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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Articles 1 - 29 of 29

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Gender And The State Department, Courtney Sage Oct 2017

Gender And The State Department, Courtney Sage

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

As research concerning women continues to expand, so to do the opportunities to examine women in other political positions beyond elected officials. Bureaucratic positions create an impact on policy just as elected positions do. My research examines gender in the State Department. I explore factors including length of service, country of service, appointments, and education. My research found that there are little differences between men and women in regards to length of service, education and appointments. However, the countries men and women serve in are much different when compared. This research has only scratched the surface, and future research will …


Analyzing The Roles Of Law And Politics In Judicial Decision Making: Predicting U.S. Supreme Court Justices’ Votes On A Case Of Affirmative Action, Ashley Renkor Oct 2017

Analyzing The Roles Of Law And Politics In Judicial Decision Making: Predicting U.S. Supreme Court Justices’ Votes On A Case Of Affirmative Action, Ashley Renkor

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

This study seeks to study relevant precedent cases concerning affirmative action, the 14th Amendment equal protection clause, the 5th Amendment equal protection clause, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with the goal of predicting how certain justices will vote in the affirmative action case, Fisher vs. the University of Texas at Austin. I conclude that justices will debate numerous aspects at play, such as original intent, plain meaning, precedent, policy preferences, public opinion, personal experience, the federal government, and interest groups in order to take positions in the Fisher case for the second time around with an intent …


The Duration Of Sub-Saharan African Civil Armed Conflict Episodes, Christian Ilunga-Matthiesen Oct 2017

The Duration Of Sub-Saharan African Civil Armed Conflict Episodes, Christian Ilunga-Matthiesen

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The socio-economic question which this study intends to answer is one of global relevance. For quite some time now, civil wars on the African continent have been a major source of economic and social destruction resulting in excessive human suffering. The primary objective of this study will constitute the analysis of 32 armed conflict episodes across 17 countries between 1990 and 2014 throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Armed conflicts will be defined as the following: “a contested incompatibility that concerns government and/or territory where the use of armed force between two parties, of which at least one is the government of a …


Making A Difference: The Role Of Global Sports Organizations, Shirmeen Ahmad Oct 2017

Making A Difference: The Role Of Global Sports Organizations, Shirmeen Ahmad

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

Global Sports Organizations play their own part in International Relations providing policies, entertainment, and competition. One of the main questions is how much of an impact do they have in IR. Using two prominent theories in International Relations, realism and constructivism, this research conducts two case studies on the International Olympic Committee and the Federation Internationale de Football Association to see which one proves true. Three hypotheses shape these studies: are states controlling the agenda, how strong is the leadership of the president, and do the organizations push their own initiatives independently. After testing these, we see global sports organizations …


Book Review: The Way Of The Knife, Michael Neal Oct 2017

Book Review: The Way Of The Knife, Michael Neal

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author reviews the book The Way of the Knife by Mark Mazzetti, specifically looking at the underlying themes of shifting operations in the CIA, relationships between the CIA and United States military, and the growing private-sector.


The Generals: An Examination, Mariah Wallace Oct 2017

The Generals: An Examination, Mariah Wallace

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author examines the book The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today by Thomas Ricks and several journal articles related to the book in order to examine issues relating to military attitudes, internal army relations, the civil-military gap, and upper-division military officers. It is found that Ricks’ work supports the findings of the journal articles discussed in this essay on the current state of the United States military.


President Bush, President Obama, And Executive Orders, Catie Witt Oct 2017

President Bush, President Obama, And Executive Orders, Catie Witt

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

This article examines the use of executive orders issued during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barak Obama. Using case studies of the most significant executive order issued by each president, and by using quantitative data on the number of executive orders issued by each president during their first term in office, the author finds evidence that supports the “two presidencies” thesis. Moreover, the author finds evidence supporting the theory that Republican presidents are more likely to issue executive orders related to foreign policy, whereas Democratic presidents are more likely to issue executive orders related to domestic policy. Also, …


Continued Perseverance: What Causes Hamas To Stand Despite Constant Opposition, Matthew Jacobs Oct 2017

Continued Perseverance: What Causes Hamas To Stand Despite Constant Opposition, Matthew Jacobs

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author uses qualitative methods to examine the reasons why Hamas has endured, despite facing constant military pressure from Israel and suffering substantial casualties. The author finds that the organization has survived because it has been underestimated and dealt with improperly. Now that it has experienced relative success, Hamas has succeeded in discrediting, to a certain extent, the Israeli government. The author recommends that Israel find more effective ways to turn Hamas’s supporters against it in order to weaken the organization and ensure its defeat.


International Relations: The Obama Administration’S Relationship With Israel, Matthew Jacobs Oct 2017

International Relations: The Obama Administration’S Relationship With Israel, Matthew Jacobs

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

In this article, the author examines the effectiveness of the Obama administration’s handling of US-Israeli relations via a qualitative analysis of the factors and players involved in the complex dynamics of the President’s dealings with Israel. The author finds that, despite minor exceptions, President Obama’s relations with Israel have been successful.


Empathy And Its Effect On Religious Opinion Regarding Homosexuality, Melissa Borah Oct 2017

Empathy And Its Effect On Religious Opinion Regarding Homosexuality, Melissa Borah

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

This article examines shifts in opinion, and the reasoning behind these shifts, among Christian-identified Americans regarding their views of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. After conducting interviews with several Christian-identified Americans, the author finds that when a family member or close friend “comes out” as LGBT, individuals are more likely to change their opinion of those who identify as LGBT, and their change in opinion is more likely to be dramatic. Moreover, the author finds that empathy is the most powerful factor that facilitates an individual’s change in opinion.


Subsidizing Public College Tuition, Mariah Wallace Oct 2017

Subsidizing Public College Tuition, Mariah Wallace

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

This article provides, via a qualitative analysis, an alternative view on how to pay for college education in America by exploring the possibility of subsidizing public college education. The author indicates that subsiding public college tuition is possible, making it easier for citizens to receive a college degree, but the entire education system must be restricted in order to adapt to the new system.


An Analysis Of Media Use And Public Opinion Toward The Affordable Care Act, Matthew Cain Oct 2017

An Analysis Of Media Use And Public Opinion Toward The Affordable Care Act, Matthew Cain

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author tests a number of hypotheses regarding views of the Affordable Care Act. Using a regression model and a variety of other data sources, the author finds support for the argument that the debate was forged by partisanship and ideology, along with age.


Organizations, Women, And Political Participation, Lindsey Juszczak Oct 2017

Organizations, Women, And Political Participation, Lindsey Juszczak

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author considers the relationship between the percentage of women in state legislatures and the presence of organizations that encourage female participation in politics and the pursuit of higher office. Using a qualitative analysis of a number of states, the author finds areas of support for the hypothesis but also finds areas where other states can improve.


Review Of "The Generals", Crystal Trotter Oct 2017

Review Of "The Generals", Crystal Trotter

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author reviews Thomas Rick’s book, The Generals.


Leadership And The American Military, Crystal Trotter Oct 2017

Leadership And The American Military, Crystal Trotter

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author takes a look at the interplay between leadership and the American military. The author examines and considers views from many great American military minds on how leadership plays an absolutely vital role in the effectiveness of the American military.


The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Cleaning Up Punctuated Equilibrium, Lindsey Juszczak Oct 2017

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Cleaning Up Punctuated Equilibrium, Lindsey Juszczak

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author uses the punctuated equilibrium model to assess the growth and continued path of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The author illustrates not only how the model helps to understand the initiative, but how the variables pertaining to the initiative also provide a greater understanding of the model, and how to change it. The author concludes by addressing how the model could change to be more responsive.


Jonestown, Paradise Lost: An Investigation Of Jim Jones And The People’S Temple, William Beltran Oct 2017

Jonestown, Paradise Lost: An Investigation Of Jim Jones And The People’S Temple, William Beltran

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author offers a fascinating, historical look at the life and actions of Jim Jones and his followers. Taking cues from throughout the troubled life of Jones, the author presents us with the harrowing details of how people can be corrupted, and the insatiable drive for power by the corrupters. Adding to the narrative, the author utilizes what other scholars have said about the Jonestown phenomenon.


Do Women Justices Matter?, Ashley Shula Oct 2017

Do Women Justices Matter?, Ashley Shula

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

In recent years, women have started to have a considerable impact on the political process. While literature exists on women in Congress and in district court settings, little research exists on the role played by female Supreme Court Justices. The author attempts to shed light on the impact of female justices by assessing statements made by the justices, in addition to their voting records. The author finds that the new women Supreme Court Justices have had little impact so far, but offers that perhaps as time goes on, this will change.


The Way Of The Knife: The Cia, A Secret Army, And A War At The Ends Of The Earth, Mariah Wallace Oct 2017

The Way Of The Knife: The Cia, A Secret Army, And A War At The Ends Of The Earth, Mariah Wallace

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author offers her views and thoughts on Mazzetti’s book and its implications for the future of American foreign policy.


A Mission Of Divine Calling: A Chosen Nation's Crusade Against Evil, Ashley Harrington Oct 2017

A Mission Of Divine Calling: A Chosen Nation's Crusade Against Evil, Ashley Harrington

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

For decades, political scientists have and continue to theorize about influences on presidential decision-making and policy implementation. Faith and religious analysis however, remain relatively new to the study of presidential politics. This particular research examines two Republican presidents, both Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, that had vastly different ideas about how to combat nations whose policies limited freedom and liberty.


Using The Issue-Attention Cycle To Analyze The Marine Protection, Research, And Sanctuaries Act, Matthew Cain Oct 2017

Using The Issue-Attention Cycle To Analyze The Marine Protection, Research, And Sanctuaries Act, Matthew Cain

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The author uses Anthony Downs' Issue Attention Cycle to analyze the rise and decline of attention to the dumping of sewage, sludge, and industrial waste into the ocean. Through the lens of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, the author finds that although Downs' model explains the rise and decline in policy attention in part, much greater emphasis should be put on public opinion.


Cia: The Critical Years, Ryan Freer Oct 2017

Cia: The Critical Years, Ryan Freer

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

Our foreign policy agenda in the Middle East is attributed to the decisions of the CIA's Director's of Intelligence (DCI) and the President's they served. The author examines how two DCI's, an a third to a lesser degree, have impacted the agency during their tenures, and how the operations of the CIA in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran in the decades leading up to the attacks of 9/11 culminated in this tragedy.


Lgbt Adoptions In The Us & South Africa, Samantha Moore Oct 2017

Lgbt Adoptions In The Us & South Africa, Samantha Moore

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

With the increased commonality of gay relationships, marriages, and unions, there is a growing conversation about the LGBT and their adoption of children. The purpose of this case study analysis is not to sway your opinion of LGBT adoptions, but instead to examine the recent policy implications for LGBT adoption in the U.S. in comparison to current South African adoption policies.


Consolidation Of Power: The Use Of Executive Orders, Proclamations And Signing Statements During The George W. Bush Presidency, Steve Anderson Oct 2017

Consolidation Of Power: The Use Of Executive Orders, Proclamations And Signing Statements During The George W. Bush Presidency, Steve Anderson

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

Like other Presidents before him, George W. Bush used his executive authority to craft policy both domestically and internationally. The author analyzes President Bush's number of executive orders and proclamations, how they affected his scope of authority, and how they were received by Congress.


A New Electoral System For A New Century, Eric Stevens Oct 2017

A New Electoral System For A New Century, Eric Stevens

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

The Electoral College as an institution is an archaic relic of times past and is in serious need of reevaluation concerning the modern age of technology and communication. Through discussion the author argues that the current electoral system is a hindrance to electoral democracy in this country and could easily be made more efficient and democratic to meed modern standards.


Article Critique: “Shifting Winds: Explaining Variation In State Policies To Promote Small-Scale Wind Energy”, Luke Eastin Oct 2017

Article Critique: “Shifting Winds: Explaining Variation In State Policies To Promote Small-Scale Wind Energy”, Luke Eastin

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

This paper is a review of Tomas Koontz and Joshua Wiener's case study analysis that considered the extent of variance among three states in regard to their particular small-scale wind energy policies. Through this critique, the author provides both the benefits and difficulties with the research, along with the future prospects for research in this area of policy studies.


Book Review: “Channels Of Power: The Un Security Council And U.S. Statecraft In Iraq” Alexander Thompson’S Information Transmission Theory, Tuesday Baumiller Oct 2017

Book Review: “Channels Of Power: The Un Security Council And U.S. Statecraft In Iraq” Alexander Thompson’S Information Transmission Theory, Tuesday Baumiller

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

This paper is an analysis of Alexander Thompson's book "Channels of Power: The UN Security Council and U.S. Statecraft in Iraq. The author examines Thompson's Information Transmission Theory and discusses its relevance as well as its legitimacy.


European Drug Policy: The Cases Of Portugal, Germany, And The Netherlands, Steve Anderson Oct 2017

European Drug Policy: The Cases Of Portugal, Germany, And The Netherlands, Steve Anderson

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

Drug abuse is a problem that reaches all corners of the globe. In Europe, the case is no different. The author examines how the incorporation of different drug policy methods affects illicit drug use in Portugal, Germany and The Netherlands.


Googalization: The Response To A “Friend Request” In The Workplace, Ashley Harrington Oct 2017

Googalization: The Response To A “Friend Request” In The Workplace, Ashley Harrington

The Eastern Illinois University Political Science Review

With social networking taking over the lives and time of its users, workplace time and productivity appear to be neglected and decreasing. However, perhaps online social networking is just a plan that has yet to make its inclusion into the workplace. Within this context, the author considers both the positives and negatives associated with social networking in the workplace.