Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons^™

Sustainability Policy Proposals For The Township Of Montclair, Nj, Fanny Lauby, Josemy Barrera Cabal, Aaron Chauhan, Chase Geer, Carlos Jimenez, Catherine Khitiri, Jonathan Lockette, Andrew Mapes, Coral Mejía, Jack Nacht, Gabriella O’Keefe, Refia Oral, Sanjeev Rao, Jacob Roby, Julnide Saint Juste, Fiona Slatina

Department of Political Science and Law Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This white paper was written as a course requirement for POLS 324 Advanced Public Policy Analysis at Montclair State University in fall 2025. In the course, students analyze public policy and examine current issues. Public policy analysis can be defined as the development and evaluation of policy solutions to public problems. The course's learning objectives include “critically evaluate the goals and assumptions of different policy proposals,” “create a policy proposal for a public problem,” and “evaluate the proposals developed by their peers.” For the fall 2025 iteration of the course, I invited two offices in the township of Montclair to …

Media Bias Explained: Its Impact On Political Opinions, Janae Joachim

Senior Honors Theses

Even though the media does not maliciously warp public opinion, it can distort the public understanding of reality. Journalists desire to educate the people but are powerless against their own bias. Complicating matters is that they recklessly seek to increase engagement, exacerbating political polarization and a negative view of government. Factual reporting is more important with the rise of social media as a news source because Gen-Z’s political opinions are informed by social applications. While media bias existed before social media, it now remains mostly unchecked. Political reporters must be cognizant of the impact they have on voters and subsequently …

Between Hard And Soft Power: A Historical Analysis Of U.S. Defense Diplomacy, Shuhei Takahashi

War, Diplomacy, and Society (MA) Theses

In recent years, countries around the world—those of Europe but also Japan, China, and Russia—have accelerated their efforts to use military assets as instruments of diplomacy. This trend has contributed to the rising prevalence of the term “defense diplomacy” in national security discourse. The United States is no exception. Its abundant military assets and its global network of bases clearly demonstrate that it is the world’s leading practitioner of defense diplomacy. Yet the United States lacks a clear strategic document outlining the concept. Moreover, because existing definitions remain theoretically ambiguous and methods for assessing the effectiveness of defense diplomacy initiatives …

Policymaker Receptivity To Corporate Political Activity As Influenced By Activists, Mark E. Bateman

School of Public Service Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation considers the role of shareholder resolutions and employee strikes as representations of activist activities targeting corporations and their influence on corporate political activity (CPA). The study builds from the McDonnell and Werner (2016) study in Administrative Science Quarterly, “Blacklisted businesses: Social activists’ challenges and the disruption of corporate political activity” that assessed the role of consumer boycotts vis-à-vis CPA. Starting with the political marketplace framework, introducing the policy relationship framework, and using signal theory, the dissertation found some support that shareholder resolutions and employee strikes related to increases in PAC refunds, that temporal issue salience to the …

Understanding Executive Order 13583’S Impact To Federal Workforce Diversity & Employee Perception Of Federal Policies And Programs, Michael Robert Arenella

School of Public Service Theses & Dissertations

Creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DE&I) workforce produces beneficial organizational outcomes, such as decreased turnover, improved creativity and innovation, and improved organizational performance (Diaz-Garcia et al., 2013; Gomez & Bernet, 2019; McLeod et al., 1996; Singh & Selvarjan, 2013). While the private sector has placed much emphasis on improving DE&I in their hiring practices, whether the federal government has achieved comparable outcomes remains unclear. Guided by the punctuated equilibrium theory (PET), this dissertation examines the impact of Executive Order 13583 on both change in workforce composition, and employee sentiment towards diversity policies and programs.

Using a multi-level, multi-method, …

Notes For Contributors, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Review Article: International Relations: State Of The Field. Paul R. Viotti’S Kenneth Waltz: An Intellectual Biography (Ny: Columbia University Press, 2023)., Damon Coletta

Space and Defense

In this review essay, Damon Coletta examines Paul R. Viotti’s Kenneth Waltz: An Intellectual Biography (Columbia University Press, 2023), positioning it as both a tribute to and a reexamination of one of International Relations’ most influential theorists. Viotti, a former student of Waltz, reconstructs the intellectual development of structural realism—tracing its philosophical and methodological roots from Man, the State, and War (1959) to Theory of International Politics (1979)—while situating Waltz’s scholarship within the geopolitical and academic transformations of the Cold War era. Coletta highlights Viotti’s skillful balance between biography and disciplinary analysis, showing how Waltz’s systemic approach to international politics …

Review Article: Monetary Power And National Security. A 10th Anniversary Review Of Paul R. Viotti’S The Dollar And National Security: The Monetary Component Of Hard Power (Stanford, Ca: Stanford University Press, 2014), Ricardo Crespo

Space and Defense

In this ten-year retrospective, Ricardo A. Crespo reassesses Paul R. Viotti’s The Dollar and National Security (2014) as a foundational text bridging the fields of monetary policy and national security. Viotti’s central thesis—that military power ultimately depends on a stable and privileged monetary foundation—has only grown more relevant amid today’s weaponization of finance and the geopolitics of sanctions. Crespo highlights Viotti’s argument that sustaining the U.S. dollar’s global dominance requires cooperative security and international consensus, noting how historical parallels—from the sterling gold standard to Bretton Woods—illustrate the fragility of monetary hegemony under fiscal mismanagement or political fragmentation. The review situates …

Plan To Fail By Failing To Plan: Deterring Prc Nuclear Force Expansion, Mark Tang, Grace Buettner

Space and Defense

This article argues that the United States must adapt its nuclear deterrence strategy to counter the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) accelerating nuclear force expansion. As Beijing seeks to achieve nuclear parity with Washington—projecting up to 1,500 warheads by 2035—the authors contend that U.S. strategy must evolve from Cold War-era models to meet the Indo-Pacific’s unique strategic challenges. They propose the establishment of a Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) A-10 Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Division, modeled after its European counterpart, to enhance regional nuclear planning, integration, and allied assurance. The paper emphasizes the concept of escalation domination, arguing …

Earth’S Orbital Prison: Codifying Customary Law To Prevent Environmental Catastrophe In Space, Jacob Cook

Space and Defense

This article argues that the accelerating proliferation of space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) poses an existential threat to the sustainability of the orbital environment—one comparable in strategic gravity to nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. Drawing on liberal internationalist theory and the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), the paper asserts that deliberate satellite destruction through anti-satellite (ASAT) testing and negligent debris generation risk triggering a self-sustaining cascade of collisions known as the Kessler Syndrome. Existing treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty and the Artemis Accords, lack enforceable mechanisms to prevent such catastrophic harm. To fill this …

Enabling The Decisive Advantage, Mallory Stewart

Space and Defense

In her keynote address at the 2025 USSPACECOM Legal Conference, former Assistant Secretary of State Mallory Stewart argues that law, norms, and international cooperation are central to maintaining the United States’ “decisive advantage” in outer space. She emphasizes that rules and standards—far from constraining innovation or strategic flexibility—enhance predictability, reduce risk, and empower responsible competition. Stewart highlights the success of initiatives such as the Artemis Accords, the U.S. commitment to forgo destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) tests, and the global expansion of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) agreements as examples of how legal and normative frameworks reinforce stability and collaboration. She …

Space, Law, And National Security, Stephen Whiting

Space and Defense

In his address to the 2025 USSPACECOM Legal Conference, General Stephen Whiting underscores the indispensable role of legal professionals in shaping the future of military space operations and maintaining the rules-based international order in an increasingly contested domain. He outlines the rapid transformation of the space environment driven by commercial innovation, technological proliferation, and the accelerating threat landscape posed by adversaries such as China and Russia. The speech highlights U.S. Space Command’s three “moral responsibilities”: ensuring the delivery of space capabilities to the joint force and allies, protecting and defending critical space assets, and safeguarding the joint force from space-enabled …

Allied Abandonment And Nuclear Proliferation: Lessons From South Korea’S Secret Nuclear Program, Joseph W. Brown

Space and Defense

This article examines South Korea’s clandestine nuclear weapons program of the 1970s as a historical case study for understanding how perceptions of allied abandonment can drive nuclear proliferation. Drawing on alliance theory and archival evidence, the paper situates Seoul’s nuclear ambitions within the context of U.S. burden-shifting under the Nixon Doctrine, subsequent troop withdrawals, and diplomatic retrenchment across East Asia. Despite the continued U.S. military presence, South Korean leaders interpreted American rhetoric and policy actions as signaling a waning commitment to the alliance, prompting the initiation of a secret weapons program under President Park Chung-hee. The study identifies two enduring …

In Defense Of Space Offense, Alexander R. Kleitz

Space and Defense

This article argues that in the unique physical and operational environment of outer space, offensive operations hold intrinsic advantages over defensive ones. Drawing upon classical military theorists such as Clausewitz and Corbett, the author contends that the traditional dominance of the defensive form of war—rooted in terrestrial conditions—does not extend to celestial conflict. The transparency and remoteness of the space domain neutralize key defensive benefits, such as proximity to supply bases, concealment, and fortified positions, while also diminishing the factors that typically cause terrestrial offensives to culminate. Consequently, space conflict favors the side that seizes and maintains the initiative through …

Raising Public Awareness On Space Themes: Analysis Of Brazilian Space Policy Using Data From Google Trends, Andrea Felippe Cabello, Michele Melo

Space and Defense

This study examines whether Brazil’s national space policy goal of increasing public awareness of space activities has been met, using Google Trends data as a proxy for public interest. While public perception surveys are scarce outside the United States, web-based data provide a cost-effective and timely alternative for gauging public engagement. The authors analyzed two decades (2004–2024) of Brazilian search activity related to space topics, institutions, technologies, companies, and missions. Results show no clear upward trend in public interest, suggesting that Brazil’s stated policy objectives of raising awareness have not yet translated into measurable outcomes. Although searches related to government …

Costly Signals In Space: Increasing Credibility Via Strategic Disclosure, Wendy N. Whitman Cobb

Space and Defense

As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for national security, debates persist about how much secrecy should surround U.S. military space programs. This article argues that the strategic declassification and disclosure of selected space capabilities can strengthen U.S. deterrence by enhancing the credibility of deterrent threats. Drawing from theories of costly signaling and audience costs, the paper introduces strategic disclosure as a novel form of costly signal. Such disclosure imposes bureaucratic and operational costs while exposing capabilities to potential adversary countermeasures—thereby demonstrating resolve and seriousness of intent. In tandem, greater public transparency about space programs cultivates informed domestic audiences capable …

Space And Defense Vol. 16 No. 2 Editor's Note, Damon Coletta

Space and Defense

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Space And Defense Vol. 16 No. 2 Table Of Contents, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

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Space And Defense Vol. 16 No. 2 Front Matter, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

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Space & Defense Volume 16 Issue 2 Fall 2025 (Whole Issue), Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Perception Map As A Tool For Program Evaluation, Marlene K. Rebori

Journal of Extension

Perception maps can be powerful tools for visually sharing and conveying program information with the general public and decision makers. A perception map is a common visual data tool used in the marketing and economics discipline, but not commonly used in Extension. A framework for developing a perception map and a step-by-step process for setting up evaluation metrics to create a perception map is provided using an example from a community leadership development program.

Ngos’ Role In Voluntary Repatriation Of The African Diaspora, Teni-Ola Ogunjobi

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

The African diaspora consists of people who were displaced far from their ancestral homeland because of slavery, colonization, and other forms of direct and structural violence. This paper will discuss the voluntary repatriation of displaced people, specifically Black people living outside of the continent of Africa, who desire to voluntarily repatriate back to their ancestral countries of origin, their ancestral home, and/or some location on continent of people of African descent. This article identifies a viable group within the international law arena to support in addressing the requests for voluntary repatriation of African descendants to their African countries of origin. …

Ethical Values In Curriculum Implementation: Nigerian Teacher Educators’ Perception, Eke Ogbu Eke, Ariguzo Genevieve Onyekachi, Felicia Chika Dim, Chidingozi Eke, Joy Oruwari

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

This study investigated the perceptions of teacher educators regarding the integration of ethical values into curriculum implementation within teacher education programmes in Nigeria. Through a survey conducted at Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, involving 191 academic staff. Researchers made a perception response questionnaire titled "Integrating Ethical Values into Curriculum Implementation within Teacher Education Programmes in Nigeria Questionnaire (IEVCITEP)". It had a reliability coefficient of 0.84 determined using Cronbach Alpha. The data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation in answering research questions while the hypothesis was tested using t-test statistical tools tested at 0.05 level of significance. The …

The Role Of Design Thinking In Edtech Startups, Toluwani Victor Aliu

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

A move toward user-centered methods to innovation has been garnering attention due to the realization that consumers and users may offer possibilities and expertise. An innovative strategy that infuses creativity with user-centeredness is design thinking. Despite this, design thinking has received little attention in startups, particularly in the EdTech sector. Even while design thinking has become quite popular, there is a need for empirical study on design thinking in startups. This is because the majority of the research has been on large organizations. The paper explicates how design thinking facilitates the implementation of methodologies through iterative development, empathy mapping, and …

Acknowledgment, Yaljod 5.1, Florian Cyril Mshanga

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

Acknowledgment from Florian Cyril Mshanga, Vice President, Governance & Operations, Young African Leaders Forum (YALF)

Reviving Pan-Africanism For The 21st Century: A Framework For Youth-Led Continental Governance Reform, Ugochukwu Mercy Prince-Ifoh

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

This paper explores the historical trajectory, current stagnation, and potential revival of PanAfricanism with a strong emphasis on youth leadership as the engine of governance reform across the African continent. By tracing the intellectual and political contributions of renowned leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, and Thomas Sankara, the study identifies foundational principles of unity, sovereignty, and collective progress. The paper critically evaluates the Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU), highlighting opportunities and limitations for youth participation. It also conducts a comparative analysis of regional youth governance structures and proposes practical frameworks to institutionalize youth-led reforms. The paper …

Reimagining Youth Agency In Africa: Programs, Progress, And A Continental Vision (Closing Feature Article), Dennis Munene

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

This edition has curated the ideas, research, and praxis of young intellectuals and practitioners across the continent. As Vice President in charge of Programs and Development (Strategies), I am pleased to provide a retrospective of our continental programs and initiatives and project the path we envision in shaping Africa's future.

Decoding The Future: African Parliaments, The 4ir, And The Ai Revolution, Bravin Onditi, Immanuel Mwendwa Kiilu

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (41R), propelled by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), is ushering in a profound transformation across Africa's economies, governance systems, and societies. For African parliaments, there is an incredible challenge on the governance front, but the opportunities are unprecedented. This paper examines the range of biases, data insecurities, and inequalities the democracies of the continent face, while detailing how African legislatures can instate frameworks to govern and design AI function within the democracies of the continent. As seen in the examples of Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, this paper outlines the disparity between the astounding rates …

An Investigative Analysis Of How African Youth Can Drive Economic Integration By Taking Up Agriculture As A Means Of Economic Livelihood, Gerald Kihara Muchiri

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

The paper explores how African youth can drive economic integration by using agriculture as an economic means of livelihood. Despite being Africa's most vital asset, African youth remain underrepresented in continental development initiatives and continue to stagnate as they face structural challenges such as perennial unemployment. The recent promulgation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme hold immense promise to improve the lives of millions of African youths if leveraged appropriately. This paper concludes that Africa's youth could be the continent's engine to propel sustainable economic growth if their potential is harnessed appropriately, …

Front Matter, Yaljod 5.1, Sombo Muzata

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

Includes: Editorial Review by Dr. Sombo Muzata, Editor in Chief, Young African Leaders Journal of Development; Foreword by Prof. Plo-Lumumba; Foreword by Prof. Tim Kiruhi; and Preface by Prince C. lfoh, Founder and President, Young African Leaders Forum (YALF).