Political Science Commons^™

The Rohingya Muslims’ Crisis In The Rakhine State Of Myanmar: ‘Recognition As Toleration’ And ‘Religious Toleration’, Md. Ishrat Ibne Ismail, Md. Ishrat Ibne Ismail

Western Research Forum

Title:

The Rohingya Muslims’ Crisis in the Rakhine State of Myanmar: ‘Recognition as Toleration’ and ‘Religious Toleration’

Abstract:

The inhuman annihilation of the Rohingya people from the Rakhine state by the Myanmar military and the Buddhist majority, which is supported by the Myanmar government as they watched the massacre silently, could be considered as genocide. Ashley Kinseth claims: “in terms of rate of escalation, this is the greatest mass exodus - and has the makings to become the most significant humanitarian catastrophe - since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when over 800,000 Hutus and moderate Tutsis were slaughtered.” The main reason …

The Fear And Biopolitical Control Of The ‘Terrorist Other’, Percy Percy Sherwood

Western Research Forum

“I think Islam hates us,” Donald Trump said as a presidential candidate in a CNN interview in March 2016, conflating the religion with ‘radical Islamic terrorism.’ Trump’s statement exemplifies the prevailing fabricated enemy and resulting Islamophobia in the context of the ‘global war on terror.’ Since 9/11, powerful actors are using abstractions, ideologies, and narratives—that are usually defined along racial lines—to conjure up a fear so permeable that it serves to legitimize massive levels of violence in the name of self-righteousness. How do the racist abstractions, ideologies, and narratives that are associated with Islam and Muslims produce fear and insecurity …

A Treaty Under A Cloud: Diplomats And National Leaders Are Failing The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The article discusses contemporary challenges and debates surrounding nuclear weapons, focusing on the actions and doctrines of the P5 countries (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States). It critiques the P5's role in nuclear proliferation through modernization efforts and their impact on international disarmament efforts, particularly in the context of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The article highlights tensions and geopolitical maneuvers involving nuclear arsenals, such as NATO's responses to Russian assertiveness and U.S. policy shifts under President Trump. It calls for renewed efforts in arms control and disarmament, urging reflection on the effectiveness and ethical implications of nuclear deterrence …

C-Dem Researcher Meeting June 6, 2019, Consortium On Electoral Democracy

Meeting Notes

No abstract provided.

Presentation Of C-Dem Launch In Montreal September 16, 2019, Consortium On Electoral Democracy

Meeting Notes

No abstract provided.

C-Dem Partners Meeting Minutes May 29, 2019, Consortium On Electoral Democracy

Meeting Notes

No abstract provided.

Blind Devotion To Nuclear Deterrence: Our Ancestors Left A Legacy Of Magnificent Cathedrals While We’Ll Leave Behind Nuclear Weapons, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The article critiques the global obsession with nuclear deterrence, contrasting it sharply with the legacy of cultural and humanitarian achievements like the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral. She highlights staggering global expenditures on nuclear weapons, emphasizing their astronomical costs and the inherent risks they pose to global security and environmental stability. Simpson argues against the rationale that nuclear weapons prevent conventional wars, suggesting instead that they endanger humanity through their potential for catastrophic misuse or accidental deployment. She questions the wisdom of placing nuclear authority solely in the hands of leaders like Trump, Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-Un, emphasizing …

Snc’S Fate Could Affect Nuclear Security, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The fate of SNC-Lavalin, a major player in the nuclear engineering sector, hinges on its bid for a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) amidst allegations of fraud and corruption. Should SNC-Lavalin fail to secure a DPA and face conviction, it risks being barred from Canadian government contracts and jeopardizing ongoing projects with entities like Ontario Power Generation and Bruce Power. This could potentially lead to significant repercussions for the global nuclear industry, particularly in Canada, where nuclear projects such as reactor refurbishments at Bruce Power and Darlington are vital. The situation also highlights broader implications for nuclear security and waste management, …

Snc-Lavalin: Follow The (Big) Money, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

In 2011, the Harper government sold Canada's CANDU nuclear reactor division to SNC-Lavalin for $15 million. This transaction and subsequent dealings have sparked controversy and scrutiny, particularly amidst recent allegations of corruption. SNC-Lavalin's lobbying efforts for a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) have raised concerns about potential impacts on major nuclear projects in Canada, including reactor refurbishments and the construction of a Deep Geologic Repository. The company's history of bribery charges, including a notable case involving Libya, and its role in various high-profile corruption scandals have intensified calls for increased transparency and accountability. The situation underscores the need for vigilance in …

Snc Lavalin Nuclear Contracts At Risk If It’S Convicted, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The article explores the potential consequences facing SNC-Lavalin, a major player in Canada's nuclear industry, if it is convicted of fraud and corruption. The company's ability to bid on and fulfill billions of dollars worth of contracts with entities like Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and various power producers hangs in the balance. Simpson highlights the intertwined relationships between SNC-Lavalin, Canadian government officials, and international nuclear projects, emphasizing the critical role of political decisions in shaping the future of nuclear development in Canada. The piece underscores broader implications for Ontario's energy sector and raises questions about the sustainability of …

Personality, Politics, And Religion, Amanda Friesen

Political Science Publications

Individual differences in personality, religiosity, and political dispositions often are explained in conjunction with one another. Though the religious and political may share common themes of meaning-making, group identity, and societal organization, personality also influences these orientations. Specifically, the Big Five traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability) and authoritarianism demonstrate consistent relationships with religious/ political beliefs and behaviors. Personality is often thought of as the first mover to develop with an individual before exposure to the other two domains, leading to a conceptual influence model of: personality → religiosity → politics. Using longitudinal studies and genetically informed samples, however, …

Bad For U.S., Worse For Afghanistan, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The abstract summarizes recent developments in U.S. foreign policy concerning troop withdrawals from Afghanistan and Syria. It highlights the Senate and House of Representatives' bipartisan efforts to restrain President Trump's decisions, particularly on troop reductions, citing concerns over jeopardizing national security and hard-won gains. The resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and subsequent leadership changes at the Pentagon underscore the chaotic aftermath of Trump's decisions. Concurrently, negotiations with the Taliban for a peace agreement in Afghanistan continue, challenging the Afghan government amid ongoing conflicts with both the Taliban and ISIS. The abstract concludes with calls for NATO allies, including Canada, …

Staking Out Higher Ground: Giving Asylum To A Saudi Woman On The Run Burnishes Trudeau’S Humanitarian And Feminist Credentials, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

In the aftermath of granting asylum to Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, a Saudi woman fleeing alleged abuse, Canada under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has positioned itself prominently on the global stage. This humanitarian gesture not only burnishes Trudeau’s credentials as a champion of women’s rights but also challenges Saudi Arabia’s policies, notably amidst international backlash over the Jamal Khashoggi case. Trudeau’s stance, leading up to the federal election and the Women Deliver conference, underscores Canada’s commitment to feminist foreign policy. However, it also raises questions about potential repercussions on bilateral relations, including economic ties such as the sale of light armoured …

Generational Change? The Effects Of Family, Age, And Time On Moral Foundations, Amanda Friesen

Political Science Publications

One way to uncover the persistent role of religion across generations is to look past traditional understandings of religious belief and denominational belonging and examine the presence of bedrock principles that could influence political beliefs in families. The Moral Foundations framework was developed for this purpose – to describe human behavior and attitudes in the moral realm without relying upon country, culture, or time specific labels. In an original and rare three-generation dataset, college students, their parents, and their grandparents were asked about political attitudes and preferences for the Moral Foundations of Harm/Care, Fairness/Reciprocity, Ingroup/Loyalty, Authority/Respect, and Purity/Sanctity. The Foundations …

Digital Segregation: Gender, Occupation, And Access To Politics, Amanda Friesen, Ryan Burge, Kylee Britzman

Political Science Publications

In the United States, women often show less interest in politics, and under some conditions, perform worse than men on political knowledge tests. In an age where education levels have reached parity, we suggest one of the explanations for gender differences in political engagement might be due to selection of occupation. Past research has shown women and men segregate into different occupations due to early gender socialization, differences in interest, and structural barriers. It is possible that due to these segregation effects, women in traditional female occupations (e.g., education, health care, service work) may have less access to personal Internet …

New Arms Trade Treaty Will Change The Way Canada Does Business: The New International Arms Trade Treaty (Att) Requires Canada To Amend Its Export Regulations And Report All Sales Including To Unsavoury Regimes, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The article discusses Canada's adherence to the new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), emphasizing amendments to export regulations and the necessity to report all sales, including those to contentious regimes. It highlights the dilemma surrounding Canada's largest arms deal with Saudi Arabia for light armoured vehicles (LAVs), initiated under the Harper government and continued despite international scrutiny post-Khashoggi incident. Senators in Ottawa face the challenge of balancing economic interests with ethical considerations under Bill C-47, aiming to align Canadian policies with stringent ATT guidelines. The article underscores the pivotal role of oversight and transparency in shaping Canada's future arms trade policies …

Nuclear Jungle Closes In: Trump’S Intention To End The Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty Is Alarming, But It’S Not The Only Sign Of A Global Arms Race, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The article discusses the alarming intention of U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signaling a new global arms race. This move, along with the abandonment of the nuclear agreement with Iran, marks a dangerous trend as both the U.S. and Russia, holding 95% of the world's nuclear arsenal, continue to modernize their nuclear weapons. The article highlights the potential proliferation of nuclear weapons among other countries like India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, and possibly Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The collapse of various arms control treaties, such as the Anti-Ballistic Missile …

Dissent, Daring – And Death, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The article by Erika Simpson discusses the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which raises significant concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses and the broader implications for international relations. Khashoggi, who was critical of the Saudi regime, was killed while seeking papers for his marriage, with officials linked to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman implicated. The article reflects on the potential dangers faced by journalists and critics of authoritarian regimes. Simpson, who has written critically about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and Canada’s arms deals with the kingdom, highlights the ethical dilemma of prioritizing economic gains over human rights. …

Nato: New Headquarters, New Threats: An Academic Hears About New Threats Alongside Old From Officials At Nato’S New Headquarters, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

The article by Erika Simpson examines the atmosphere and discussions at NATO's new headquarters in Brussels, emphasizing the blend of old and new threats faced by the alliance. The impressive facility contrasts with the heightened sense of threat among NATO allies, particularly from Russia. Simpson highlights Poland's new bilateral arrangement with the U.S. and Canada's contribution to NATO's presence in Latvia. The article discusses the continued importance of nuclear deterrence and the complexities introduced by the UN's Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty. Interviews with key NATO officials, including Jamie Shea and Guy B. Roberts, shed light on NATO's strategic considerations regarding …

The Prime Minister’S Dilemma: The Strategies For The Game Prisoner’S Dilemma Contain Useful Lessons For Those Playing The Diplomatic Game, Including Our Prime Minister, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

In her analysis using game theory's Prisoner's Dilemma, Erika Simpson explores strategic lessons for diplomacy, focusing on the Tit for Tat (TFT) strategy. TFT, which starts with cooperation and responds in kind to the opponent's previous move, proves effective in fostering stable, long-term relations. Drawing parallels with Canada's interactions with Saudi Arabia and the U.S. under Trump, Simpson argues for diplomatic approaches emphasizing reciprocity, cooperation, measured retaliation, and forgiveness. These principles, derived from game theory, suggest that in navigating international relations, strategies promoting trust and stability can mitigate conflict and enhance mutual benefit over time.

Will Trump's Space Force Lead To The Militarization Of Space?, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

No abstract provided.

Gloom And Doom In Europe: After The Trump-Disrupted Nato Summit, Erika Simpson Finds Our European Allies Disheartened And Fearful, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

In her analysis following the disrupted NATO Summit under President Trump, Erika Simpson reflects on Europe's somber mood and strategic uncertainties. Attendees at a post-summit conference in Italy expressed frustration and concern over Trump's demands for increased defense spending from European allies. Simpson, the sole Canadian present, emphasized Canada's NATO contributions despite feeling overlooked in defense discussions focused on Europe's eastern and southern flanks. European officials, grappling with fears of Russian aggression and challenges like cyberwarfare and migrant crises, discussed plans to bolster military capabilities amid economic constraints and political upheavals within the EU. Simpson highlights Canada's steadfast NATO commitments …

Trump's Space Force Will Incite An Arms Race In Space, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

In July 2018, Erika Simpson critiques President Trump's proposal for a "Space Force," arguing it could trigger a new arms race in space. Trump’s vision of space as a warfighting domain and his push for increased missile defense spending could exacerbate global tensions and undermine existing arms control regimes. The Trump administration’s Nuclear Posture Review highlights a focus on space-based threats, but details remain unclear. Simpson questions whether Canada should participate in U.S. missile defense and space militarization, emphasizing the risk of escalating an arms race with Russia and China. She advocates for maintaining space as a demilitarized zone and …

Up In Arms: The Arms Trade Is Wreaking Havoc Around The Globe, And Canada Is Part Of It, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

In her article, Erika Simpson critiques the global arms trade, highlighting its detrimental impact on global stability and human rights. She points out Canada's significant role as a major arms exporter, particularly noting the controversial sale of light armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia amid concerns over human rights abuses in Yemen. Simpson draws parallels between the arms trade and historical injustices like the slave trade, arguing that the proliferation of weapons exacerbates conflicts and human suffering worldwide. She calls for more stringent adherence to international treaties, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, to regulate and curb the flow of weapons, …

Safety, Not Salary: The Security Of Ontario’S Nuclear Plants Should Be An Election Priority, Not The Salaries Of Top Hydro One Execs, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

In her analysis of Ontario's energy landscape, Erika Simpson discusses the implications of potential nuclear accidents, focusing on the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. She highlights concerns over safety, citing the station's proximity to densely populated areas and the potential consequences of a Fukushima-type disaster. Simpson underscores the economic and social costs projected in the event of a nuclear accident, including massive evacuations, health impacts, and property losses. She contrasts nuclear energy's risks with the potential benefits of transitioning to hydroelectricity from Quebec, emphasizing cost savings and environmental considerations. Simpson's assessment calls for heightened scrutiny of Ontario's nuclear facilities and proposes …

Reckless And Ruthless: Given Their Personalities, Don’T Expect Much Rational From The Donald Trump-Kim Jong-Un Summit, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in face-to-face negotiations. Is it possible for both these leaders to engage under duress in rational decisionmaking?

Justify Your Alpha, Amanda Friesen

Political Science Publications

No abstract provided.

The Woman Who Walks Through Photographs, Sharon Sliwinski

Data and Test Instruments

This paper explores Michal Heiman's creative strategy to imaginatively enter the space of asylum. Her recent project,RETURN: ASYLUM (THE DRESS, 1855-2018), offers a new way to extend solidarity to people who have been subjugated by the institution. She actively enlists the public's help in developing further strategies for connecting with those individuals who have been bereft of legal rights to property, family, or public hearing. This article explores Heiman's crucial political intervention, which blends creative visual practice with object relations theory.

On The Defensive, Erika Simpson

Political Science Publications

Just before Christmas, the U.S. Congress rushed through the Pentagon’s request for US$4 billion to detect, defeat and defend against ballistic missiles.

“We are ordering $4 billion worth of missile defence equipment and missiles themselves. Very important,” President Donald Trump said at the White House. “Top of the line. Best in the world. We make the best military product in the world, and nobody is even close.”

Cultural Diplomacy And Trade: Making Connections, North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative

FIMS Publications

The North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative’s (NACDI) approach to cultural diplomacy is based on: an expansive and nuanced approach to the term culture; a belief in the necessity of relational, rather than transactional engagement; and an interest in understanding the significance of non-state actors in the current network environment of diplomacy. Rather than seeing the multifaceted nature of cultural diplomacy as a challenge, NACDI points to complexity as a reason to advance nuanced discussions, including the recognition of a wide range of actors and activities, and well-developed indicators that have specific qualitative and quantitative measurements. The report, Cultural Diplomacy and …