Browse Objects

In The Union College Garnet

Type of Resource

Book

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Union College Permanent Collection

Abstract

print of two blue jays perched on thin branches with brown leaves; may be a poster, no edition number visible

Type of Resource

VisualArtwork

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

There has been extensive academic research and mainstream debate about the source of former President Donald J. Trump's popularity. Many commenters cite long term trends of disenfranchisement, populist notions, reckless elites and white nationalism, among other sociological, cultural, political and economic factors. These certainly all play some role, but, as this thesis will contest, Trump's rhetoric and messaging techniques are critical to the identity of the Trump movement and its success. Much of the existing literature on the 45th President tends to gloss over Trump's strategic messaging platform and it's pervasive impact on his popularity with his base, beyond admitting that he caters to the emotional desires of his base. Trump's unprecedented popularity and ability control his base deserves more in depth analysis. Beyond just the impact on his base, Trump's messaging is unique, differing both from other populists and from any opponent he has faced. Trumpism has brought a new type of political discourse and strategy that welds populism, conspiracism, fascism and authoritarianism into a single movement. This thesis aims to classify a handful of distinct and repeated messaging strategies used by Donald Trump, through content analysis of his tweets, speeches, rallies, debates, and interviews in the months of August through November in both 2016 and 2021. This thesis outlines the mechanics of sixteen messaging strategies used by Trump in both elections and determines that they are not only effective but likely replicable by future demagogic political actors.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

Controlled Access Terms

In Honors Theses

Abstract

Under federal law, the foster care system is responsible for protecting the safety and wellbeing of the children in state custody. Foster care is supposed to be a temporary solution, with children remaining in care only until they can return home safely or find another permanent home. This thesis examines whether the existing legal framework and its implementation is sufficient to ensure these outcomes. In order to understand why the foster care system operates in its present manner, I examined the legal roots of the modern foster care system. I identified three major legal reforms and examined the policy context that led to their enactment. Using the Foster Care 2007 dataset from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, I conducted a series of cross tabulations in SPSS. This statistical research explored to what extent a child’s race, disability, reason for being removed from his or her home and year of entry into foster care were associated with various outcomes. These outcomes included whether the child’s parental rights were terminated, what the child’s most recent permanency goal was, and where the child was last placed. The results indicate that some improvements have been made since the most recent reform went into effect, but they also indicate that many problems remain. The results were then used to propose additional policy reforms.

Type of Resource

Thesis

Rights Statement

In Honors Theses

Abstract

In response to the French Revolution, sections of British and American political society mobilized to curtail the influence of French-inspired radicals and enforce their own power. Between 1789 and 1806, a process of democratic backsliding occurred simultaneously in Britain and America with remarkably similar characteristics. This is notable for the British and American cases, whose political systems famously ensured liberty and tranquility. Elements of both nations remained extremely hostile to the French Revolution beginning with March on Versailles and promoted legislation seeking to directly undermine political opposition. The antipathy towards the Revolution fractured British and American society into conservatives, moderates, and radicals, who came into conflict with one another. The composition of these groups, their political programs, and their conflicts were similar across national boundaries. This era is notable for the quick change away from libertarian government to attempted state suppression and calls to mind modern democratic backsliding due to alleged foreign backed political opposition.

Type of Resource

Thesis

Rights Statement

In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument