Identity And Intervention: United States' Foreign Policy Toward The Dominican Republic,
2026
College of the Holy Cross
Identity And Intervention: United States' Foreign Policy Toward The Dominican Republic, Eileen Ledesma
College Honors Program
Constructivist theory provides a framework for understanding United States foreign policy toward the Dominican Republic during the U.S. occupation (1916-1924), the rise and consolidation of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo’s dictatorship, and the regime’s eventual political isolation during the Cold War. This thesis argues that U.S. foreign policy was shaped by identity narratives and political culture, also identified through historically constructed understandings and the repeated performance of legitimacy and order. By situating U.S.-Dominican Republic relations within broader debates in international relations theory, this thesis highlights the explanatory value of constructivism in understanding the evolution and contradictions of U.S. policy in Latin America. …
From The Editor In Chief,
2026
US Army War College
From The Editor In Chief, C. Anthony Pfaff
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Welcome to the Summer 2026 issue of Parameters, which consists of two In Focus special commentaries, three forums (Indo-Pacific, Strategy, and Historical Studies) and the Strategic Competition Corner.
Turning Tactical Victories Into Strategic Success: Counterinsurgency In The Irish Civil War, 1922–23,
2026
US Army War College
Turning Tactical Victories Into Strategic Success: Counterinsurgency In The Irish Civil War, 1922–23, Gareth Prendergast, John A. Nagl
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
The fundamentals the Irish National Army used in the Irish Civil War (1922–23) are a model for the successful application of a classic counterinsurgency which, if understood earlier, could have made a difference in the United States’ most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Irish Civil War has not been examined in-depth through the lens of modern counterinsurgency doctrine. This article draws on military history and recent counterinsurgency doctrines to provide US policymakers and military practitioners practical guidance for how counterinsurgent forces can foster trust and use appropriate tactics that lead to strategic success.
Parameters,
2026
US Army War College
Parameters, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
No abstract provided.
A New Security Framework For Nato’S Eastern Flank,
2026
US Army War College
A New Security Framework For Nato’S Eastern Flank, Matthew J. Kukla, Anna Batta
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues for a NATO-EU–led security strategy to achieve long-term deterrence in Ukraine after the end of the Russia-Ukraine War. Unlike existing analyses, this article straddles the strategic level of deterrence, outlining an operational road map. Its historical example of the Iraq War shows that long-term security requires the development of plans before a conflict ends, long-term commitments, and multilateral—not unilateral—security efforts. The proposed solution provides strategic planners and policymakers with a low-risk, high-reward approach that leverages burden sharing through a multinational framework.
Rethinking Power: E. H. Carr’S Enduring Lessons For Modern Strategists,
2026
US Army War College
Rethinking Power: E. H. Carr’S Enduring Lessons For Modern Strategists, Brian J. Hasse
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues E. H. Carr’s classic conception of power provides enduring lessons for national security, but these lessons are easily lost in application. Unlike much of the existing literature, this article emphasizes how modern conceptions of power convey an illusion of balance, while the national security bureaucracy constrains the effective synchronization of power. The analysis leverages both historical and contemporary case studies to identify what a balanced conception of power looks like in practice, with the hope of informing US national security strategy and policy in today’s complex security environment.
Geopolitical Chessboard: How Vietnam Shapes American-Chinese Competition,
2026
US Army War College
Geopolitical Chessboard: How Vietnam Shapes American-Chinese Competition, Kiet H. Lê, Hiep X. Trần
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Vietnam’s geostrategic position—bordering China and commanding key South China Sea maritime routes—makes it a pivotal actor in shaping great-power competition in Southeast Asia. This article argues that the United States should support Vietnam’s neutrality and strategic autonomy as a means of countering Chinese influence. Unlike prior studies that portray regional states as passive players, this analysis highlights Vietnam’s active role in influencing regional dynamics. Through comparative analysis with the Philippines, using historical case studies, geographic assessments, and policy reviews, the article offers practical insights for military and policy practitioners on how geography shapes alliance formation and strategic competition.
Key Themes In Sino-American History,
2026
US Army War College
Key Themes In Sino-American History, David J. Lorenzo, Ian Murphy
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article examines how historical narratives shape the messaging of the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Republic of China, particularly regarding Sino-American relations. It identifies three key historical themes—trade, discriminatory policies, and Taiwan—that are frequently invoked in China’s statements and information campaigns. By contextualizing these themes, the article argues that military and national security professionals need a deeper understanding of Sino-American history to interpret China’s messaging correctly and counter its influence effectively. The article advocates for the integration of Sino-American historical content into professional military education curricula to enhance strategic awareness and policy formulation.
How Is Going To War Like Buying A Car?: The Bargaining Model Of War,
2026
US Army War College
How Is Going To War Like Buying A Car?: The Bargaining Model Of War, Richard R. Johnson
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
The bargaining model of war, a popular, yet complex international relations theory, emphasizes how nations communicate signals regarding military strength, resolve to fight, and foreign policy goals. Since the military plays a major role in communicating these signals, its leaders should understand this theory, despite its complexities. This article explains the model and its components through the used car sale bargaining process and supplements the analogy with real-world examples of international events. This article will help military and foreign policy professionals easily grasp the concepts of the model.
A Three-Criteria Framework For U.S. Immigration Reform: Humane Treatment, Resource Reallocation, And Proportional Fallback,
2026
College of DuPage
A Three-Criteria Framework For U.S. Immigration Reform: Humane Treatment, Resource Reallocation, And Proportional Fallback, Eddie Contreras
COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium
This project examines how U.S. immigration enforcement could be restructured around three criteria: humane treatment, resource reallocation, and proportional consequences. The evidence, drawn from journalism, peer-reviewed research, government data, and international comparisons, consistently shows that current enforcement is poorly targeted, fiscally costly, and harmful to the community it depends on. At the same time, the picture is not one-sided: a real population of serious offenders exists, some workers benefit economically from restrictive policies, and even the strongest international models have real flaws. Administrative reforms within DHS could begin moving the system in a slightly better direction now. However, durable change …
Not The Only Game In Town: Unconsolidated Democracy, Elite Capture, And Shifting Alliances In Georgia,
2026
Connecticut College
Not The Only Game In Town: Unconsolidated Democracy, Elite Capture, And Shifting Alliances In Georgia, Leah Mayerhauser
CISLA Senior Integrative Projects
This paper examines Georgia’s post-Soviet political development to explain why the country, once viewed as a leading candidate for democratic consolidation, has experienced sustained democratic erosion and shifting geopolitical alignment. Drawing on Juan Linz and Alfred Stepan’s theory of democratic consolidation, it argues that Georgia never fully achieved a consolidated democracy after independence, leaving key institutional arenas including civil society, political society, rule of law, state bureaucracy, and economic society, unevenly developed and vulnerable to elite capture. Through a historical and institutional analysis from 1991 to 2026, this paper traces how early failures in state formation, unresolved questions of stateness, …
Challenges In Fulfilling The Political Rights Of Indonesian Migrant Workers In Taiwan: A Case Study For The 2024 General Election,
2026
Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta
Challenges In Fulfilling The Political Rights Of Indonesian Migrant Workers In Taiwan: A Case Study For The 2024 General Election, Ardli Johan Kusuma, Dini Putri Saraswati, Jati Satrio
Jurnal Wacana Politik
Political rights are part of human rights guaranteed by international law and the Indonesian constitution. However, Indonesian migrant workers (PMIs) in Taiwan face various challenges in exercising their right to vote in the 2024 elections. This research analyzes the obstacles faced by PMIs in Taiwan in the democratic process using politic of citizenship framework by Stokke. The research method used is a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews with various relevant stakeholders. The results of this study show that the main obstacles to the implementation of elections for migrant workers in Taiwan are limited access to election information, differences in regulations …
Serving The Poor While Securing The Vote Islamic Parties And Welfare Program In Decentralized Indonesia,
2026
Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Serving The Poor While Securing The Vote Islamic Parties And Welfare Program In Decentralized Indonesia, Luthfi Makhasin, Burhan Yahya, Indaru Setyo Nurprojo, Ahmad Rofik
Jurnal Wacana Politik
Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country with complex and diverse social and economic welfare problems. These welfare issues sometimes become sensitive electoral issues used to mobilize electoral support in elections. One of the welfare problems experienced by its citizens is the issue of inhospitable housing (Rumah Tidak Layak Huni / RTLH). This article seeks to explain how RTLH has become an electoral issue through the conceptual framework of political linkage. It begins with the question of how Islamic parties contribute to overseeing welfare programs in general and, more specifically, the handling of RTLH at the local level. In contrast to much …
Cracks In The Great Wall: Zero-Covid Protests And The Reassertion Of Political Security In China,
2026
Padjadjaran University
Cracks In The Great Wall: Zero-Covid Protests And The Reassertion Of Political Security In China, Khannia Zhafira Ronaulli Pandjaitan, Arfin Sudirman
Jurnal Wacana Politik
The protests of the zero-COVID policy in 2022, which led to the issuance of Ten New Measures in China, are an interesting political phenomenon to study. This phenomenon raises questions about the dynamics of China’s political security during the zero-COVID policy period and how the government responded to the social pressures that arose. Applying political security theory that emphasizes national objectives, threat perceptions, and political freedom of action, this article analyzes China’s political dynamics during that period. This article concludes that political security for a country is often realized through various actions justified to protect national interests and maintain social …
Integrated Voter Education Model To Students As Pre-Voters,
2026
Universitas Riau
Integrated Voter Education Model To Students As Pre-Voters, Hariyanti Hariyanti, Cecep Darmawan, Rahmat Rahmat, Leni Anggraeni, Radini Radini, Hamdi Abdullah Hasibuan
Jurnal Wacana Politik
This research aims to describe the importance of preparing pre-voters to become intelligent and participatory beginner voters, through an integrated voter education model. This solution was born from the fact that in general voter education only aggressively targets first-time voters during the election stage. This research was carried out by the Pekanbaru City KPU and the Kampar Regency KPU as well as several secondary schools in Pekanbaru City and Kampar Regency. The research used a qualitative design with descriptive methods, with research informants including KPU commissioners, Election Smart House Managers, and Pancasila and Citizenship Education (PPKn) teachers at schools. Research …
Disinformation, Polarisation And Digital Campaigns: A Comparative Study Of Political Communication In The Online Sphere,
2026
Universitas Diponegoro
Disinformation, Polarisation And Digital Campaigns: A Comparative Study Of Political Communication In The Online Sphere, Agus Sugiharto, Wijayanto Wijayanto, Kushandajani Kushandajani, Nurul Hasfi
Jurnal Wacana Politik
Digital political campaigns have become a key phenomenon in contemporary politics. They significantly transform the patterns of communication between political parties, candidates, and voters. This study aims to analyze the development, dynamics, and implications of digital political campaigns on voter behavior as well as political communication strategies in the era of information technology. Using a qualitative approach through literature review of scholarly articles, the results show that digital political campaigns offer high efficiency in reaching a broad audience and enable the personalization of messages based on big data and predictive analytics. However, this practice also brings new challenges, such as …
The Supreme Court And Climate Law: A Qualitative Analysis,
2026
University of San Diego
The Supreme Court And Climate Law: A Qualitative Analysis, Tanner Blackington
Undergraduate Honors Theses
This paper seeks to explore the Supreme Court’s understanding of climate justice and its evolution over time. I begin with an explanation of the context on climate law, climate change, and the Supreme Court as an institution. I situate the study in the literature on judicial restraint, institutional barriers, and the powers of the Supreme Court as focal points. Then, drawing on a sample of 20 Supreme Court opinions issued between 2007 and 2025, I offer an empirical analysis which reveals the Supreme Court’s feelings of confinement within the boundaries of federalism and balancing power with the Legislative and Executive …
Subversive Order: Gendered Institutions, Gang Networks, And Survival In American Women’S Prisons.,
2026
Syracuse University
Subversive Order: Gendered Institutions, Gang Networks, And Survival In American Women’S Prisons., Amber Morris
Dissertations - ALL
Popular culture often depicts prison subcultures and gangs, yet these portrayals obscure the complexity of survival behind bars. Existing scholarship on prison life overwhelmingly focuses on men, emphasizing masculinity, race, safety, and community as the primary drivers of behavior. Women, however, represent the fastest-growing prison population in the United States, and their experiences remain under-theorized. This dissertation asks a different question: What if pseudo-families, mentorship networks, and subcultural norms aren't just coping mechanisms‚ what if they're governance institutions? Further, what if women build these systems in prisons not because they're emotional or naturally relational, but because formal institutions don't provide …
Three Essays On Trust In American Society,
2026
Syracuse University
Three Essays On Trust In American Society, Devin Caramma
Dissertations - ALL
Social and political trust are paramount for healthy, democratic functioning, with social trust mattering for cooperative behavior or political action and political trust weighing more heavily for policy compliance, democratic satisfaction, and political participation. Across the last half century, trusting attitudes between citizens and towards government declined precipitously, but this decline has been less dramatic among partisans. What drives the relationship between partisan identification and social trust? Does perceived value congruence with a group cause social trust to increase? Do objective signals of ambient air pollution affect trust in state government? These questions are interrogated and tested across three papers …
High Courts During Democratic Decline,
2026
Syracuse University
High Courts During Democratic Decline, Alice Cho Timken
Dissertations - ALL
This dissertation is a collection of three papers that explore the roles that high courts play during democratic decline and the incentives and conditions that explain them. Each uses a different methodological approach to address this central question. Paper 1. “The Political Foundations of Independent Judicial Review Revisited: Modeling Political Insurance” Episodes of democratic decline routinely feature reductions in judicial independence. Which mechanisms connect these phenomena? I model political insurance theory to explore how the internal workings of a foundational theory may help explain the nature of judicial independence during threats to democracy. I find that political competition must be …
