“ … on April 9, the 150th anniversary of the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Pease carried out the terms of surrender. C H … leaders on Union’s African American organizations. • Prof. RobertHislope, associate professor of political science, on … … ”
Today, the refugee crisis has become a growing global concern. As the number of displaced individuals continues to grow, the number of asylum applicants continue to rise in many countries. Although the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol establish international guidelines to safeguard the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, many countries have chosen to tighten their borders and establish stricter policies. In doing so, many governments have undermined and overridden the international law. Through a comparative study of five countries, the U.K., U.S., Canada, Argentina, and Mexico, I explore and analyze the trends of asylum laws today and their subsequent effects on refugees in society. With the international law lacking effectiveness, is there a way to hold powerful countries accountable or to amend the system?
Fascism and the radical right are on the rise in Europe in ways that haven't been seen since the Second World War. Understanding the reason for this phenomenon is imperative to democracy's defense. Europe is the birthplace of democracy and political liberalism, and the continent is a model of these ideals for the rest of the world to strive to follow. European democracy's future is in peril with the resurgence of fascism and the radical right, fueled by growing Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, economic issues, and the overall disillusionment of democratic institutions. The new wave of conservatism and the far right shares many similarities with historical fascism, yet is altogether something different. Understanding this new mold of the radical right is vital to democracy's survival, as it is fundamentally changing the European political landscape. In this oral presentation, I plan to discuss my senior thesis, which examines this resurgence of the radical right in Europe.
Charismatic personalities have the ability to charm and attract supporters. Politicians' ability to garner public support is vital to electoral outcomes in a democratic system like the United States. This topic stems from German sociologist Max Weber's theory on types of legitimate domination in his book, "Economy and Society." Weber hypothesizes that power is legitimized in three forms: traditional authority, rational-legal authority, and charismatic authority. Charismatic authority leaders gain power through their extraordinary personality and the qualities they possess justify their ability to lead. Charisma is a renewed force, and examples of charismatic leadership ranges from religious founders like Jesus Christ and Islamic Prophet Muhammad to the 1960s criminal cult leader Charles Manson. Politicians may possess an authentically charismatic personality, but they also have the ability to adopt political techniques that make them appear charismatic. This phenomenon is known as synthetic charisma, the ability for a political candidate to construct a charismatic personality in their campaigns and through the media through artificial means. Furthermore, if the significance of charismatic authority can be understood by female leaders, this has the potential to help increase leadership representation among women. The purpose of this research is to examine why charisma matters in today's social and political environment, how campaigns and the media interact to socially construct charisma, and how the power of charisma can be harnessed to support female leadership.
In the last few decades, there has been an increase in Chinese investment and migration in West Africa and Africa more broadly. The Chinese government has been working closely to produce trade agreements and infrastructure projects with these countries, stating it to be a "win-win" solution, sparking development in some stagnant African states and stimulating each others' economies. However, politicians, journalists, political pundits, and global activists have wondered if this relationship is neocolonial and if China is creating an opening for Africa's dependency, taking its natural resources and not creating enough opportunities for its population. By surveying modernization theory, dependency theory, and world-systems theory, my thesis gets to the theoretical root as to why relationships between a state like China and West Africa can become one of dependence quickly. The poor institutions West Africa harbor due to colonization and international institutions like the World Bank are the reason for dependency becoming a more likely result. But, there may be instances that could prove beneficial to Africa, in particular, if the government effectively puts restrictions on Chinese operations in their countries and if China is seriously creating work opportunities. Through the creation of my comic entitled Jigawa, which essentially surveys the impact the relationship between China and West Africa (Nigeria in particular) has on its citizens, alongside the theoretical framework outlined, the answer to whether the relationship is advantageous or disadvantageous is constructed.
For my senior thesis, I am discussing how the United States came to be in $1.56 trillion dollars in student loan debt due to past student loan forgiveness policies. These policies, that have all stemmed from "good intentions", have ultimately caused students to be drowning in debt today. I explain how within the last two decades, debt has reached a ultimate high through the administrations of President Bush, President Obama and President Trump. In addition, I explain the overall lack of awareness students have for the current student debt crisis. I conduct a Union College campus survey to test the awareness Union students have for their own loans and basic financial terms. The survey results bring me to endorse financial education. Specifically, I argue that a financial literacy class should be state-mandated in order to graduate high school to best educate students on their loans before attending college. I finish with concluding thoughts and hope for the future.
After the 2008 financial crisis, support for social democratic parties across Europe sharply declined while right-wing nationalist parties increased their share of support. The reason for the decline of social democratic parties in Europe can be partiallyattributed to their support of bailouts for financial institutions which shifted their private debt onto the public. Unpopular austerity measures were implemented to reduce this public debt by slashinggovernment expenditures for many socialservices. Although the common economic consensus in the 2010s promoted the idea of austerity to make sure that governments could honor its debt obligations, the anti-austerity movements that formed in response to these policies sought to counter this narrative and challenge the political establishment.This thesis will look at the left-wing political parties that formed out the anti-austerity movements across Europe in the 2010s and examine if they provided voters an electorally viable alternative to the status-quo. I will argue that these left-wing parties were able to give voters a legitimate alternative to establishment social democratic parties with theirprogressive economic policies, but that they were not able to maintain their momentum. These parties failed to preserve theirenthusiasm among votersbecause of the constraints of the EU, weak leadership,media bias, and party infighting.
The rapidly changing dynamism of the 21st century has left democratic institutions in shambles as populists rise to power and, arguably, threaten to undermine the very fabric of the democratic way of life through increasingly exclusionary politics. The popularity of populist leaders and the reemergence of ethno-nationalism demonstrates a shortcoming of many representative democracies, their elites' ability to adequately represent the masses. In this paper, I will argue that recent trends in the decline of democracy can be partially attributed to a lack of democratic legitimacy that has been caused by a failure to intentionally account for demographic diversity in the elites-masses compromise that underpins representative democracies. Furthermore, I will argue that the majoritarian notion of representation is not sufficient to represent the demographic composition of multicultural democracies and suggest a mixed regime that provides for greater descriptive representation of minorities in national politics.
“ … development. Brianna Stout1 and Robert Hislope 1 1Department of Political Science, Union … ”
Abstract
Political and economic development is an important topic to investigate as it plays a massive role in improving the productivity of countries as it can lead to better incomes and living standards. Better incomes and living standards are imperative to combat the global inequality problem. Especially in the era of a globalized economy, being able to recognize the relationship between investment and development is essential; investments are a powerful force that contributes to the interdependence of national economies. Observing foreign direct investment (FDI) trends in the Eastern European countries allows us to better see the regional development consequences after the collapse of state socialism. Within the Central and Eastern European region, FDI is not equal in all countries. Foreign direct investments allow developing countries to participate in the global production network, ultimately contributing to their economic growth, or does it? This paper evaluates the role that foreign financing plays in developing countries and whether or not it is a successful tool to aid development.
“ … me along the way Special thanks to my thesis advisors Robert Hislope and Kristen Bidoshi … , Robert Hislope along … have: (1) popular legitimacy, administrative … -32. Print. Hislope,Robert , and Anthony Mughan. Introduction to … ”
Abstract
Russia was under Soviet rule for over seventy years until the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Mikhail Gorbachev’s vast economic and political reforms did not allow the Soviet Union to approach the 21st century. The first section of my thesis looks at the main points of the collapse of the USSR, significantly viewing at the reforms of glasnost and perestroika. The majority of my thesis focuses on the transition of the Russian state through the lens of elitist groups. During the Yeltsin and Putin administration, reforms like privatization allowed a handful of individuals to rise into power, dominating the majority of Russia’s wealth. The oligarchs in Russia played a major role in state building, while the other half of the population was below the poverty level in the late 1990s. Putin, on the other hand, has managed to create another form of elite as he became the sole leader of the state. By researching and interviewing relevant individuals about the rebuilding of the Russian state, I have concluded that Russia has taken an overall elitist approach when determining economic, political, and social policies.
“ … recruit an attractive … Review. no. 2 (1984): 267-296 . Hislope,Robert , and Anthony Mughan. Introduction to Comparative … ”
Abstract
Throughout American history, terrorist groups and organized crime groups have operated in the shadows and in the public eye, often with significant media attention and even glorification in some parts of popular culture. Yet these two entities are seldom considered in the same breath despite their similarities. My thesis examines the makeup of organized crime syndicates and cross-examines it with that of terrorist organizations, with the purpose of determining key characteristics of each group. It will then examine the history and political circumstances surrounding the founding of the Ku Klux during the Reconstruction Era and later following their rebirth in the 1915. This will assist in understanding the formation of these groups, their operations, and governmental responses to deal with these organizations. There is perhaps no more notorious such group than the Ku Klux Klan, and I believe that by studying the Klan through this new lens defining terrorism and organized crime, we can better understand its origins, its impact on society, and counter-terror strategies taken by governmental and non-governmental agents, in an attempt to end the violence of the Ku Klux Klan. This explanation will, in turn, further speak of the legacy of major actors such as President Grant as well as the impact of Klansmen on today’s conservative culture.
“ … in our ideal conception of the term. The scholar, Robert Dahl (1977) explores this concept, and claims that, … … asked me if I had contacted someone by the name of Robert in Congressman John Dingell’s office. I said, “No,” and he said that I have to call Robert to “see if this bill is OK.” I was curious as to why I … ”
Abstract
Could the Father of the Constitution have possibly known the state of his “child” 200 years down the road? Ask your typical American what he or she thinks of their government today. The answers “farce” or “tragedy” would not be big surprises. What else could you call a government—or, more specifically, a Congress—that currently has a 31% approval rating?1 Or, an even better question—what else could you call a government that, with a 31% approval rating, has reached its highest level of approval in two years?2 You could call it the American government; a government that many are happy to call a model of true democracy. Look at any United States history, government, or political science textbook that is being read by today’s high school and college students—it may very well say on the first page—“Sure, there are flaws in our government, but most people agree that the foundation for a democratic society was secured by the Constitution and later laws.”3 Another introductory level political science textbook simply states, “The framers of the Constitution . . . instituted representative democracy.”4 While, certainly, the degree of democracy for a given state can vary, the common notion that the United States is the world’s epitome of a democracy is a fundamental misconception.The purpose of this thesis is to address and seek answers to the questions posed above, namely: Where is the United States on the democracy continuum? What constitutes corruption in a democracy? Where are these impediments to substantive democracy occurring? And, why are so many Americans placing the blame of dysfunctional government on individuals and not the state? The opinions of scholars who have written on the topic of democracy in the United States will be considered as well as my own hypothesis: That, low approval ratings of Congress are predominantly due to the fact that the people who are rating Congress are not well-informed enough to accurately judge this branch of government.
“ … Department of Political Science, June 2009. ADVISOR: Robert Hislope Beginning in 2002, President George W. Bush … this kind of rhetoric coming from the United States. We , Robert . “The September 12 Paradigm.” Foreign Affairs. … ”
Abstract
Beginning in 2002, President George W. Bush charted a new American foreign policy against international terrorism, asserting the right to unquestionably advance and protect American values and interests above all others, using all means available, including unilateral military action. This doctrine was crafted by a group of scholars known as neoconservatives, whose ideology overwhelmingly controlled the Bush administration’s foreign policy decisionmaking. Their policies exacted an incredible toll on the United States, and now policymakers must find a way to rebuild in their wake. This thesis explores these ideas, and provides suggestions of how best to proceed.
The work deals with the history of neoconservatism, addressing its origin, development, and policy issues including how to ensure American dominance in the Middle East. It begins tracing its theoretical supports, comparing neoconservatism to common international relations theory. The influence of neoconservatism on the Bush administration after the 9/11 attacks is then addressed, drawing attention to policy developed by neoconservative thinking, enshrined in the Bush Doctrine. Recounting the development, planning and execution of the Iraq War under neoconservative policymaking, and the abysmal results of the invasion, the thesis then explores a variety of criticisms, depicting the cogent opposition to neoconservative foreign policy. Lastly, while comparing the neoconservative ideology to worldviews of the previous century of American history, the thesis notes the failure of neoconservatism, which is declared an imperialistic and misguided movement. It explores where the United States can learn from neoconservatism to develop a foreign policy which emphasizes diplomacy, multilateralism, and humility.
“ … of Political Science, March 2009 ADVISOR: Professor Robert Hislope This thesis explores the flow, extent, and … ”
Abstract
This thesis explores the flow, extent, and ramifications of sex trafficking both in the international community and in two case studies, the United States and Thailand. Five major focus points are used for each case study—the role of NGOs in the country, current anti-trafficking legislation, variances in trafficking activity among different regions of the state, the relationship between sex trafficking and prostitution, and solutions and suggestions.
Each case study is examined through the lens of comparative political theory, specifically rationality, culturalism and structuralism. These three theories are discussed in depth, and used to determine more efficient ways to combat sex trafficking in the United States and Thailand. It is concluded that rational choice theory is greatly applicable to the United States case, whereas structuralism and especially culturalism play a greater role in the Thailand case study.
Final recommendations for the United States include, among other things, the development of a permanent, readily deployable anti-trafficking task force designed to cooperate with local law enforcement and coordinate nationwide raids on trafficking operations. The main recommendation for Thailand is, among other suggestions, the legalization of prostitution in the country due to far-reaching cultural assumptions which facilitate sex trafficking in the state. It is reasoned that energy is better spent regulating the sex industry, and as a result sex trafficking, rather than resisting such cultural assumptions. The thesis concludes on an optimistic note concerning the relationship between human trafficking and political theory, and how the two might come together to create further solutions to the issue of sex trafficking.
“ … and China in the 21st Century ADVISORS: Eshragh Motahar, Robert Hislope The extreme economic growth of the Republic of … Introduction to Economic Growth. W.W. Norton Kaplan, Robert D. (2003). “Supremacy by Stealth,” The Atlantic: … ”
Abstract
The extreme economic growth of the Republic of China is neither a new phenomenon nor a topic that has not been extensively examined, however, how this convergence of economic power between the United States and rising China translates to potential political power is an important area of discussion. The US has been forced to face a tumultuous beginning to the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Characterized by unprecedented terrorist attacks, subsequent wars that have brought economic and moralistic costs, increasing domestic partisan division, and a questioning of what it is to be an American, it is an unthinkable reality following the 1991 downfall of the Soviet Union, and a perceived new era of American exceptionalism.
No longer can the US act with impunity around the world, using its relative wealth and influence to project its opinions and desires to any country it deems to be acting contrary to its interests. China, in many measurements, is now an economically more powerful country than the US, with a population more than four times the size, and a unity and purpose surrounding the Chinese Communist Party government. In economic and demographic measures then, it may seem that China has the advantage. However, does this economic capital translate into the hegemonic role the US has occupied since the end of the Second World War?
This thesis uses historical interpretations, political and economic theories, as well as economic regression and analysis, to make a judgment on the traditional portrayal of the US as a hegemonic power, and the potential usurpation of this role by a resurgent China. The paper finds an important relationship between Chinese GDP growth and trade, relative to the US, and discusses the integration of both the US and China within international institutions made in the image of the West. Moreover, there is an exploration of different interpretations of hegemony, as well as an assessment of hegemony in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. This includes a debate on likely future scenarios surrounding both countries and the international landscape, before making a conclusion on how hegemony can be judged in the present day, involving the US and China as semi-hegemonic powers, potentially limited by a hegemonic system now outside of their control.
“ … Department of Political Science, June 2011. ADVISOR: Robert Hislope Over the past several decades there has been … Review of Sociology, Vol. 11, No. 2 (2001): 181-199. Hislope,Robert . “The Generosity Moment: Ethnic … respected and deemed 6 RobertHislope, “The Generosity Moment: Ethnic Politics, … ”
Abstract
Over the past several decades there has been an influx of countries becoming democracies. Post-communist Eastern Europe, developing Africa, and Latin America are only three regions that have been working towards democratic governments, some being more successful than others. There are many theories that attempt to explain why some countries are able to successfully transition to a democracy while others fail. In my senior thesis, I focus on elitism versus the power of the masses.
For most of transitology history, elites have been viewed as the prominent actor in democratization. However, the role of the masses has been focused on more and more as time passes. I examine the histories and democratization processes in South Africa, Serbia, and Haiti, to determine the influence mass mobilization and elites have in democratic transitions. Mass mobilization is my independent variable, the variable that I am studying to see its impact, or lack of, on democratization processes in various countries.
While the two theories do divulge prominent ideologies, I find that consensual elites and social movements are both not necessary for a democratic transition, but the democracy will most likely succeed in the long run if they are present. Therefore universalism is more supported for the transition process, while in order to consolidate there are certain preconditions that a country must reach first before attempting to democratize.
“ … Food, Inc. By Robert Kenner, Robert Kenner, Robert Kenner, Richard Pearce, Eric Schlosser, … Eric Schlosser, Melissa … advisors; Kenneth Aslakson and Robert Hislope . I am extremely thankful and and indebted to … ”
Abstract
This thesis is a broad study of how corn has influenced the political, social and economic structure of the Americas from the early inception of the first Native American civilizations to the present day. Divided amongst four chapters that aim to explain how corn's development has changed the power dynamic across North and South America, this thesis depicts how corn has sustained state power and how its development as a commodity has transitioned to empowering corporate interests. The first chapter uses a variety of primary sources such as religious texts and artifacts to illustrate corn's sacred role as the creator of humanity and participation in religious ceremonies. After European contact, the second chapter analyzes the trading properties of the Columbian Exchange and how corn served as a catalyst for colonization, population growth and the expansion of the slave trade. The next chapter analyzes U.S. census data and secondary sources that explain the establishment of the United States and how corn rapidly became a commodity and byproduct for a multitude of American businesses that were supported through policies and initiatives set up by the U.S. government. The last chapter uses records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and arguments presented by a multitude of corn lobbying firms that support the acquisition of land and expansion in large corporate farms. Through subsidies and technological advancements corporations are able to gain the most profit through their ability to refine corn's natural state. Policies were instituted by the U.S. government in order to bolster economic return. Today, corn has transitioned from the most important agricultural product with sacred and nourishing properties that aided in the development of societies to a commodity used by corporations to extend their power in politics. This thesis is about that transition.
This study focuses on gender construction in contemporary music genres, including Rap/Hip-hop, Country, and Punk Rock. Although all these genres are vastly different, each genre creates unique masculinities and femininities which impact the way listeners view male/female relations in politics and their everyday lives. Rap/hip-hop creates a construct which results in the objectification of women through their "pornification" and "commodification" in the lyrics of popular songs. Country, on the other hand, has complex masculinities and femininities which create a complex network of gender characteristics which reinforce and complement each other. Lastly, this thesis looks 'back' to Punk Rock, whose prime was in the mid 1970's, to find a more positive gender construct than what the previous two genres had to offer. Punk, through seeking to defy societal norms also defies gender norms both in its lyrics and its role models; however, female punk rockers, seem to struggle to fit into the masculine norm of "being punk." Yet, in trying to find their niche, they end up combating gender norms not only in the punk movement itself, but in mainstream society as well. This study also attempts to discover songs that could exemplify creating positive gender constructs which are more in line with feminist thinking.
“ … Department of Political Science, June 2011. ADVISOR: Robert Hislope The Caribbean’s experimentation with Black … why … , disinformation, terrorism and British legalisms ( Hislope Robert , List of USA Military Interventions p 10) … ”
Abstract
The Caribbean's experimentation with Black Power and socialism was the highest expression of its self-emancipation and self-definition. This thesis explores the reasons why this experiment, the dawning of a new day as it freed the masses from the grips of colonial constraints, was suppressed. It deconstructs which factor had a greater impact on the failure of the Caribbean's nation-building process, internal strife and contradictions, or U.S. imperialistic hegemonic greed. Beginning with the exploration of intellectual and inspirational rhetoric of freedom, equality and black liberation, these ideological thinkers inspired the Caribbean to fight for independence. A case study evaluating four Caribbean nations, Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Grenada, that in the 1970s through early 1980s experimented with black power and socialism as their method of self-determination is included. U.S. involvement in the region during this time was the main factor that caused the experiment's demise as it shaped the Caribbean's modernity. It explores the criticisms to U.S hegemony and infantilization of the Caribbean and suggests ways the U.S and the Caribbean can learn from the past to be catalysts for internal change, as well as to invoke a new relationship with each other in the future.
“ … Department of Political Science, March 2021. ADVISOR: Robert Hislope Fascism and the radical right are on the rise … I would like to thank my senior thesis advisor, Professor Hislope, for his guidance throughout the entire writing … ”
Abstract
Fascism and the radical right are on the rise in Europe in ways that haven't been seen since the Second World War. Understanding the reason for this phenomenon is imperative to democracy's defense. Europe is the birthplace of democracy and political liberalism, and the continent is a model of these ideas for the rest of the world to strive to follow. European democracy's future is in peril with the resurgence of fascism and the radical right, fueled by growing Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, economic issues, and the overall disillusionment of democratic institutions. The new wave of conservatism and the far-right share many similarities with historical fascism, yet it is something different. Understanding this new mold of the radical right is vital to democracy's survival, as it is fundamentally changing the European political landscape.
