Political Science Commons^™

Deconstructing The Afd: An Analysis Of The German Right-Wing Populist Political Party, The Alternative For Germany (Vchc Poster), Elizabeth A. Breckenridge

Research and Creativity Symposium

The Alternativ für Deutschland (Alternative for Germany) (AfD) is a far-right populist party that has quickly grown in power within the past decade, particularly in Eastern German states, due to its emphasis on nationalization, populist rhetoric, and attraction to voters’ fears about immigration and cultural change. The AfD has managed to mobilize strong voting support within five years, gaining parliamentary seats in the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) in 2017, and is now considered the main opposition party to the established parties. The AfD is the first right-wing party to gain significant voting attention since 1945, capitalizing on the rise of right-wing …

Recognizing The Right To Care: A Key Step In Building The Care Economy, Valdrin Dragusha

Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Connections

The care crisis stems from the social prescription of women as caregivers, leading to their overrepresentation in unpaid care work. Unpaid is linked to broader structural crises like economic inequality, poverty, and precarity, which are exacerbated by intersecting inequalities. The care crisis perpetuates women’s marginalization in economic and social spheres due to the invisibility of care work in the care economy. The care economy includes non-market and market-based care provision, involving public investments in social infrastructure and protection. According to the International Labour Organization, women perform 76.2% of all unpaid care work globally, dedicating 3.2 times more hours than men. …

Res Historica, Volume 4, Lynneth Miller Renberg Phd, Alpha Rho Epsilon Phi Alpha Theta

Res Historica

The 2025 journal of historical research by Anderson University students, Res Historica.

The editorial team for this edition of Res Historica was Dr. Lynneth Miller Renberg, Samuel Sanders, and Julia Ackerman. The cover art for this volume is an open access image.

National Anthems As Nation-Building Tools, John Child

Senior Theses

In order to develop national identity and encourage popular loyalty and devotion, countries adopt national symbols, including national anthems. This study supplements existing literature by synthesizing case studies and performing a comparative analysis. I examine the histories and contents of eight countries’ national anthems: the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa, Japan, and Russia. I group the countries into three groups: colonial powers, post-colonial states, and countries that experienced dramatic regime changes in the 20th century. Through this framework, I am able to draw contrasts between similar countries and explore possible explanations for discrepancies between anthems. My results …

From Exit To Apathy: Migration, Remittances, And The Erosion Of Political Participation, Sanjida Mehrin

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis offers new perspectives on migration and political behavior in Latin America by analyzing how remittances affect political engagement and how economic perceptions influence migration intentions. While classic models focus on structural economic conditions, this study emphasizes the independent significance of subjective economic judgments as well as the different political implications of remittances across national contexts. The first chapter challenges traditional models that mainly link migration with objective economic indicators by examining how migration intentions are influenced by retrospective economic views. Using individual-level data from the 2018 LAPOP survey across 19 Latin American countries, the analysis employs country fixed …

Beyond The Institution Of Motherhood: Shifting The Paradigm, Gabrielle Wilson

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This paper explores declining birth rates as a global act of resistance and reclamation by women and birthing individuals against hyper-masculinized institutions, using South Korea's 4B movement as a case study. The 4B movement, which rejects marriage, childbirth, romance, and heterosexual relationships, represents a paradigm shift challenging entrenched gender norms, state control, and systemic inequities. It exemplifies a global phenomenon as similar movements gain traction in the U.S., Japan, and beyond, amidst rising conservatism and declining fertility rates. Framing this analysis with intersectionality, Feminist IR theory, and Kuhn’s paradigm shift model, the paper argues that this resistance signifies a transformative …

Public Surveillance And Human Rights: The Chilling Effect Of Surveillance Technologies And Legal Debates In Europe, Anna Calabrese

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

The rapid advancement and intense deployment of surveillance technologies pose a profound threat to fundamental human rights and render the balance between national security and rights and freedoms guarantees even more challenging. This paper interrogates the menace that digital tracking such as IMSI-catchers and other sophisticated tools represent to contemporary democracies with a specific focus on their potential to introduce a “chilling effect” to deter individuals in political and social communities from exercising their freedoms of speech, expression, association, thereby endangering the core values of all democracy. This analysis offers an overview of the state-of-the-art in Europe and highlights recent …

Covid-19 Conspiracies: A Bodyguard Of Lies, Chris Hables Gray

Secrecy and Society

No abstract provided.

Civility War, Jonathan Speirs

Graphic Communication

Civility War is a poster series that examines contemporary civil conflicts in contemporary world history and the precedent it sets for American political polarization. The early 2010s marked the beginning of America’s current ascent to historical highs for incidences of politically-fueled violence in the forms of hate crimes and domestic terrorism. With the documentation of the effects of similar circumstances available today in the digital age, spreading awareness for the human cost of using violence for political aims is highly topical. This project also attempts to address the aversion university students have to publicly discussing political opinions, as less than …

When Civil Society Defends Authoritarianism: Thai Bhakdi, We Support Prayuth, And Thailand’S Democratic Decline, Igastya Hagarayu Sapta, Luthfi Makhasin

Jurnal Politik

Civil society is often regarded as an essential foundation for democratic consolidation, but in Thailand, civil society also plays a crucial role in maintaining authoritarian rule. This article analyzes how pro-authoritarian civil society movements—Thai Bhakdi and “We Support Prayuth”—emerged and operated in the context of the historical relationship between the military and the monarchy and political polarisation since the 2006 coup. Using the authoritarian civil society (ACS) framework and a comparative historical analysis approach, this study traces how the long-standing divide between reformist and conservative forces created fertile ground for these movements. Thai Bhakdi, rooted in monarchist nationalism, …

Religious Parties And The Construction Of Political Identity: A Comparative Study Of Indonesia And Türkiye, Athifa Sharanda Putri Tabina, Adhi C. Fahadayna, M. Faishal Aminuddin

Jurnal Politik

This study examines the influence of religious-based political parties on political identity by comparing Indonesia and Türkiye. The background of this research lies in the role of religious parties in shaping political identity in Muslim-majority countries, where these parties must balance their adherence to religious doctrine with democratic values. The research problem examines how religious-based parties, such as PKS in Indonesia and AKP in Türkiye, construct their political identities within differing political systems. Using a quantitative approach with a comparative design and linear regression analysis, the study tests the impact of variables such as religious representation, associational networks, political education, …

Tekotok’S Digital Satire And Public Sentiment In Response To The Realities Of Work In Indonesia, Ahmad Farid Fanani

Jurnal Politik

Inequities within Indonesia's labor system remain a prominent issue, particularly in terms of fair access and protection for all segments of the workforce. As digital media continues to evolve, critiques of labor policy are increasingly expressed through new mediums, including satirical animations. This study aims to explore how the satirical animated videos from the YouTube channel Tekotok represent critiques of labor policy using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and public sentiment analysis. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining Fairclough’s three-dimensional model for narrative analysis with the IndoBERT model to classify sentiment in 875 YouTube comments. The results demonstrate that Tekotok’s animations …

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 …

Why Does Authoritarianism Survive Today?, Jonas Brock

Opinion Matters: Student Analyses of World News

This essay compares Russia and the United Kingdom, examining the cultural factors that underlie authoritarian thought and their manifestations in both cultures.

Casar Public Lecture: Will Trump End The Ukraine War?, The Prince Alwaleed Center For American Studies And Research Casar

Performances, Events, and Presentations

Trump wants to become the world’s Peace Maker, the Master of the Art of Making Deals. He promised to end this war in 24 hours. Yet the real question is whether Putin wants to end the war, or whether he is ready for a deal ? If so, then what kind of a deal? Could it be that Putin might have a different deal in mind than the deal Trump is willing to offer?? So what happens then??? The lecture deliberated about the possible answers to this very question from several perspectives, analyzing the impact on Egypt, the region & …

The Feminization Of Deteriorated Labor Force Participation In Egypt: 1990 – 2024, Mennan Gamal Nour El Din

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to explain why female labor force participation deteriorated in quantity and in quality despite the recent rise in female educational attainment levels over the past three decades (1990 – 2024). On the one hand, labor participation declined, whereas on the other hand, female informal employment remains high in Egypt. This thesis dissertation utilizes a qualitative research methodology through both secondary data in the form of descriptive statistics on the phenomenon of female labor force participation as well as primary data in the form of six in-depth expert interviews with experts in the fields of …

“A Riddle Wrapped In A Mystery Inside An Enigma:” An Analysis Of Putin’S Domestic Popular Support, Patrick Ryan

Opinion Matters: Student Analyses of World News

This paper provides a comparative analysis in explaining why Russian President Vladimir Putin's receives unwavering support throughout his tenure especially in comparison to other world leaders. It discusses the forces behind the disparities between polling data from direct question surveys and list experiments. The paper also explains how Russia's recent military excursions impact Putin's national favorability ratings.

Lessons For Public Policy From The Covid-19 Pandemic, Olga Shvetsova

Political Science Faculty Scholarship

In the early 2020s, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, governments, bureaucracies, and health practitioners around the globe faced unforeseen tasks and responsibilities. The novelty and intensity of the crisis spurred innovation and experimentation in public policy, health policy, and crisis management. However, the pandemic also revealed bottlenecks and adverse incentives within policy framework and healthcare systems. From this experience, critical lessons emerged: the paramount importance of swift and well-informed policy responses and the ability to optimize ongoing policy response as the crisis unfolds.

Stop The Silence Of Sudan, Julia Weir

Opinion Matters: Student Analyses of World News

This Op-Ed seeks to bring greater awareness to the Sudan civil war and the resulting mass displacement, famine, genocide, and rape, and thus pressure the international community to act and prevent an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Political Turbulence And Aviation Safety: A Cross-National Analysis Of Political Stability's Effects On Aviation Accidents, Léa Faure, Lilliam Maria Cáceres Malachowski

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

To what extent does political stability affect aviation safety? This research aims to link domestic political conditions and public safety through the consideration of aviation accident frequency. Political instability can indeed have profound effects on reducing overall public safety in a variety of domains through its influence on public policies. Reduced regulations and governance efforts can appear in contentious contexts for less-prioritized fields. This could influence the reemergence of technical aviation risk factors like crew training and performance, maintenance issues, infrastructure problems, human errors, etc. This would highlight a correlation between such political instability and weaker aviation safety regulations, investments …

Venezuela's And Mexico's Oil Industries: Policy Making Sets The Course, Camila Gimenez Valero

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The puzzle of Venezuela's crisis is one that researchers often try to understand. How did one of the richest nations in the world become one of the poorest? Venezuela is nowadays seen as a country with political unrest, where people struggle to get by and with a corrupt government. However, this was not always the case. Throughout the 20th century Venezuela had remarkable economic stability. Having discovered the world's largest known oil reserves, the nation's economy quickly developed, and the country also became known for its long-standing democracy. After the election of Hugo Chavez in 1998, Venezuela began to decline …

Identifying Intangible And Biocultural Heritage Elements Toward Environmental Understanding: Engaging Stakeholders Through Art, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Grounded in a case study in Barbuda in the Caribbean, this research examines sustainability from the perspective of what arts and heritage can contribute to community engagement and local and broader understandings about the environment. This article documents a growing body of literature recognizing the role of arts and culture, including local knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), in climate change endeavors. Art and TEK present expansive world views. Contextual information situates research done on the island of Barbuda pre- and post-Hurricane Irma. Visual arts workshops engaged community members in mixed methods research. Results documented cultural elements, particularly intangible and …

The Woman Question And State Feminism: Gender, Power, And Modernity In Pahlavi Iran, Maire Claire Dubard

Scripps Senior Theses

In 20th century Pahlavi Iran, Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah instrumentalized the ‘woman question’ — women’s political, economic, and professional roles in a changing society — to consolidate their power and promote a modern state. Reza Shah utilized top-down and coercive reforms, including veiling and education, to strengthen his power, weaken religious influence, and create a visible national identity. In contrast, his son, Mohammad Reza Shah, instrumentalized gender issues and tied women’s rights to his personal image of progressivism. Though it can be argued that all of their reforms supported gender equality, they were implemented, in fact, with the …

Right-Wing Populist Mobilizations And Gender: France's Rassemblement National And Italy's Fratelli D'Italia, Meredith Mckinley

Scripps Senior Theses

European right-wing populist (RWP) parties are increasingly touting their attention to women’s issues and representation, and this has coincided with stronger electoral performances. Thus, the following puzzles emerge: how have RWP parties harnessed gender frames, issue salience, and women’s representation as part of a mainstreaming process, and through what mechanisms are these strategies resonating with voters? I address these questions by comparing France’s Rassemblement National (RN) and Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia (FdI), tracing their developments from the mid-twentieth century to the present day. I find that immigrants’ perceived relationship with the welfare state, feelings of insecurity due to terrorism, and RWP …

Exploring How Political Affiliations Influence Trust In Ai Applications, Md Imran Ahsan

Theses and Dissertations

This paper examines the impact of partisanship on public trust in the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by private and public institutions. This study utilizes data from the “Artificial Intelligence: American Attitudes and Trends” survey (Zhang & Dafoe, 2019). Survey-weighted OLS regression models are employed to examine the variations in trust levels across different private and public institutions. This study hypothesizes that H1: Compared to Republicans, Democrats will report higher levels of confidence in public institutions to develop AI in the best interests of the public. H2: Compared to Democrats, Republicans will report higher levels of confidence in private institutions …

Securitization Of African Migrants In Europe And North America, Chick Edmond

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

The securitization of African migrants in Europe and North America refers to the framing of immigrants as an existential security threat rather than a socioeconomic or humanitarian concerns. This discourse driven by political rhetoric, media narratives, and policy measures, often depict African migrants as risks to national security, cultural identity, and economic stability. Governments in host countries employ stringent border controls, detention and deportation policies often justified by counterterrorism and crime prevention frameworks. However, critics argue that securitization exacerbates xenophobia, violates human rights, and fails to address root causes of migration, such as conflict, poverty, and climate change. This paper …

Nuclear Deterrence Strategies And The Balance Of Power In Europe, Chick Edmond

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

The beginning of the Cold War era indubitably defines nuclear deterrence strategies in Europe by reinforcing and re-strategizing security dynamics amongst European States. The balance of power in Europe has been geopolitically influenced by NATO and Russia in a quest to avoid any kind of security dilemmas from either side. In order to maintain a strategic deterrence balance posture, this complex security navigation scenario therefore act as stabilizing factor in the region as well as preventing any future conflict on the Europe continent resulting from security imbalances. NATO eastward enlargement has maintained a significant strategic balance of power in the …