–the return of conventional warfare on the European continent; a more assertive Russia in the European continent under Vladimir Putin; and the geopolitical of China's rise impacted trans–-Atlantic …

The History And Manifestations Of The Metaverse In Contemporary Literature, Marlon Semuel Contantin Kansil, Wanting Sun

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

The metaverse, an interactive and immersive virtual world, has emerged as a critical theme in contemporary literature, significantly impacting narratives and character development. This paper explores the history and literary manifestations of the metaverse, investigating its influence on identity, space, and social interactions. We find that the metaverse supports flexible and individualistic identities, reshaping how characters and readers understand themselves. The digital space of the metaverse provides a dynamic setting for moral and emotional conflicts, enriching the literary aesthetics of space. Furthermore, literature plays a crucial role in both shaping and reflecting the concept of the metaverse, employing symbolism and …

Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa): Implications For Digital Trade And Regional Economic Integration, Brice Tseen Fu Lee, Linh Dieu Dinh, Juan Pablo Sims, Salman Ali Bettani

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) represents a pivotal initiative in advancing regional digital integration and economic development. This paper explores DEFA's potential impacts on digital trade and regional economic cohesion within ASEAN. By reviewing ASEAN’s official publications and relevant literature, the study evaluates how DEFA aims to address the challenges posed by fragmented digital regulations and infrastructure. The framework's emphasis on harmonizing digital standards and enhancing interoperability is anticipated to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions and reduce regulatory barriers, thereby driving trade and investment in digital services. Economic projections suggest that DEFA could significantly enhance ASEAN’s digital economy, potentially …

Military Digital Diplomacy: A Case Study Of The Japan Self- Defense Force On Youtube Platform, I Dewa Gede Radiantha Wedagama, Susy Ong

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

This study examines the digital diplomacy strategies of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) through its engagement on the YouTube platform. It aims to analyze how the JSDF leverages digital media to reshape its international image, which has remained critically low since World War II, and to strengthen its soft power. Using a qualitative research approach, the study applies the 4D model of country image analysis, categorizing the JSDF’s digital content into functional, normative, aesthetic, and sympathetic dimensions. Data were collected through a comprehensive analysis of videos published on the JSDF's official YouTube channels, focusing on thematic content, user engagement metrics, …

Cerrando La Brecha: Difusión Virtual De La Cultura Maya Para La Conciencia Pública Y La Preservación, Ana María Vera Arias, Dr. Lilia Lucia Lizama Aranda, Brenda Marin, José Montesino

Journal of Maya Heritage

En este artículo se aborda el origen, los métodos y el resultado del ciclo de conferencias de divulgación virtual organizado por el Centro del Patrimonio Maya en colaboración con Arqueólogos sin Fronteras del Mundo Maya, esto con el objetivo de compartir conocimientos y generar conciencia sobre diversas facetas de la cultura maya. La pregunta central gira en torno a cómo se pueden comunicar efectivamente las complejidades y la rica herencia de la cultura maya a una audiencia no especializada. Como resultado, encontró que las conferencias de divulgación virtual fueron un método adecuado para ampliar el interés sobre la cultura maya …

Splitting Quintiles: Exploring The Relationship Between Income Inequality And Political Participation In The American Electorate, Laura E. Kaehler

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The connection between economic inequality and unequal democratic engagement has inspired an enduring vein of interest since academic antiquity. Research suggests income inequality has a negative effect on political participation, yet a question remains among the American electorate: Do individuals across income groups share economic insecurities from increasing inequality or do distinct groups democratically disengage?

To empirically investigate, I consider the context of election salience and the contingent role that voter turnout misreporting or “faux-voters” play in this relationship. I dissect the “rich” verses “poor” distinction into five income groups to explore electoral motivations and malaise of middle-income individuals and …

Analysis Of Open Government: A Review Of Food Security And Independence Policy In Bojonegoro, Vita Nugrah Septiana, Ana Kumalasari*, Junadi Junadi, Hussein Gibreel Musa

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This study examines how Open Government initiatives enhance the effectiveness of the Independent Farmer Card (KPM) Plus Program and their subsequent impacts on Food Security and Food Independence among rural communities. The research problem of this study is that some farmers lack an understanding of how to access support and follow application instructions for agricultural aid through the KPM Plus Program. The research analyzes the impact of transparency, participation, and collaboration within government frameworks on agricultural support. The findings highlight that Open Government initiatives significantly enhance the effectiveness of the KPM Plus Program, leading to better food security and independence …

“K-Pop In Public”: Vietnamese Youth Using Dance To Queer The Public Space, Ha Bich Dong, Thuy Bich Dong

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

In Vietnam, where public protests are criminalized (Kerkvliet, 2022), young people continue finding creative ways to advocate for their rights through different venues, particularly the arts. This research combines digital ethnography and duoethnography to examine K-pop dance covers in Vietnamese public spaces as a platform for youth to explore their gender identities, connect, and visibilize queerness.

K-pop is a music genre, pop culture, and cultural phenomenon that emerged in South Korea and has gained significant popularity and influence around the world (Aini, 2020). We, two researchers (one is a K-pop dancer), began the research by using digital ethnography (Zorn, & …

The Power Of Social Media In Political Campaign: An Analysis Of Malaysia’S Ge 15, Muhammad Nur Iman Anuar, Muhammad Naim Hazwan Alias, Nur Aqilah Aziera Rahim, Nur Afiqah Izzati Indra Elpi

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This research explores the transformative impact of social media on political campaigns, particularly in the context of Malaysia’s 15th General Election (GE15). Social media platforms as a political campaigning tool highlight its influence on young voters and their perceptions of political figures. In addition, social media has revolutionized the dynamics of political engagement, it has also introduced challenges such as the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and unequal access among political parties. This research applied a qualitative method by comparing various literatures. Leveraging The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study aims to analyze how social media influences election outcomes and …

Political Representation Innovation: A Case Study Of “Rumah Aspirasi Rakyat Aam Amarulloh” In Cilegon City, Shanty Kartika Dewi, Anis Fuad, Tia Amelia, Siti Saratipo Hemalia Putri

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This study examines the politics of representation of the “Rumah Aspirasi Rakyat Aam Amarulloh” in representing the people’s aspirations in Cilegon City. This Aspiration House is an intermediary space between constituents and legislators, facilitating communication and conveying public aspiration. The research method used is qualitative research with a case study approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews and direct observation of activities at the Aspiration House. The research results show that around 80% of the aspirations collected have been responsively followed by the relevant legislator, Aam Amarulloh. These findings indicate that “Rumah Aspirasi Rakyat Aam Amarulloh” effectively facilitates the public …

The United States Of America V. Darren Seals, Tony Gaskew

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

The United States of America has an insatiable appetite for the corpses of Black men. Although only a silent whisper in the field of conflict resolution, Black men and boys face unprecedented levels of state-sponsored direct, structural, and metaphysical violence. Empirical evidence regarding disparities within the nuanced constructs of police killings, stop-and-frisk searches, educational attainment, unemployment, mortality rates, mass incarceration, and all forms of covert counterinsurgency (COIN) operations shows that Black men are without question, enemies of the state and what Leonard Harris calls the ultimate “necro-being.” You see, on September 6, 2016, 29-year-old Black male anti-police activist Darren Seals …

Srikandi And Indonesia’S E-Government Policy: System Reliability And The Crucial Role Of Political Commitment, Tubagus Zaki Zakaria, Nandang Alamsah Deliarnoor, Dedi Sukarno

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This study examines the implementation of the SRIKANDI e-government policy in Indonesia, focusing on six critical elements: information exchange, information security, citizen engagement, human resources, inter-agency services, and policy-related decision-making. Employing a qualitative research methodology, NVIVO software was used to conduct thorough data coding and content analysis. Data were collected through literature reviews, non-participant observations, in-depth interviews, and analysis of official government documents, ensuring robust triangulation and comprehensive understanding. The findings reveal significant challenges in information security, particularly with system vulnerabilities that pose risks to data integrity. The level of citizen engagement remains low, with existing regulations limiting public participation …

Power Relations In The Context Of Literacy Improvement In East Java, Indonesia, Moh Ilham A Hamudy, M. Saidi Rifki

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This study examines power relations in the context of literacy improvement in East Java Province. In addition to the persistent stagnation in TGM and IPLM scores, the Library and Archive Office (Dispusip) of East Java Province also faces unequal access to and varying quality of library services, which are crucial in improving literacy levels in East Java. These challenges are deeply intertwined with power relations, where leaders wield dominant influence over decision-making processes and policy implementation. This study employed a combination of descriptive and literature review methods, with data analysis conducted through a qualitative approach. It uncovered various factors and …