Paternalism Under The Guise Of Partnership: How Modern Treaties In Canada Fall Short In Building Nation-To-Nation Relationships Between Indigenous Governments And The Crown,
2026
University of Victoria
Paternalism Under The Guise Of Partnership: How Modern Treaties In Canada Fall Short In Building Nation-To-Nation Relationships Between Indigenous Governments And The Crown, Maci Clements
Culture, Society, and Praxis
Indigenous nations in Canada have an inherent right to self-determination of their governments and traditional territory; however, how best to implement and ensure this right remains up for debate within Indigenous scholarship. In contrast to such debates, the Canadian State boasts the modern treaty process as the apex tool of Indigenous self-governance, permitting legitimate nation-to-nation relationship building. In this paper, I use an Indigenous feminist analytical framework to investigate if the negotiation and arrangement of existing modern treaties successfully accomplish the goal of creating a nation-to-nation partnership between Indigenous nations and the Crown. Following a critical reading of the modern …
Racial Differences In Voter Turnout: Evidence From The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election,
2026
Chapman University
Racial Differences In Voter Turnout: Evidence From The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, Harrison G. Kundahl, Elena M. Warner
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
How does race impact voter turnout in the 2020 U.S. presidential election? Existing research shows that political participation depends on access to resources and civic skills, while institutional barriers such as voter identification laws can disproportionately affect racial minorities. However, less attention has been given to whether these disparities persist at the individual level when accounting for other relevant factors. We argue that racial minority groups, particularly Hispanic and non-Hispanic “other” respondents, are less likely to vote than White (non-Hispanic) respondents in the 2020 presidential election. To test this argument, we use individual-level data from the ANES 2020–2022 Social Media …
Information Exposure And Vote Choice: The Role Of Social Media In The 2020 U.S. Election,
2026
Chapman University
Information Exposure And Vote Choice: The Role Of Social Media In The 2020 U.S. Election, Brooke Beardsley
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
How does social media use affect vote choice during the 2020 election in the United States? Research shows that social media can shape political attitudes and behaviors by increasing exposure to political information and like-minded communities. However, much of the recent literature focuses on specific platforms or broader political participation, leaving open the question of how much social media use influences party vote choice. I argue that individuals who use social media platforms such as Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram are more likely to support Democratic candidates than individuals who do not use these platforms. To test this argument, I used …
Through A Partisan Lens: How Political Identity Shapes Economic Evaluations,
2026
Chapman University
Through A Partisan Lens: How Political Identity Shapes Economic Evaluations, Daniel Shin
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
People often disagree about the state of the economy, even when faced with the same facts. These differences are especially highlighted during times of inflation, changing employment trends, and public debate over the economy. Relying on data from the American National Election Studies (ANES), a representative survey of U.S. adults, I examined how general partisan alignment, along with other factors, shapes perceptions of the national economy and influences citizens’ judgements about economic conditions. The results show that partisanship strongly biases economic evaluations, demonstrating that people who align with the incumbent party express greater optimism, with the opposition partisans showing greater …
Democratic Legitimacy And Data Governance: Data Privacy Philosophy And Regulatory Preferences In The U.S. Vs Eu,
2026
Chapman University
Democratic Legitimacy And Data Governance: Data Privacy Philosophy And Regulatory Preferences In The U.S. Vs Eu, Mia H. Truong
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data collection has intensified tensions between commercial innovation and consumer privacy, raising a fundamental democratic question: do Americans understand their data protections–and does this shape their demand for regulation? The EU and U.S. represent two fundamentally opposed approaches to data privacy regulation: the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) treats personal data as a fundamental human right, rooted in post-WWII constitutional protections against state surveillance and authoritarianism, while the U.S. operates through fragmented, sector-specific state laws that treat personal data as a market commodity. This study is the first to empirically investigate …
Beyond Clicktivism: Analyzing The Most Effective Forms Of Civic Engagement,
2026
Chapman University
Beyond Clicktivism: Analyzing The Most Effective Forms Of Civic Engagement, Charlotte Grace Iribarren
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
Civic engagement is not only characterized by voting, it can take the form of protesting for a political cause or donating to campaigns. Today, a highly common form of political involvement is posting online or signing online petitions, also referred to as “clicktivism.” In this paper, I intend to examine the extent to which voting in general presidential elections correlates with individual engagement in protests, donations to campaigns, or engages in “clicktivism”. Using the American National Election Survey which measures voting behaviors, political participation and public opinion, I find that the most consistent voters are clicktivists and campaign donors. Conversely, …
The Ramifications Of German Ostpolitik: How Germany’S Foreign Policy Influenced The Russia-Ukraine Conflict,
2026
Fordham University
The Ramifications Of German Ostpolitik: How Germany’S Foreign Policy Influenced The Russia-Ukraine Conflict, John Aton
Senior Theses
German Ostpolitik, established during the Cold War, was the main foreign policy of Germany emphasizing international cooperation and diplomatic engagement with Russia. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains active, the challenges of this particular foreign policy’s adoption are evident within certain actions and decisions Germany made in the pursuit of mutual cooperation with Russia. By conducting a thorough analysis of the historical events in German Ostpolitik’s formation and its security policy, while assessing Germany’s leap for economic interdependence alongside Russia, this paper reveals a troubling dynamic where certain actions taken under the doctrine of German Ostpolitik influenced Germany to misjudge and …
Does Feeling Threatened By Cultural And Demographic Changes Make People More Likely To Support Authoritarian Leaders In The United States?,
2026
Chapman University
Does Feeling Threatened By Cultural And Demographic Changes Make People More Likely To Support Authoritarian Leaders In The United States?, Jack Brett Krikorian
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
Does the perception of threat from cultural and demographic transformations increase a tendency to support authoritarian and nationalist views in politics in the United States? While current research indicates that demographic anxiety, rather than economic distress, has fueled support for authoritarian political figures in recent elections, there has been insufficient focus on whether such threat perceptions directly forecast support for authoritarian governance more generally. I argue that individuals who recognize heightened cultural and demographic threats are more inclined to support robust, authoritarian leadership, as perceived threats amplify the psychological necessity for security and order over democratic limitations. I utilize the …
State-Religion Entanglements And Public Acceptance Of Censorship: Appeals To Social Harmony In Asian Hybrid Regimes,
2026
Chapman University
State-Religion Entanglements And Public Acceptance Of Censorship: Appeals To Social Harmony In Asian Hybrid Regimes, Jackson Pace Campbell
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
In Asian hybrid regimes, where religious and ethnic diversity intersects with political authority, governments often justify censorship through appeals to social harmony. This paper examines how state-religion entanglements shape public tolerance for such restrictions on speech. Drawing on theories of authoritarian resilience and Durkheimian collectivism, this study argues that higher state-religion entanglements embed religious legitimacy in institutions, legitimize suppression of dissent under the precept of collective harmony, and prioritize collectivist norms over individual rights, thus increasing public acceptance of censorship. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design, the study analyzes Asian Barometer Survey Wave 6 data from Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia, and South …
Trust In Mainstream Elites And Right-Wing Voting Among Young Voters: A Comparative Study Of Germany And The United States Since 2016,
2026
Chapman University
Trust In Mainstream Elites And Right-Wing Voting Among Young Voters: A Comparative Study Of Germany And The United States Since 2016, Samantha Parrish
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
This study examines how trust in mainstream elites influences the likelihood that young voters (ages 18-25) support right-wing parties in Germany and the United States. While existing research links declining trust in political elites to the rise of populist and right-wing support, less attention has been given to the relationship among young voters. This project addresses that gap by analyzing whether discrust in elite independently drives right-wing voting or whether it interacts with other potential attitudes. I argue that lower trust in mainstream elites increases the likelihood that younger voters will support right-wing parties, but this relationship is also shaped …
"Silent Or Seen: How Trust Influences Protest Engagement",
2026
Chapman University
"Silent Or Seen: How Trust Influences Protest Engagement", Adam M. Erdkamp
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
The research question I have chosen for my project is, “In what ways do levels of trust impact whether someone chooses to participate in an in-person protest?” A current problem within this field from previous findings is that research claims there is no consensus on whether trust encourages participation or if distrust drives it. Therefore, while some believe that a minimum level of trust is necessary to participate in politics, others argue that distrust drives citizens to partake in non-institutionalized, radicalized, or in-person protests. My answer to this question is that I believe if people were to have high levels …
Ai Is Taking Over!: A New Generation Of Unemployment Fears,
2026
Chapman University
Ai Is Taking Over!: A New Generation Of Unemployment Fears, Amaya V. Hepburn
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
The growing panic surrounding AI taking over the workforce is strong in a distinct group of demographics, in contrast to the fear of computers taking over the workforce that was seen in previous generations. This suggests that AI developments have sparked a wave of fear that is unlike the fear of tech developments in the past. I have discovered that this fear is prevalent across several demographics: age, employment, and income. By cross-analyzing through the 2017 and 2025 fear surveys, I discovered that fear of AI is more prevalent in younger generations and is more threatening to students entering the …
Gender And Grades: The Gap In How Men And Women Fear Economic Collapse,
2026
Chapman University
Gender And Grades: The Gap In How Men And Women Fear Economic Collapse, Riley O'Connor
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
Due to prescribed gender roles in society and wage gaps, historically, women have had to rely on spouses and family for economic survival. Now, with access to higher education and increased salaries, their economic fears are shifting. In this paper I analyze the extent of the gender gap in the fear of economic and financial collapse of Americans. Using the Chapman Survey of American Fear, an original data set surveying the degree to which American adults fear incidents collected in spring of 2025, men and women of the same education fear economic collapse differently, signifying men fear economic collapse less …
Fear Of The Other: Explaining Immigration Anxiety In The United States,
2026
Chapman University
Fear Of The Other: Explaining Immigration Anxiety In The United States, Ramon Arguelles
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
Illegal immigration has become one of the most politically divisive issues in the United States, with many Americans fearing its social, political, and economic effects. This paper examines possible causes of the fear of illegal immigration, specifically focusing on media consumption, employment status, and education level. Using Wave 11 of the Chapman Survey of American Fears, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults, this paper analyzes whether these variables can serve as indicators of fear of illegal immigration. Drawing on media framing theory, labor-market competition theory, and theories of education and cognitive sophistication, three hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation …
Voter Gender And U.S Senatorial Candidate In 2024 Election,
2026
Chapman University
Voter Gender And U.S Senatorial Candidate In 2024 Election, Gwenn Ricordel
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
This study examines whether gender influences voters' decisions to support candidates based on the political party of the senatorial candidate in the U.S. Senate elections. While research suggests that gendered stereotypes and perceived issues on ability create a clear gender gap in voting behaviors, this research argues that in high-information national elections, these identify factors come second to party identification and economic outlook. The main goal of this research is to determine whether the gender of the voter truly impacts whether they vote for a candidate based on political party, or whether their decision is rooted more on identity based …
Political Villains: America’S Perception Of Corrupt Politicians,
2026
Chapman University
Political Villains: America’S Perception Of Corrupt Politicians, Robin Nakamura
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
Online and social media sources have made political news more accessible and digestible than ever before. While beneficial, it raises questions regarding the truth and quality of political news being spread and the effects it may be having on the public. In this paper, I seek to expand on existing research regarding political corruption and online media sources. Previous research has highlighted the rise of disinformation in online news sources, noting that social media reporting does not necessarily hold government officials accountable. Using the Chapman University Survey of American Fears Wave 10 (2024), the relationship between fears of political corruption …
Raised To Hold Firm: Authoritarian Child-Rearing Values And Opposition To Political Compromise,
2026
Chapman University
Raised To Hold Firm: Authoritarian Child-Rearing Values And Opposition To Political Compromise, Morgan Romine
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
This research project examines how at-home values might explain an individual's view on political compromise. Using the 2024 American National Election Studies (ANES) survey data, I study the relationship between authoritarian child-rearing preferences and support for political compromise. While existing research has linked authoritarian values to attitudes such as prejudice and support for strong leaders, less attention has been paid to how those same values shape attitudes toward political negotiation. My hypothesis is that people who prioritize obedience, respect, and good manners over independence and curiosity in children reflect broader goals toward order and stability, and that those preferences translate …
Alone And Radicalized: The Hidden Link Between Isolationism And Political Violence,
2026
Chapman University
Alone And Radicalized: The Hidden Link Between Isolationism And Political Violence, Zaina Siddiqui
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
As some socially isolated individuals come to view political violence as legitimate, what exactly draws the line towards political extremism? My findings examine the relationship between loneliness, social marginalization, and support for political violence through psychological theories on radicalization. Using Chapman University’s American Fear Survey Wave 11, I examined the correlation between isolationism and a sense of belonging, with the latter leading to support for political violence and extremism. The project contributes to research on political extremism by focusing on loneliness as a loss of belonging and personal significance rather than on ideology or pathology alone. In my research, I …
Education’S Role In Indian Democracy,
2026
Chapman University
Education’S Role In Indian Democracy, Kiranjot K. Atwal
Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters
What impact do higher levels of education have on support for democracy in India? Existing research has largely demonstrated that education can foster democratic values through increased political awareness and civic involvement; however, researchers have only just begun to explore how education contributes to developing democracies, where social and political contexts may influence the formation of attitudes in distinct ways. This gap creates a question as to whether or not the positive impacts of education on democratic support hold true across diverse populations. I argue education promotes democratic governance by serving as a catalyst for increased engagement and interaction between …
Speaking Of Language: The Relationship Between Language As Capital And Minority Language Education,
2026
Ursinus College
Speaking Of Language: The Relationship Between Language As Capital And Minority Language Education, Alex J. Zelaya
Politics Honors Papers
The future of minority languages not only depends on intergenerational transmission but also on support for immersive instruction in minority languages within the educational system. This paper examines the factors that influence support for minority language education, arguing that language policy is shaped by societal attitudes, which in turn reflect dynamics of power. The paper draws upon Pierre Bourdieu’s conceptualization of different types of capital, including his theory on the relationship between economic, social, cultural and symbolic capital. Within this framework, language functions as a form of capital, reflecting and reinforcing social and economic stratification by conveying status or stigma. …
