Political Science Commons^™

Power Brokers: Three Revolutionaries Who Shaped Post-Revolutionary Egypt And Tunisia, Dan Harker

Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Lgbt Film Exposure On Policy Preference, Grant Baldwin

Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies

No abstract provided.

Gender Equality And Democratization: How Greater Gender Equality Helps Explain Tunisian Success In The Arab Spring, Hannah Miller

Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies

No abstract provided.

The Double Edge: Contradictory Functions Of Civil Society Organizations In The Tunisian Democratic Process, Dhia Ben Ali

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

“Democratic transition,” the act of becoming democratic, and “democratic consolidation,” the subsequent actions that solidify the achievement of becoming democratic, are two separate processes that go hand in hand. While several Arab Spring nations overthrew their dictators, fewer underwent a democratic transition, and only one – Tunisia – achieved democratic consolidation (Bouchlaghem and Thepaut, 2019; Sadiki, 2019; Gianni, 2019). Tunisia constitutes the sole Arab Spring country to have: 1) created and adopted a new constitution; 2) formed and institutionalized political parties that peacefully share power; and 3) achieved multiple rounds of free and fair elections (Al-Anani, 2014; Yerkes, 2019). Scholarly …

“Otherwise, It’S War”: Us-Taiwan Defense Ties And The Opening Of The People’S Republic Of China (1969-1974), Robert 'Bo' Kent

War, Diplomacy, and Society (MA) Theses

In 1969, President Richard Nixon inherited a much different Cold War than that which existed in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Writ large, the project of ‘containing’ communism appeared to be falling apart. The Soviet Union was ascendant in Eurasia, the Vietnam War was continuing to grind down American power projection, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was emerging as a potential partner on the world stage. Despite the uncertainty of the situation, both President Nixon and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger saw these circumstances as an opportunity to reshape the global balance of power. Key to this …

How Racialization Shapes Work Conditions For H2a Migrant Farmworkers: Literature Review, Zoi Johns

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

Scholars have argued that an existing gap between the idealization of American prosperity and actualization of American exploitation occurs on account of racialization. Racialization refers to the process in which subsets of people are reduced to a set of occupational practices, beliefs, or narratives that work to define their low position within societal hierarchy (Garcia 2014). This concept distinguishes itself from racism as it focuses on the conditions that exist in order for the reproduction of racism and oppression to occur (Gonzalez-Sobrino and Goss 2019). Thus, it will be argued that the reproduction of these tenants occurs capitalistically and perpetually. …

Operation Overload: Career Planning Education In South Dakota, Amber R. Hulse

Honors Thesis

This thesis examines South Dakota’s workforce issues and their potential relations

to career planning education curriculum, policies, and practices in the state based

on students’ perspectives. Using 8-12th grade students’ responses from consumer

satisfaction surveys taken before and after a roughly hour-long career planning

workshop the study provides several pieces of evidence of gaps in career planning

education. Based on this evidence and national career planning curriculum

standards or best practices the thesis recommends three actions to improve career

planning education delivery: increasing access to counselors/hiring counselors,

updating curriculum include comprehensive subjects and more often to current

with the job …

In His Name: White Evangelicals, The Republican Party, And Their Support And Endorsement Of Donald Trump – Documentary Podcast, Matthew Moore

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to provide historical context to the rise of White Evangelicals political involvement in the United States and how it evolved to support and endorse Donald Trump for president in the 2016 election. Three major factors led to this: White Christian Nationalism, traditional family values, and racial resentment. The podcast is a story told in three parts, addressing the history of these elements starting before America was even a nation to today. This project seeks to address the past, acknowledge what led to Donald Trump’s election in 2016, and reckon with White Evangelicals ought to …

America Delayed: An Analysis Of Comprehensive Sex Education In The Us, Carolyn Jones

Political Science

Sex education in the United States has been and continues to be a threat to public health. Compared to European countries, the United States has incredibly poor health outcomes all of which are a direct result of poor sex education. A deep dive into sex education per state reveals a list of bad actors across the United States, not just a result of a few bad acting states. In 2015 California passed what many health experts consider the exemplary sex education bill. A comparison of two similar states, New York and California try to identify the casual mechanisms that allowed …

“They Were Simply Invisible”: Advocacy Groups’ Inequitable Impact On The Passage Of Fosta/Sesta & The Role Of Social Acceptability, Kathryn Weidner

Political Science

FOSTA/SESTA, a federal law passed in 2017, was intended to thwart sex trafficking on the internet by amending Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. In practice, it has radically changed the ways internet service providers (ISPs) moderate user content, oftentimes impacting the livelihoods of sex workers. Considering FOSTA/SESTA’s broad bipartisan support, this thesis examines the roles of different advocacy groups in FOSTA/SESTA’s creation. By examining witness testimonies before Congress, public statements, and letters for/against FOSTA/SESTA, the author finds that, the more socially accepted an advocacy group’s members are, the more influence that stakeholder group held over the …

The United States And Its Coercive Democratization Attempts In Japan And Iraq, Noah Shepardson

College Honors Program

The United States engaged in coercive democratization (bringing democracy to a country via coercive measures such as occupation) endeavors in both Japan and Iraq, achieving drastically different results. The democratization of Japan is typically regarded as the gold standard of coercive democratization due to Japan’s rapid social and economic development following the United States’ occupation of the country in the years after World War II. The United States’ democratization effort in Iraq, on the other hand, has failed to create such prosperous conditions and has arguably made Iraq more unstable. This thesis seeks to identify why coercive democratization worked in …

American Samoa Politics: Performing Sāmoa, Dayonara S. Gaoteote

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

American Samoa as a self-governing U.S. territory located in the South Pacific is fortunate to be able to maintain their cultural traditions, language, and lands in all aspects- including their government. However, when the community suffers from a number of growing issues that affect the health and safety of its citizens, an analysis of the culture and leadership is fitting. I interviewed Jacqueline Tuiasosopo-Mata'u, Dr. Tapa'au Daniel Aga, and Chief Tauaisafune Niualama Taifane to gain insight into American Samoa government history, American Samoa government and community in the present, and to describe cultural practices and traditions that are in place. …

Grappling With The Aftereffects Of Modernism In American Literature And Culture: Spiritual, Political, And Ecological, Joseph Neary

Master of Arts in English Plan II Graduate Projects

In this portfolio, Joe Neary examines various texts within contemporary American culture, including David Foster Wallace’s short story, “Good Old Neon,” Harmony Korine’s film, Spring Breakers, Richard Powers’ novel, The Overstory, and Bruce Holsinger’s book of criticism, Neomedievalism, Neoconservatism, and the War on Terror.

Empowering Action Against Femicide: A Case Study Of Turkey An Integrated Literature Review, Ashley Simon

Thinking Matters Symposium

The primary purpose of this integrative literature review is to explore the relationship between culture and femicide within Turkey to empower action against femicide. Femicides within Turkey are on the rise, as a study done by Sage Journals in 2009 reported that 42% of Turkish women between the ages of 15 and 60 experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse from their husband or partner. Currently, there has been an onslaught of articles released that more and more women are being abused throughout the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research will explore cultural aspects that allow for women’s …

Open Education Exploration Grant: Greg Shaw, Greg Shaw

Ames Library Awards

No abstract provided.

Examining The Gender Wage Gap, Onu Institute For Civics And Public Policy, Kennedy Aikey, Kennedy Cook, Hailey Trimpey

Critical Questions

The gender pay gap has been an evolving issue for decades. While the gap in wages between men and women has narrowed, inequality continues to be prevalent. This issue will continue to impact current women in the workforce as well as younger generations to come until greater equality is achieved.

Seventy Years Later: Caste Struggle In The Indian Bureaucracy, Kathryn Victoria Doner

Global Studies Student Scholarship

Major: Global Studies and Sociology
Minors: Black and Latin American Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Trina Vithayathil, Global Studies

Caste plays a role in all aspects of Indian life. Individuals from disadvantaged castes face challenges because of institutionalized discrimination and inequality favoring caste elites. The 1950 Indian Constitution implemented a centralized system of affirmative action after discriminated castes advocated for more representation in Indian society. Reservation of government bureaucracy seats would help to change the composition and culture of institutions. My research examines the changing caste composition of the administrative bureaucracy and the factors that have supported and impeded this change. …

Follow The Money? Analyzing The Impact Of Fundraising On Candidate Withdrawal In The 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary, Scotland R. Kraker

Political Science Honors Projects

The 2020 Democratic presidential primary had the largest field in modern history. Twenty eight major candidates sought the nomination, yet after March 19th that historic field had been winnowed down to only two. This paper seeks to explain part of that winnowing process and expand on the literature explaining why candidates withdraw in presidential primaries. I trace the impact of fundraising on candidate withdrawal during the 2020 primary using an event history model, to compare cash on hand, a traditional indicator of financial success with a new indicator which takes into account a candidate's relative position in the field. My …

Eagle Eye Vs. Gear Jammer, Jessica Danielle Ellis

Theses and Dissertations

Where similarities in class struggle have historically operated as a unifying force globally, the American crafted mythos isolates the individual and dehumanizes those that do not fall within the parameters of the cowboy archetype. The national protagonist is turned into a class traitor and an extension of government power.

Structured For Success: Activist Networks As Key To Organizing Victories At Macalester, Hannah D. Catlin

Political Science Honors Projects

Macalester’s identity as a college is deeply rooted in its commitments to social justice,

activism, and multiculturalism. As such, it has a rich history of student social movements defined by unique, decentralized networking structures forming out of the constraints of working in a college environment. In terms of structure, what do successful Macalester social movement organizations look like? I argue that Macalester social movement organizations form concentrically nested structures and that these networks in concert with organizational tactics lead to success or failure in terms of goal acquisition. I draw on the history of Macalester student social movement organizations, highlighting …

How Sustainable Is Veganism?, Aiden Budinski, James Mcfadden, Adam Gilewski

Student Work

No abstract provided.

Efficiency With Covid-19: Home Vs. Dillon’S Rule States, Jason Kolb

Political Science Theses and Capstones

How does a state measure success when dealing with a pandemic like Covid-19? Can Dillon’s Rule keep their citizens happy and protected during a pandemic better then Home Rule? When local governments wait for the state to create policies, is this the best option for the state? Data will show a trend that states with a higher preemption rate have kept the death rate lower when dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic

Asylum Policy In France: A Case Study Of Governing Party Incentives & Seine Saint-Denis : Une Étude De Cas Sur L’Impact Des Partis Au Pouvoir Sur La Politique D’Asile, Jacob Kang

International Relations Honors Papers

Following an increase in displaced persons globally in the 2000s and 2010s, governments around the world have been required to adjust their response to the growing need for refuge. Even internally within countries, there was variation in how the governing political party revised asylum policy. This thesis seeks to explain that variation in asylum policy in France between 2007 and 2019 under three different parties in power. Its explanations focus on the ideology and electoral incentives of governing parties and it focuses on the general economic status of the country. Based on literature and historical context, three factors are primarily …

Book Review: Hate In The Homeland: The New Global Far Right, Ann M. Morgan

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

Miller-Idriss’s Hate in the Homeland provides a timely explanation for the organization and mainstreaming of groups and beliefs that, until recently, were seen in the U.S. as fringe. This book review provides an overview of the spaces and places outlined by Miller-Idriss: virtual, physical, real, and imagined where far-right extremism is showing up and building financial, physical, intellectual, and human capital. The book prompts raising awareness and asking questions for teachers, parents, journalists, law enforcement, and many others.

The Political, The Personal, And The Personified: 18th Century British Political Caricature Art And The Formation Of The British Empire’S Identity, Sarah Johns

History Honors Papers

An image is often capable of communicating a number of things to a viewer, and political caricature in the eighteenth-century British metropole is one clear example of this. Political caricature became a useful tool for the wealthy—especially white men—to engage in discussions about the power of the British Empire as it continued to expand and grow in strength in comparison to other European Empires at the time. Even so, with the coming of the American conflict, things changed. No longer could these men be sure of what a British identity entailed. A family fractured, changing gender norms, evolving concepts of …

280— Bureaucracy And Inefficiency: Failures Of Cercla In Protecting Indigenous Communities, Mikaela Burke

GREAT Day Posters

In 1983, The Environmental Protection Agency created the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The main goal of which is to protect human health and the environment by holding liable parties accountable for hazardous waste contamination. While CERCLA has been able to clean up many of the sites on their National Priorities List, it has failed to address many as well. Persistent problems with slow-moving bureaucratic structures and expensive oversight costs have forced people out of their homes, subjected them to long-term and short-term health problems, and have created an unlivable environment, particularly for those who rely on …

279— President Biden's Stimulus Package Aims To Decrease Americans In Poverty, Tyler Schneider

GREAT Day Posters

How will President Biden’s stimulus package affect Americans living in poverty? This $1.9 trillion package was just recently signed into law by President Biden this month. President Biden argues that this plan will cut child poverty in half which would be the largest reduction in recent history. The stimulus plan includes direct checks, tax breaks and extended benefits for unemployment. These benefits are temporary and there for be analyzed whether or not this will allow for Americans to live out of poverty for the long term and whether these benefits should be made permeant.

260— Necessary Reform In The Child Welfare System, Amy Lynch

GREAT Day Posters

This paper will examine and explore solutions to fix the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In Los Angeles County, California, there has been numerous situations where the children are not being checked on regularly and that results in them living in unsafe environments. These children are not removed from an unsafe home immediately. Some of the DCFS social workers do not complete neglect checks in a timely manner or even visit the home once. According the Los Angeles Daily News, an audit of practices in 2017 and 2018 revealed that 72% of social workers completed the necessary safety …

082— The Importance Of An Unbiased Media For American Democracy: An Analysis Of Media Affecting Public Opinion, Keith Hurley

GREAT Day Posters

A free and unbiased media is a cornerstone of any properly functioning democracy. It is the primary means of information transfer between the federal government and its constituents on policy matters. While there are a number of democratic countries around the world that have taken steps to limit press freedom, thereby moving away from a full democratic system, the United States has, for the most part, not been one of them. However, mass media in the United States is far from perfect, and in some instances can be damaging to American society and democracy itself. I will conduct a literature …

277— Demands Of The 99%: The Impact Of Protest In Contemporary American Democracy, Dylan Walgate

GREAT Day Posters

Frederick Douglass once said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.” In American politics, one method of making those demands has been organizing and engaging in social protest. In contemporary politics, this has manifested with protests like the 2011 Occupy Movement, the 2018 March for Our Lives, or the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. These movements have all dominated headlines, and contributed to shaping public discourse on the issues (or at times even polarizing the electorate), and thus affecting elections, and subsequent legislation. This research will use case studies to examine how mass social protests can, and have already, influenced American …