International Relations Commons^™

Poor Cancer Prevention And Detection In Zimbabwe, Kenyon C. Chipman

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Abstract

In the aftermath of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, has witnessed a surge in noncommunicable diseases such as cancer. Despite the decline in HIV/AIDS and other cancer-associated illnesses like HPV, these diseases have set the stage for a growing cancer epidemic. Key contributing factors to this rise include a lack of knowledge about cancer among both patients and health professionals, the prevalence of cancer-associated communicable diseases, and limited accessibility to early detection and prevention services and resources. These factors have led to late diagnoses, increased burden on the healthcare system, and adverse effects on individuals and families. …

Ballard Brief And Joni: A Collaborative Partnership, Becca Linford

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Child Malnutrition In Argentina: An Examination Of It Root Causes, Effects, And Innovations To Intervene, Brooklyn Richins

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Abstract:

Child malnutrition rates in Argentina have been on the rise, driven by factors such as income inequality, harsh climatic conditions, and geographic isolation, leading to an increased reliance on highly processed, nutrient-poor foods. This escalating issue has wide-ranging health and educational implications, including poor neurocognitive development, higher rates of hypertension, and greater risks of obesity and diabetes. Particularly in impoverished regions, like Jujuy, malnutrition exacerbates disparities in child health outcomes and educational achievement. Though international organizations like UNICEF and Bountiful Children’s Foundation are working to address malnutrition through supplements, education, and screenings, gaps in program implementation persist, especially in …

Becoming A Network Of Networks: G20 Interfaith Forum, Marianna Richardson

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

‘Casar Public Lecture: The New Middle East Game Of Thrones’, The Prince Alwaleed Center For American Studies And Research Casar

Performances, Events, and Presentations

Dive into the high-stakes drama of "The New Middle East: Game of Thrones" with Prof. Alaa El-Hadidi, former Egyptian Ambassador to Turkey, Russia, and Romania, and Professor of Professor of Practice, PPAD Department, School of GAPP .

This lecture was held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the AUC New Cairo Campus.

The speaker discussed insider insights on regional power plays that unravels today's geopolitical intrigue like never before.

Learn more about CASAR:

Website: https://gapp.aucegypt.edu/academics/c...

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Review Of Ordinary Whites In Apartheid Society: Social Histories Of Accommodation, Gary Prevost

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Peacebuilding And Catholic Social Teaching, Peter R. Gathje

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Insurrectionary Uprisings: A Reader In Revolutionary Nonviolence And Decolonization, Matilda Maseno

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Pope John’S Pacem In Terris And The Call For Global Governance, Thomas Massaro

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

New Cold War, New Anti-Nuclear Activism (Webinar), - Kroc Institute For International Peace Studies

The Journal of Social Encounters

The nuclear freeze movement of the early 1980s demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to influence national defense and security policy at the height of the Cold War. Today, the world is threatened by a new global arms race as the United States, Russia, China, and other nuclear weapons states are rebuilding and enhancing their arsenals, including new missile deployments. In the face of worsening nuclear dangers, grassroots movements are once again advocating for nuclear disarmament and justice.

This webinar, which took place February 11, 2025 discussed the efforts and impact of local government officials, religious leaders, and international networks …

Toward Integral Security: How Environmental Protection Was Incorporated Into The United Nations System And Why It Matters Today And Tomorrow, Patricia M. Mische

The Journal of Social Encounters

How did the United Nations - an international organization built on 19^th century worldviews and state-centric structures, integrate 21^st century challenges of environmental protection into its mission and programs? The UN Charter includes no mandate for environmental protection. Ecological integrity was not included in the scope of peace and security held by member states when they ratified the UN Charter. Yet, despite this and other historical, philosophical and structural limitations, the UN became the leading body for the development of global environmental policy.

Fratelli Tutti And Social Media: Solidarity And Social Networks Among Locals And Urban Refugees In Kampala, Uganda, Augustine Bahemuka

The Journal of Social Encounters

Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’ social encyclical, exhorts all Christians and people of good will to cultivate a spirit of fraternity and solidarity with all people in need, regardless of socio-cultural or creedal or racial differences. He challenges us to broaden our perception of “neighbour” to even include those people whose plight we encounter via social media – our digital neighbours. This paper shows how the Association of Refugee Women in Uganda (AORW- U) has used social media to amplify the voices of urban refugees living in Kampala, thereby raising public awareness; attracting global and local partnerships; and creating healthy social …

Intergenerational Dialogue And Inquiry For Collective Healing, Social Justice And Communal Well-Being: A Reflection On Conceptions, Processes And Practices, Scherto Gill

The Journal of Social Encounters

This paper explores how intergenerational dialogue and inquiry (IDI) may help break the silence about past brutality and contribute to collective healing, social justice and communal well-being. The specific historical contexts that it is concerned with are transatlantic slavery and colonisation, and the continued legacies of contemporary racism. Global communities impacted by these tragedies often experience silence between the generations about the trauma resulting from the atrocity, often exacerbated by present day discrimination. In considering the case study of IDI in communities on four continents, this paper further analyses the processes involved in breaking the cycles of silence, and remembering …

Human Security And The Idiot: “Can Beauty Really Save The World”, Aaron Tyler

The Journal of Social Encounters

A key point of progress in the systematic considerations of the causality and cessation of violent conflict is found in the evolving idea of human security. In a collective effort to respond to the chaotic reality of violent engagement, human security emerged toward the end of the twentieth century as a multilateral, person-centered paradigm for thinking about and pursuing conflict transformation. As human security enters a third generation of development, scholars and policymakers continue to discern the usefulness of this holistic, multilateral paradigm for security. The efficacy of human security outcomes will depend on how the individual and collective within …

From Hegemony To The “Regime Of Tolerance” In Muslim-Christian Relations: The Stakes Of The Pope’S Trip To Bahrain, Francois Mabille

The Journal of Social Encounters

Whilst not ignoring theological discussions on the subject of Muslim-Christian dialogue, the present analysis of Muslim-Christian or Muslim-Catholic relations will not be conducted from a historical-theological perspective. It will be limited to the political and geopolitical aspects of the work undertaken by the Holy See and Pope Francis since 2013. The argument put forward here is that since the beginning of the current pontificate, there has been a major change in the order of relations between Catholicism and Islam, which has had an impact on the international scene and should therefore be closely watched by states. This change corresponds to …

Gang Violence And Pacification In Ecuador: Comparing Trends In Guayaquil And Duran 2008-2024, Mason Alexandra Rothenberger

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

Why has there been a dramatic increase in gang violence in Ecuador beginning in 2020? Cities like Guayaquil and Duran in the coastal region of Ecuador, as well as the border region that Ecuador shares with Colombia have experienced significant increases in criminal activity and with it a rise in criminal violence. I review four hypotheses for why criminal violence has emerged and proliferated within Ecuador. Analysis of primary interviews with subject matter experts in Ecuador shows that the rise in violence resulted from the 2007 efforts to reintegrate gangs into society, which set the stage for fragmentation of gangs …

Lawfare And Terrorism – Can Terrorism Justify The Use Of Force?, Joanna Siekiera

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

As the world became increasingly interconnected, the significance of international law has been augmented exponentially. International law encompasses a vast array of legal systems, written norms, and customary principles that govern the interactions between states, still being the primal and main norm creators, as well as to some extent international organizations, and other non-state actors (NSA) gaining more and more influence, and finally us - individuals. In recent times, the utilization of law as a tool of warfare has gained prominence, with public and private entities leveraging legal arguments and international institutions to achieve their military and political objectives. While …

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 …

The New World Order And National Security Dynamics Of African States: Case Study Cameroon And Mali, Chick Edmond, Nyongbet Gabsa Wilfred, Dekoum Ta Nda Hugues Martin

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This paper seeks to investigate the impact of the new World order on national security dynamics of African states. The case study chosen was Cameroon and Mali because of their diverse security approach in enhancing national security policies on the continent. The paper ponders on how the evolving global political landscape is shifting power dynamics and emerging threats influencing security strategies of these two countries. The notion of ontological security was vital in examining why both states adopt different approaches in enhancing their national security interests. Cameroon has a steadfast ontological security since from its independence while Mali is ambiguous. …

Democracy And Foreign Aid: How Democratic Institutions Affect Aid Effectiveness, Jonas Bensah

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This research paper examines the comparative effectiveness of foreign aid in Ghana and Zimbabwe, highlighting the critical role of political regimes and democratic institutions. The study underscores that while democratic governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, significantly enhances aid effectiveness. Ghana’s stable democracy and robust institutions have facilitated the effective use of aid, leading to significant improvements in economic growth, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s authoritarian regime, marked by corruption and political repression, has hindered the efficient utilization of aid, exacerbating the country's socio-economic challenges. Policy recommendations for donors emphasize the need for promoting democratic governance, …

The Post-Millennial French Colonial Empire, Chase Plante

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

The French Colonial Empire of the Age of Imperialism was born in the apocalyptic fires of a millennial movement: the French Revolution of 1789. Millennial movements aspire to rapidly, often violently, achieve utopia by transforming their contexts. Revolutionary France went to war to liberate the world from tyranny and so began both French nationalism and the resurged French colonial empire. The crusade failed, but nationalism and imperial expansion remained. The French genuinely believed that, in their imperial and colonial expansion and domination, they were bringing the world closer to utopia. Assimilation, linguistic and cultural, was a key part of this. …

Modeling The Impact Of Nato Policy Actions On Taliban Disinformation Campaigns With Lotka-Volterra Models, Timothy Tarter, Bella Santos

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

In this paper, we use an adaptation of the Lotka-Volterra Predator-Prey framework (via Affilit Et. Al.) to model the relationship between Taliban disinformation campaigns and NATO’s attempts to counter them. We find that aggression is a significantly preferred strategy over stagnation; this result should prompt decisionmakers to take strong stances against disinformation campaigns while maintaining a healthy defense against retribution. This leads us to propose the NATO Afghan Youth for Change program, which provides scholarships to individuals throughout the Afghan diaspora to become NATO influencers - a role which will both advance their personal goals and mitigate the spread of …

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 …

Truth Subversion And The Challenges To International Order, David Acosta

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This essay explores the increasing prevalence and impact of truth subversion on the liberal international order (LIO). It examines how modern disinformation campaigns seek to undermine shared epistemological foundations critical for international cooperation, and looks to answer the question: what impact does truth subversion have on international order? Furthermore, it investigates how truth subversion creates uncertainty, challenges alliances, and exacerbates security dilemmas. The essay identifies four core truth subversion tactics: disinformation, double speak, conspiracy theories, and flooding, and applies them to the 2014 Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 tragedy, where Russian actors employed these techniques to distort facts, challenge investigative findings, …

From Shatter Zone To Shatterbelt: The Role Of The Three Seas Initiative In Shaping Central And Eastern Europe, Ian Murphy

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

The Three Seas Initiative (TSI) is a relatively new political and economic platform aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This initiative seeks to address the region’s historical underdevelopment and lack of north-south connectivity. This paper examines the role of the TSI in the context of a changing geopolitical landscape, where Russia and China are increasingly seeking to exert influence. The central research question is: Does the TSI represent a fundamental shift in the CEE region, and how can it foster interdependence while mitigating the risk of conflict? I argue that the TSI signifies …

Peace Engagement And Non-Negotiable Commitment Through An In-Depth Lens (P.E.N.C.I.L) Theory: A Film Perspective On Un’S Conflict Resolution, Edward Moses Sam Selvaraj

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This paper introduces the P.E.N.C.I.L. Theory—Peace Engagement and Non-negotiable Commitment through an In-depth Lens—as a metaphorical and analytical framework for understanding the United Nations Security Council’s role in conflict resolution. Using the symbolic structure of a pencil, the theory critiques the Council’s decision-making power ("the lead") and its human consequences ("the eraser"), highlighting how failures in peacekeeping and diplomacy disproportionately affect civilian populations. Drawing on constructivist theory, the paper argues that norms and social narratives, especially those shaped by cinema, are critical in holding international institutions accountable. Through close analysis of films such as Hotel Rwanda, Sometimes in April, and …

The Frozen Sleeping Giant: How The U.S. Can Awaken To Arctic Challenges And Advance Its Northern Interests, Daniel White

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

For much of human history, the Arctic Ocean was persistently inaccessible to mass trade and transportation. With warming global temperatures, the ice of the Arctic Ocean is slowly giving way to navigable ocean, and creating new opportunities for states wanting to take advantage of the upcoming maritime access. With U.S. adversaries like Russia and China pursuing their Arctic interests, one would assume that the U.S. is hard at work at reinforcing its Arctic territory. Despite the United States being the global hegemon, scholars have remained puzzled as to why the U.S. has continued an apparent apathy towards the Arctic. This …

Soft Law, Activism, And Climate Displacement: Rethinking International Protections For The Environmentally Displaced, Guljannat Huseynli, Andrea G. Brown

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

Climate change is displacing millions of people globally, yet those forced to migrate due to environmental factors remain unprotected under existing international refugee law. This paper argues that legal recognition for climate refugees can emerge not through immediate treaty reform but through the evolution of soft law and norm creation. Drawing on constructivist theory, it examines how activism, international organizations, and legal precedents contribute to shifting global norms. Through case studies such as Ioane Teitiota v. New Zealand and the Fridays for Future movement, the paper shows how strategic litigation and advocacy can build momentum for future legal protections. It …

U.S. - Azerbaijan Cooperation In The Field Of Security, Malahat Eynalizade

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

This research work will explore the security partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan. A key issue in the Western relationship with Azerbaijan is security. The defense and security cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan is a fundamental aspect of their bilateral relations. It serves as a driving force behind their political ties and provides a solid foundation for enhancing the capabilities of Azerbaijan’s institutions through various aid programs. In the late 1990s, the U.S. government concluded that it had significant, albeit ancillary, interests in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Security in the South Caucasus is important to the …

Embedding And Enabling Multi-Domain Combat Capabilities With Partners And Allies: A Joint Concept Proposal, Nathan Colvin, Aljoša Kaučevič, Randall Mercer

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

Future military operations will rely upon a coalition partnership’s ability to conduct regional and global operations across all domains. Currently the US has the most robust multi-domain skill sets of any existing military force, but the US cannot be solely responsible for operations around the globe. To do so would be geopolitically and economically infeasible. An answer may be to build cohesive coalition force units capable of combining localized capabilities and specialized US global competencies. The ability to respond to any type of threat through the synergy of coalition strengths will act to deter regional threats throughout the cooperation, competition, …