Digital Commons Network^™

Québec On The World Stage: Examining A Provincial Approach To Cultural Diplomacy, Sarah E. K. Smith, Alexandre Couture Gagnon

Political Science Faculty Publications

Cultural diplomacy is typically viewed as a state activity; however, substate actors shape the practice in significant ways. This article employs a neo-institutional policy analysis to explore how the provincial government of Québec advanced its cultural diplomacy, while engaging with the Canadian federal government, as well as international actors. Acknowledging overlapping claims on the cultural sector in Canada, we provide a chronological assessment of key cultural policy statements from Québec dating from the mid-twentieth century to present, placing these in context with federal developments. This assessment allows us to explore moments of friction when Québec’s efforts at global engagement challenged …

Social Media And Democracy In The Digital Era: “Desak Anies” Capturing The Hearts Of Young People’S Participation In Social Media, Teguh Satria, Dian Eka Rahmawati

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This research aims to analyse the ‘Desak Anies’ political campaign strategy run by Anies Baswedan in the 2024 Indonesian General Election, focusing on the use of social media and direct interaction to increase young voter engagement. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection was conducted through analysis of mass media sources, literature reviews, and interactions on Twitter social media, which were then processed using Nvivo 12 Plus software. The data analysis technique in this study uses an interactive model technique developed by Miles, Huberman, & Saldaña which consists of three stages, namely data reduction, …

Strategic Planning And Political Dynamics In The Management Of Village-Owned Enterprises (Bumdesa) In Tasikmalaya Regency 2022-2024, Beni Sutrisno, H. Nandang A.D, Neneng Yani Yuningsih

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Strategic Planning and Political Dynamics in the Management of BUMDesa in Tasikmalaya Regency, 2022-2024: A Case Study of BUMDesa Warga Saluyu in Sukaluyu Village, Mangunreja Subdistrict, and BUMDesa Walatra in Salawu Village, Salawu Subdistrict, Tasikmalaya Regency, examines how strategic planning is implemented in BUMDesa Warga Saluyu and BUMDesa Walatra, as well as how local political dynamics influence the implementation of policies. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach to analyze strategic planning and political dynamics in the management of BUMDesa, combining primary data from in-depth interviews and field observations with secondary data from media documentation and …

Political Dynamics And Policy Implications Of Indonesia-Australia Border Management, Ratu Zahirah Lutfie, Suharjimantoro Suharjimantoro

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This study offers a political science analysis of border management policies in Indonesia and Australia, focusing on security, community welfare, and international relations. Indonesia adopts a development-oriented approach aimed at enhancing infrastructure and economic access in border areas, promoting national integration but facing coordination and surveillance challenges. Australia, in contrast, implements a security-driven approach, particularly through Operation Sovereign Borders, effectively preventing illegal immigration yet criticized for its stringent, less humanitarian stance. Employing qualitative methods, including literature review and online media analysis, this study examines the political implications and geopolitical context of each policy. Findings suggest that Indonesia could enhance border …

Youth Mobilization In The 2019 Election Campaign In West Java, Indonesia (Study Of The Gerindra Party, The Indonesia Democratic Party Of Struggle, And The Prosperous Justice Party), Siti Witianti, Caroline Paskarina, Ratnia Solihah

Jurnal Wacana Politik

West Java has the largest number of voters including young elections, but there are symptoms where political parties have rarely been placed as subjects in elections by political parties. This study aims to describe the strategies of the Gerindra Party, PDIP, and PKS in mobilizing youth support in the 2019 elections in West Java and to analyze research phenomena based on the theory used so that it is hoped that new concepts will be obtained in mobilizing youth support during the election momentum, especially in implementing strategies mobilization that places the youth segment as a political subject, not only as …

Analyzing Tiktok’S Influence On Youth Political Activism And Social Participation In Malaysia, Nor Azyani Tsania Mohd Nor, Syahirah Samantha Foo Su Sien Mohd Fird, Nur Marissa Nabilah Mohd Ridhwan, Mohamad Hafifi Jamri

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Despite TikTok’s popularity among young users, concerns persist regarding their lack of political awareness and gullibility. This research aims to address this gap by examining TikTok usage patterns among Malaysian youth and analyzing user interactions with political and social content. The research participants consisted of youths aged 18 to 29 years old in Malaysia. Employing a quantitative research design, the study used surveys to gather data and descriptive statistical analysis. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS software. The study’s findings indicate TikTok’s potential for political usage and respondents show a moderately high agreement on TikTok as a platform …

Political Polarization In The 2024 Local Elections: An Analysis Of Its Impact And Implications For Local Democracy In Indonesia, Muhtar Muhtar, Budi Setiyono, Fitriyah Fitriyah, Nur Hidayat Sardini

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Regional head elections (Pilkada) are a crucial moment in Indonesia’s political dynamics, but in 2024, political polarization reached its peak, causing significant impacts on local democracy. This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of political polarization in the 2024 regional elections and analyze its implications for the sustainability of local democracy in Indonesia. Through a mixed approach that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis, this study attempts to understand the root causes of political polarization, measure the level of polarization in different regions, and evaluate the resulting political consequences. Political polarization in the context of the 2024 regional elections reflects the …

Not My Daughter: The Symbolic American Child And Cinematic Potential, Jacob Campbell

CLAMANTIS: The MALS Journal

No abstract provided.

Thought And Exemplary Islamic Nationalism Of The Early Days Of Independence Indonesia: Learning From Ki Bagus Hadikusumo, Dikdik Baehaqi Arif, Sapriya Sapriya, Dasim Budimansyah, Syaifullah Syaifullah

Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan

Indonesian nationalism is characterised by a blend of religious and national identities that coexist and reinforce each other. This paper presents a profile of the background of Ki Bagus Hadikusumo's thoughts, life, and nationalism during the early days of Indonesian independence. Ki Bagus Hadikusumo is one of Indonesia's national heroes who can be classified as an Islamic nationalist during the formulation of the Indonesian state. This figure, active in the Muhammadiyah Islamic movement organisation, has significantly contributed to the formulation and establishment of Pancasila as the basis of the state. The life background thought, and Muhammadiyah as the organisation of …

The Growing Rift Between Holocaust Scholars Over Israel/Palestine, Shira Klein

History Faculty Articles and Research

"A chasm has formed between Holocaust scholars concerning Israel/Palestine, deepening immeasurably since 7 October 2023. Unlike previous controversies in the field, the divide is not just historical or methodological; it revolves around academics’ role in the world today, particularly the public stand they choose to take on Palestine/Israel and Zionism. Two main camps have formed. Put reductively, one camp defends Israel, while the other defends Palestinians, although differences between individual scholars within each camp make for more of a spectrum than a clear-cut divide. How, despite a diversity of ideas and foci within each camp, did two academic-political antipodes solidify …

Urban Security And The Crisis Of Values In A Risk Society: Elements For Reflection And Research, Bahamou Abdelilah, Abdelghani Chafik

Journal of Maya Heritage

Abstract: Urban security has become one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, shaped by the complexities of modern urban life. As cities grow and evolve, they face unprecedented security challenges that transcend traditional notions of crime prevention. These challenges encompass social, cultural, economic, and psychological dimensions, deeply intertwined with societal transformations.

In the context of what sociologist Ulrich Beck refers to as the "risk society," rapid globalization, technological advancement, and cultural diffusion have disrupted traditional social values. This disruption has created environments of uncertainty and fear, where mutual trust and social cohesion are eroded. As Émile Durkheim …

Promoting Diversity Tolerance Among Indonesians Through Smart Mobile Civic Media In Citizenship Education, Anita Trisiana, Triyanto Triyanto, Gamal Abdul Nasir Zakaria, Sakinah Sakinah, N Arvinth

Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan

The formation of student characters is carried out with variations in the form of digital-based "Smart Mobile Civic" learning media innovations that can be applied to learning civic education. It is hoped that this innovation has the potential to improve critical, rational, and creative thinking skills following Pancasila's values in responding to various problems in the field of citizenship. This research aims to (1) analyse the implementation and improvement of tolerance character. (2) analysis of the effectiveness of the tolerant values applied in Smart Mobile Civic. The research results show that: (1) Lecturers act as presenters and models for students …

How Much Does America Hate Black Women?, Franchesca Smith

Research Honors

This paper explores the relationship between sociocultural factors and intersectionality by way of economic inequalities. Intersectionality is a phenomenon that receives little to no examination, especially in regards to Black women. The following research uses the theories of intersectionality, human capital, and institutional factors to examine which has the most significant effect on the wages of Black women compared to other demographics. Findings suggest that the intersectionality of Black women does have a substantial wage gap, but the correlation is positive, which is not true for the variables Black and women when separated. Through multiple regression analysis, it is noticed …

A New Order From Old Ruins: The Fall Of The First Republic And The Ascent Of Silvio Berlusconi, Charles J. Lamb

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the political rise of Silvio Berlusconi in the context of Italy’s transition from the First to the Second Republic, analyzing how his populist rhetoric, media dominance, and coalition-building strategies enabled his electoral success in 1994. The research utilizes a behavioralist approach and the framework of political opportunity structures to explore how Berlusconi’s tactics intersected with broader structural transformations, including economic instability, institutional collapse, and shifting societal norms. The researcher conducted the study in Rome, Italy, and it draws on historical and political data from the early 1990s, as well as more contemporary research, analyzing electoral shifts, economic …

Ramerican Political Science Review (Vol. 9, Feb. 2025 Special Edition)

Ramerican Political Science Review

France's Strategic Dynamics: Power, Partnerships, and Prospects / Marie Cox -- The Contribution of the United Kingdom to the Security of Europe / Kelly Williams -- Poland: A Pivotal Actor for the Future of European Security / Zack Kloman -- The End of Finlandization / Natasha C. Smith -- A New Age: Turkish Security in a Changing World / Alexandra Pabon

Panem Et Circenses: Entertainment And Empires In The Hunger Games Series, Sydney G. Hudson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Governments have long employed entertainment as a tool of distraction. Recognized as the concept of panem et circenses or “festivals and spectacles,” governments manipulate entertainment so that citizens often willingly exchange their power for distraction and comfort. In The Hunger Games, author Suzanne Collins revises this narrative and uses entertainment as a tool for education.Achieving wide-reaching popularity, Collins leveraged both print and screen media to empower a generation. Collins warns against the dangers of panem et circenses and underscores the importance of hope as a force that counters societal despair and distraction. I argue that throughout The Hunger Games …

Public Support For War And Desertion, Joshua Delaigle

Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies

Since the beginning of war, soldier desertion has been an issue for military leaders and the politicians supporting them. Desertion from the United States Military is defined in Title 10 of the U.S. Code Article 85 as a member of the armed forces who goes or remains absent from his or her unit or place of duty with the intent to remain away permanently (“10 U.S. Code § 885”). Desertions lessen both unit cohesion and combat readiness, potentially changing the tide of a war. For these reasons, military leaders and academic researchers have been concerned with understanding the phenomenon of …

Covid-19 In The History Of Capitalism, Victor Wallis

Faculty Works

The obvious role of capital in generating poverty, war, and environmental breakdown has not led to a parallel recognition of how deeply it shapes the ideology and practice of healthcare. Progressives view access to healthcare as a matter of “right,” but with rare exceptions they do not focus attention on the wider determinants of health policy – from the life-conditions that shape public health to the prevalence, in capitalist countries, of market-inspired remedies. Looking at the US experience and noting how capitalist priorities have permeated official policies toward Covid-19, this essay discusses how medical objections to these policies have been …

What Causes Democratic Backsliding In Latin America? A Comparative Case Study Of Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, And Costa Rica, Samantha Foshee

Honors Program Theses

This study examines the causes of democratic backsliding in Latin America, comparing Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. Events like the January 8th, 2023 riot in Brazil and the use of intimidation tactics by President Bukele in El Salvador demonstrate the erosion that these two countries have faced. On the other hand, Chile and Costa Rica have maintained stable democracies. This study aims to understand what caused these countries’ different paths by examining the levels of political polarization, party deterioration, citizen dissatisfaction, and the presence of populist leaders. Overall, it was found that polarization and party deterioration increase the …

An Examination Of Donald Trump And Young Evangelical Voters, Kevin Finn

Honors Theses and Capstones

The relationship between Donald Trump and religious voters is often discussed, but much less attention has been directed to the connection between Trump and young voters, particularly young evangelicals. This paper attempts to provide the reasoning behind why despite his unconventional character, Trump maintains a strong base of support from young evangelical voters. After examining the theories of previous scholars, it hypothesizes that support is shaped by religious elites, who exploit the strong connection that young evangelicals have to their community. The argument is separated into three phases: first, that evangelical leaders and elites have proven to be consistently in …

Maritime Industry Cybersecurity Threats In 2025: Advanced Persistent Threats (Apts), Hacktivism And Vulnerabilities, Minodora Badea, Olga Bucovetchi, Adrian V. Gheorghe, Mihaela Hnatiuc, Gabriel Raicu

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: The maritime industry, vital for global trade, faces escalating cyber threats in 2025. Critical port infrastructures are increasingly vulnerable due to rapid digitalization and the integration of IT and operational technology (OT) systems. Methods: Using 112 incidents from the Maritime Cyber Attack Database (MCAD, 2020-2025), we developed a novel quantitative risk assessment model based on a Threat-Vulnerability-Impact (T-V-I) framework, calibrated with MITRE ATT&CK techniques and validated against historical incidents. Results: Our analysis reveals a 150% rise in incidents, with OT compromise identified as the paramount threat (98/100 risk score). Ports in Poland and Taiwan face the …

The Women’S Legal Rights Index: A New Approach To Measuring Women’S Autonomy, Mona Shadia

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Existing indicators of women’s empowerment focus on women’s educational attainment. Yet theories of women’s empowerment in politics, in particular their role in democratization, extend beyond the consequences of education to require agency and autonomy in their lives. In the first chapter of this dissertation, I argue that in an effort to measure women’s citizenship and standing in their respective societies, access to legal rights should be measured and considered. My theoretical framework builds on literature that demonstrates that while education is critical to women’s prosperity in many facets of life, other measures related to their legal rights can provide a …

Building The Beast: The Evolution Of Mara Salvatrucha (Ms-13) From Street Gang To Transnational Criminal Organization, Marisa Mendoza

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores the evolution of Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) from a social stoner group in Los Angeles to a feared transnational criminal organization (TCO). Through a longitudinal study of literature and opensource materials spanning over 50 years, this study examines suppression and policy reforms enacted in the United States, Mexico, and Northern Triangle region of Central America that have catalyzed shifts in the criminal ecosystem, and vice versa. By exploring the genealogical makeup of TCO networks, particularly La Cosa Nostra, Mexican Mafia prison gang, and Los Zetas drug trafficking cartel, it will provide a better understanding of how an anomaly …

Innovating Government The Open Way: Modeling The Open Data Ecosystem, Jeanne Holm

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Governments around the world are releasing open data with the aim of stimulating innovation, driving economic development, and advancing social good. Despite significant investment in data infrastructure and technology, many open data initiatives struggle to effectively engage stakeholders or deliver on their intended outcomes. Thus, this dissertation targets the research question: How can a human-centered open government data ecosystem be modeled to ensure that stakeholders are engaged and find data? It also explores which stakeholders should be engaged and what methods are most effective in engaging them. To address the research questions, this dissertation adopts a design science methodology and …

Living Networks: Reimagining Social Capital Beyond Institutions, Meghna Pamula

CMC Senior Theses

This thesis investigates the decline of social capital in the United States and explores how community connection can be rebuilt outside of traditional government institutions. Motivated by the question of whether social capital can be rebuilt within bureaucratic structures, the research evaluates the role of alternative, agile models such as local volunteer organizations, mutual aid networks, third spaces, and NGOs. Using a comparative case study approach and qualitative analysis, I examine initiatives across different cultures that foster social trust and connection beyond the limitations of formal systems. The findings illustrate that adaptive models of social capital that are not based …

Trust On Trial: How U.S. Foreign Policy Eroded Public Trust, Rawan Al-Samarrie

UROP Posters

Public trust in the U.S. government has declined sharply over the past several decades, falling from roughly 75% in the late 1950s to almost 15% today. This project examines how major U.S. foreign policy decisions, specifically during the Vietnam War, the post-9/11 Global War on Terror, and the ongoing conflict in Palestine, have contributed to this erosion of trust. Through qualitative analysis of historical records, public opinion data, and scholarly assessments of U.S. military actions and their global consequences, the research identifies recurring patterns in how government narratives, media framing, and revelations of human rights violations shape public perception. Findings …

Balancing Profit And Principle: How Firms Navigate The Rise Of Authoritarianism, Spencer Fraseur

Business Administration Dissertations - Archive

The purpose of my dissertation is to contribute to the growing discussion on the intersection of totalitarianism and business practices, highlighting the need for leaders to navigate the seismic shifts in global commerce and make ethical decisions in an increasingly complex landscape. Specifically, it examines the decline of the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) and Liberal International Order (LIO) as well as the rise of totalitarianism across the globe, and the challenges these trends pose for businesses and managers. The first study constructs a comprehensive framework delineating the diverse responses of businesses to authoritarian regimes, ranging from resistance to accommodation. This …

The Luxury Belief: How Casual Political Labeling Harms The Lower Classes, Yan Lei

A with Honors Projects

This essay argues that casual political and moral labeling, when used as a luxury belief, misleads followers, fosters intellectual complacency, and amplifies misunderstandings about complex issues such as race.

Cold War Karl Mundt: The Utility Of Anticommunism During The Eightieth Congress, Wattier Zachary

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis examines South Dakota House Representative Karl Mundt during the Eightieth Congress and his role in helping to build a movement and consensus over domestic and international communism. I argue that not only did Mundt help facilitate the Second Red Scare that allowed for the “McCarthyism” of the 1950s to thrive, but Mundt also aided in selling a combative diplomacy towards the USSR which intensified relations into a Cold War. As a ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mundt advocated for the use of soft power, education, information, and propaganda to sell his idealized Americanism to …

Where’D You Go, Ohio: Progressive Ohio Ballot Initiative Passage In A Republican Aligned State, Colin D. Swearingen, Elizabeth A. Stiles, Barrett Scheatzle*

2025 Faculty Bibliography

Over the span of just three months, Ohio voters went to the polls to weigh in on three issues concerning the threshold needed to amend the state constitution, abortion, and marijuana. Despite being a Republican-leaning state – per an author’s calculations, its Cook’s Partisan Voter Index is R+6 – the more progressive position won all three votes handily. In August, the coalition supporting the status quo of requiring a simple majority to change the state constitution, a longheld progressive position, won 57.1% of the vote (“The New York Times,” 2023a). In November, voters approved a constitutional amendment to give individuals …