Department: Arts and Sciences : Political Science ![[clear]](close-x.png "Remove this limiter")
36 matches in the database.
These are records: 1 - 30.
Did you mean instcode:ucii?
[1] [2]
1.
Birdsong, Daniel R.
Who Owns the Blank Slate? The Competition for News Frames and Its Effect on Public Opinion.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2009, University of Cincinnati
► The ability of officials in government to define policy options is the…
(more)
▼ The ability of officials in government to define policy options is the paramount power in politics (Schattschneider, 1960). Media allocate power and legitimacy to issues, people, and institutions by how they choose to cover them (Graber, 2006). The allocation of power is dependent on what information media filter to the public and how media define the issues, events, and remedies with the chosen information. Previous literature finds that journalists and reporters are dependent on elite sources of information, especially within the realm of foreign policy (Cohen, 1963; Bennett, 1990; Entman 2004). Past research also finds media reflect the policy debate in Washington (Bennett, 1990; Entman 2004). Using the intervention into Bosnia of the 1990s, I investigate how media allocate power among their various sources. Through a content analysis of the Congressional Record and Major News Media (ABC World News Tonight, the NewsHour on PBS, the New York Times, and CNN) I explain the scope of the debate regarding the intervention into Bosnia through the frames presented by the White House, the Congress, and Major News Media. Moreover, I test whether Major News Media reflected the debate within Washington. The intervention allows me to test the outcome of “going public,” and whether Major News Media counterframed the White House frame. Lastly, this dissertation examines the influence information has on opinions regarding the intervention into Bosnia, the differences between partisans, and the effect of media coverage has on aggregate public opinion. This research shows an interesting development: the increased use of elite foreign sources by Major News Media in constructing narratives surrounding foreign policy issues and remedies. Furthermore, while it illustrates that media still rely on elite sources, the case of Bosnia shows that the “media debate” did not reflect the “official debate” in Washington. I also show that President Clinton could not effectively control how media portrayed the policy of intervention by going public; his speech had no significant effect on how Major News Media framed the intervention into Bosnia. I show that during a time of instability within the media environment, (January 1993 - April 1993) increased levels information had a positive effect on support, and that partisanship was an inconsistent predictor of support. Also during this time of media instability, an increased level of information within partisan groups (Republicans and Democrats) was an inconsistent predictor of support. However, in a period when the media environment shows stability (October 1995 - December 1995), and when partisans in the press were distinct from each other, both increased levels of information and partisanship were effective predictors of support. Looking within the groups of partisans during this time of stability in media, I find that an increase in information enhances the odds of support among Democrats, but not for Republicans.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bardes, Barbara A.
Subjects: Political science
Keywords: News Frames; media; president; public opinion
More Like This
2.
Biroschak, Bart A.
Mobilization and Youth Political Engagement: An analysis of mobilization efforts utilizing political ads aimed at youth during the 2000 and 2004 fall presidential election campaigns.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2010, University of Cincinnati
► Despite historically low turnout rates youth showed up in the 2004 presidential…
(more)
▼ Despite historically low turnout rates youth showed up in the 2004 presidential election at a rate 13 percent higher than in the 2000 presidential election. This study explores the factors related to the increase in turnout specifically in terms of mobilization in the form of political ads through a comparison of political ads sponsored by candidates, parties and interest groups in 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. The findings indicate that in the 2004 presidential election youth issues were given greater attention than in 2000. This increase in activity towards youth issues was associated with an increase in youth interest in the election and thus an increase in youth turnout.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bardes, Barbara.
Subjects: Political science
Keywords: political advertising; youth engagement; youth apathy; youth voting; youth turnout; mobilization
More Like This
3.
Carolyn, Cadena A.
The Politics of History Education: An Exploration of Revisionist History and Educating for the Enrichment of Democracy, Community, and International Cooperation.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2009, University of Cincinnati
► History is an important instrument in the shaping of identity. The way…
(more)
▼ History is an important instrument in the shaping of identity. The way in which history is presented shapes that people’s perceptions of origin and a nation's position in the world. For centuries, governments have utilized history education as an instrument for constructing uniform national identity among citizens, creating artificial communities composed of individuals who otherwise might have little in common. The traditional method for accomplishing these ends is the dissemination of an overarching story – or metanarrative – that is common to all members of the nation, thus helping to mitigate inherent differences, unify the citizenry, and legitimize the state. While such an educational methodology perhaps succeeded in achieving the ends of post-Enlightenment nation building, critical examination reveals glaring deficiencies. The official narrative of a state has an innate inclination to relate history to the advantage of that country’s dominant or preferred group, marginalizing others and assisting in the perpetuation of class, racial, and gender inequality. Furthermore, even if originally intended to be inclusive, the national metanarrative in today’s global society is a destabilizing force that excludes from the community those who are not part of the nation.Inappropriate use of history threatens the health of democracy, community, and international relations, internally fueling unjust power relations and divisions and externally fueling xenophobia, poor cross-cultural understanding, and sometimes violent conflict. The problems of the present demand a different examination of the past that is inclusive by today’s standards, characterized by multiple perspectives, critical analysis, and the encouragement of moral response to injustices of the past and action toward those of the present. This revisionist approach offers a more honest look at the past and a more promising future for internal and external relationships, both personal and political. This thesis discusses the benefits of a revisionist method of history education and outlines the history of the debate between advocates of traditional and revisionist history education in America from the 1800s and into the present. The presentation of the U.S.-Mexico War is studied as an example as it assists in understanding the various internal and external relationships that can be affected by the way in which a particular event is presented. The war and the spirit of Manifest Destiny that influenced it affected American Indians, Mexicans in newly acquired territories, African Americans, and Anglo-American citizens in many different ways. The ways in which these events are remembered and recounted continue to influence the relationships between these groups of Americans in the present. Likewise, the perspectives of Mexicans who were deeply affected by the war have developed quite differently from what is traditionally remembered by Americans. Attempting to bridge the discrepancies between the two nations’ distinct memories of the past can help foster improved mutual understanding and healthier, more cooperative relationships in the present.
Advisors/Committee Members: Jenkins, Laura.
Subjects: American history; Education history; History; International relations; Political science; Social studies education
Keywords: history education; revisionist history; civic education
More Like This
4.
COBANE, CRAIG THOMPSON.
TERRORISM AND DEMOCRACY THE BALANCE BETWEEN FREEDOM AND ORDER: THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2003, University of Cincinnati
► The British Government has been engaged for more than thirty years in…
(more)
▼ The British Government has been engaged for more than thirty years in a struggle with terrorism related to Northern Ireland. During what is euphemistically called the Troubles, the British government has implemented a series of special emergency laws to address the violence. Drawing upon the political context and debate surrounding the implementation and development of the emergency legislation this research examines the overall effect of British anti-terrorism legislation on both respect for civil liberties and the government's ability to fight campaigns of violence. Drawing heavily upon primary sources, high profile cases of miscarriages of justice and accusation of an official 'shoot to kill' policy this project explores three distinct areas related to a government's balancing of the exigencies of individual liberty and societal order. First, accusations of an erosion of civil liberties are examined in relation to the war on terrorism. Second, it is argued three decades of special emergency legislation has led to the normalization of policies used to fight terrorism. Third, the powers created to deal with a unique crisis situation have expanded dramatically in scope and have continued to do so even as violence associated with the Troubles diminishes. The research concludes by exploring the project's findings and what the lessons the British experience may have for other liberal democracies dealing with sustained campaigns of violence.
Advisors/Committee Members: Harknett, Dr. Richard J.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: terrorism; Civil Liberty; Great Britain; IRA
More Like This
5.
ENRIGHT, NANCY K.
TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY ATTITUDES, MORAL WORLDVIEWS AND THE CULTURE WAR.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2004, University of Cincinnati
► This paper uses attitudes toward traditional authority as a proxy for moral…
(more)
▼ This paper uses attitudes toward traditional authority as a proxy for moral worldviews. Traditional authority is then used to predict attitudes toward the culture war battles abortion, homosexuality, birth control and euthanasia. The moral worldview construct of traditional authority and Biblical literalism provide more explanatory power than social groups, providing further proof of a culture war. Traditional authority is also studied as a predictor of attitudes toward science and science knowledge in novel ways. It appears that science may be an emerging battle in the culture war. Capital punishment and affirmative action are also studied, but no evidence of a culture war is found. In all cases, traditional authority captures unique variation not tapped by attitudes toward Biblical literalism, and together they appear to form a larger construct of the source of moral authority and worldview.
Advisors/Committee Members: Mockabee, Stephen.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: authority; moral worldview; culture war; obedience; science
More Like This
6.
HABERL, CHRISTIANE.
ANTIDUMPING AS A FORM OF PROTECTIONISM.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2006, University of Cincinnati
► The purpose of this study is to test statistically the theory advanced…
(more)
▼ The purpose of this study is to test statistically the theory advanced by opponents of antidumping measures, that antidumping actions are in reality pure protectionism. Specifically, it relates the internal economic condition such as the international competitive position of countries to the number of antidumping initiations and the antidumping measures taken by them. The independent variables are generally defined as the internal economic condition and the international competitive position. That is, the internal economic condition is measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita and the unemployment rate. The international competitive position is expressed in the trade balance and import penetration. The dependent variables are generally defined as protectionist pressure and protectionism. The former is quantified in antidumping initiations and the latter in antidumping measures. The research is conducted separately for the two dependent variables for all 147 WTO member states. The results show that GNI and import penetration have a statistically significant relationship with antidumping actions.
Advisors/Committee Members: Moore, Dr. Thomas.
Keywords: Antidumping; Protectionism; International Trade; Trade Policy
More Like This
7.
HABERL, CHRISTIANE.
HAVE THE CHICKENS LEARNED HOW TO COME HOME TO ROOST? AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF ANTIDUMPING INITIATIONS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2007, University of Cincinnati
► In the current liberal trade order monitored by the WTO, countries are…
(more)
▼ In the current liberal trade order monitored by the WTO, countries are striving for the reduction of trade barriers. However, countries are allowed to impose protectionist measures to defend against unfair trade. One such measure is antidumping. This dissertation examines whether antidumping can be used as a form of economic statecraft. If mere accusations of dumping (that is, the initiation of an antidumping case) have a negative impact on exports, then antidumping can be used intentionally by states to financially harm other states. To answer this, the centerpiece of this dissertation is an empirical study that uses a statistical ARIMA intervention transfer model to examine a 12-year export time-series of 191 products accused of being dumped by the United States. It finds that in almost ten percent of the cases, the mere initiation of antidumping investigations has produced negative effects on U.S. exports, confirming the notion that antidumping can be used as a form of economic statecraft. The study explores two additional research questions. First, have developing countries learned how to use antidumping cases against the United States? The statistical results indicate that developing countries have adapted to the system, successfully using antidumping initiations even against the hegemon. Although questions remain about whether states have engaged in genuine as well as tactical learning in using antidumping as a form of economic statecraft, the dissertation sets forth a research agenda for pursuing this issue. Second, the dissertation asks: What are the implications, if any, for hegemony in the current international economic system? According to one view, the negative effects of antidumping on trade can be interpreted as a form of discord in an international economic system that can survive the end of hegemony. By contrast, they can also be seen as symbolizing the weakening of the liberal economic system due to the decline of the United States as its hegemon. In this and other ways, the dissertation represents a foundation for answering whether the chickens have learned how to come home to roost.
Advisors/Committee Members: Moore, Dr. Thomas G.
Keywords: Antidumping; Statecraft; International Political Economy; International Relations; International Economics; International Trading Order
More Like This
8.
Homan, Melicent L.
The Will Still Speaks When Nature Is Silent.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2004, University of Cincinnati
► This work will explore in three sections how theorist Jean Jacques Rousseau’s…
(more)
▼ This work will explore in three sections how theorist Jean Jacques Rousseau’s religious perspective permeated his political thought. Initially, his viewpoints will be reviewed in light of available literature on his work. Second, using his own work and observational commentary about him, I will develop a biographical sketch of his life and times, as well as his character and religious beliefs. Finally, I will analyze A Discourse on Inequality and the Social Contract as the culmination of the ideals uncovered in the above texts. I will argue that Rousseau’s misinterpretation and denunciation of key components of Christianity are reflected in numerous workability issues with the Social Contract itself, particularly in the function of the general versus the private will of the people. Problematic issues such as Rousseau’s envisioned “civil religion” and the role of the “great legislator” will also be explored.
Advisors/Committee Members: Stever, Dr. James A.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: Christianty; Government; Social Contract; Emile; Discourse on Inequality
More Like This
9.
Ivanov, Ivan Dinev.
NATO’s Transformation in an Imbalanced International System.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2008, University of Cincinnati
► The dissertation studies the functioning and management of NATO in the post-Cold…
(more)
▼ The dissertation studies the functioning and management of NATO in the post-Cold War distribution of power. The core purpose is the articulation of a framework that enables coherent explanation of NATO’s transformation while at the same time binding together the invitation to new allies, the expansion of allied missions, and advancement of new capabilities. I explain these three aspects of NATO’s transformation through club goods theory and the concept of complementarities. The club goods framework originates from collective goods literature and is consistent with the theory of intergovernmental bargaining in integration studies. It suggests that NATO has features similar to heterogeneous clubs: voluntarism, sharing, cost-benefit analysis and exclusion mechanisms. Based on club good theory, I conceptualize complementarities as a relationship between military resources and transformational allied capabilities. The military resources considered include military personnel, army, navy, air force and defense spending. The alliance missions in terms of peacekeeping, crisis management and non-proliferation are key intervening variables in my model that shape the development of allied capabilities. Combined Joint Task Forces, NATO Response Force and different non-proliferation teams illustrate the advancement of new capabilities. This framework distinguishes between three groups of nations: the core NATO allies, the new members and the non-NATO nations that are members of the European Union (Austria, Finland, Ireland and Sweden). The study indicated that a strong relationship between resources and allied capabilities for the old NATO members, while for the new NATO allies this relationship is much less powerful and none of the observed variables is significant in the case of the non-NATO nations. Based on these findings the dissertation makes the argument that the United States as a hegemon has a key role in managing allied relations, while at same time influencing the decision to invite new allies and pushing forward NATO’s transformational agenda. The theoretical contributions of this research are twofold: First, it rests on a novel approach to study imbalance in international affairs from the perspective of military power. Second, it expands club goods theory as an analytical framework of studying contemporary alliance politics through the development of the concept of complementarities.
Advisors/Committee Members: Harknett, Richard.
Subjects: International relations
Keywords: international security; alliance politics; NATO; military transformation; transatlantic relations
More Like This
10.
JABBARI, BEHZAD J.
EXPERIMENTS IN PUBLIC OPINION RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2005, University of Cincinnati
► In the past decade, access to the Internet has substantially increased, and…
(more)
▼ In the past decade, access to the Internet has substantially increased, and now various commercial software packages provide the means for researchers to readily design and create online surveys in a short period of time. The purpose of this dissertation is to demonstrate the utility and cost-effectiveness of conducting methodological experiments on survey question effects such as effects of not sure, don’t know, and no opinion, tone of wording: forbid vs. allow, effects of middle response alternative, and response order effects. Since political scientists rarely collect their own data, due to related cost issues, investigators are unable to easily test hypotheses due to their dependency on secondary data or small voluntary student samples. In this research, several classic experiments on question form, wording, and context were replicated using the Internet as a public opinion laboratory. This study was conducted in two phases prior to 2000 presidential election using Internet technology at the University of Cincinnati. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of the two question forms, and the topics of survey questions in this study were focused on issues in the 2000 presidential election campaign adapted for self-administration on the Internet. Six experiments were conducted examining the effects of no opinion, don’t know, and not sure response alternatives. Except in one case, in which a large number of respondents with a higher level of education expressed opinions about a fictitious issue, the results replicated earlier findings by Schuman and Presser (1981). Two experiments examined the selection of "forbid" vs. "not allow" showing the preference of respondents to choose "not allow" over "forbid." However, we found a lower margin of difference in our experiments in comparison with those of Schuman and Presser (1981). Three experiments examining the effects of a middle response alternative clearly suggested that offering a "middle alternative" results in a significant increase in its selection. Examining the univariate distribution, a statistically significant difference based on response form was found in only one of three cases. The results suggest that middle response alternative effects may not be generalizable to all issues. The bivariate results were similar to findings of Schuman and Presser (1981) and Kalton, Roberts, and Holts (1980) showing that the inferences about the relationship between background variables and attitude items are not affected by the presence or absence of a middle alternative. Finally, three experiments were conducted to examine the response order effects. Only one of the experiments showed a strong primacy effect, with the other two producing less robust results. Overall, this research confirms that this new mode of data collection utilizing the Internet technology can be effectively utilized to create and/or replicate various methodological experiments in an efficient and cost-effective manner as well as stimulate the development of new hypotheses on survey question effects.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bishop, Dr. George F.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: survey research; online survey; web survey; Internet poll; online poll; response order; middle response alternative; tone of wording; not sure; don't know; no opinion; methodological experiments; methodology
More Like This
11.
Kamrani, Marjon E.
Keeping the Faith in Global Civil Society: Illiberal Democracy and the Cases of Reproductive Rights and Trafficking.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2009, University of Cincinnati
► What constitutes global civil society? Are liberal assumptions about the nature of…
(more)
▼ What constitutes global civil society? Are liberal assumptions about the nature of civil society as a realm autonomous from and balancing the power of the state and market transferrable to the global level? Does global civil society necessarily represent and/or result in the promotion of liberal values? These questions guided my dissertation which attempts to challenge dominant liberal conceptualizations of global civil society. To do so, it provides two representative case studies of how domestic and transnational factions of the Religious Right, acting in concert with (or as agents of) the US state, and the political opportunity structures it has provided under conservative regimes, gain access to global policy-making forums through a reframing of international human rights discourses and practices pertaining particularly to women's rights in order to shift them in illiberal directions. The study investigates the ways liberal international human rights regimes, which are commonly seen as representative of an emerging liberal global civil society separate from and acting as a check on state power, are particularly vulnerable to contestations involving value orientations that challenge liberal conceptions of human rights and liberal feminist conceptions of women's human rights. The concept of women's human rights gained ascendancy in global policy-making through the development of transnational feminist non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from the 1970s onward. Such NGOs fit the liberal model of global civil society actors operating separate from state apparatuses to check human rights abuses enabled by states. By the 1990s, however, domestic and transnational Religious Right NGOs began to emerge, with significant financial and ideological state support, to explicitly counter liberal feminist constructions of women's human rights. The dissertation uses secondary historical studies, primary NGO, governmental, and intergovernmental organization (IGO) documents, and structuralist social movement analysis that focuses on framing through discourse and political opportunity structures and is informed by feminist constructivist approaches in International Relations. My case studies of Religious Right NGOs engaged in pro-family and anti-sex trafficking campaigns under the rubric of women's human rights reveal that: 1) the elasticity of human rights discourse makes it attractive for all manner of political claims by all manner of political groups, including illiberal ones; 2) the entry of the Religious Right as a human rights regime does not fit the prevailing model of global civil society in that it is heavily state-supported financially and ideologically nor does it make its human rights claims on the basis of liberal individualist principles; and, thus, 3) international human rights norms are becoming less the result of some alternative, autonomous, unified, and liberal-progressive "third" space that counters the state and more subject to strong alliances of conservative groups and states. This dissertation, theoretically and empirically, puts into question assumptions about the necessarily liberalizing nature of global civil society. It does this by uncovering how power operates within global civil society among NGOs as a result of their differential relations to the power of states and how these power differentials enable certain human rights frames to becomes dominant over others.
Advisors/Committee Members: Runyan, Anne.
Subjects: International law
Keywords: global civil society; reproductive rights; sex trafficking; feminist constructivism; human rights; illiberal democracy
More Like This
12.
KASSEM, LINA M.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRUZE ETHNICITY: DRUZE IN ISRAEL BETWEEN STATE POLICY AND PALESTINIAN ARAB NATIONALISM.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2005, University of Cincinnati
► Eric Hobsbawm argues that recently created nations in the Middle East, such…
(more)
▼ Eric Hobsbawm argues that recently created nations in the Middle East, such as Israel or Jordan, must be novel. In most instances, these new nations and nationalism that goes along with them have been constructed through what Hobsbawm refers to as “invented traditions.” This thesis will build on Hobsbawm’s concept of “invented traditions,” as well as add one additional but essential national building tool especially in the Middle East, which is the military tradition. These traditions are used by the state of Israel to create a sense of shared identity. These “invented traditions” not only worked to cement together an Israeli Jewish sense of identity, they were also utilized to create a sub national identity for the Druze. The state of Israel, with the cooperation of the Druze elites, has attempted, with some success, to construct through its policies an ethnic identity for the Druze separate from their Arab identity. The policy of the state of Israel was to encourage the Druze to distinguish themselves by facilitating their imagining of a Druze ethnic identity. Israeli and Druze elites fashioned this identity through distinct military, economic, and cultural policies for the Druze. The need for inventing a sub- national identity for the Druze arose from the state’s interest in dividing the Arabs along sectarian lines, in order to facilitate their control. Thus the Druze were no longer just a different sect but also ethnically differentiated from Arabs. This is an example of a classic strategy that has been used by colonial states to subdue native populations, commonly known as “divide and conquer.” What is perhaps unique to the Israeli situation is how the state tried to simultaneously encourage ethnic nationalism as well as civic nationalism among the Druze in Israel. In other words, the state encouraged Druze ethnic nationalism to thwart Palestinian Arab national aspirations, while cultivating Israeli civic nationalism among the Druze, most notably through their military service. This case study demonstrates that these two nationalisms are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Advisors/Committee Members: Jenkins, Dr. Laura D.
Keywords: Druze, Plaestine, Israel, Nationalism, ethnicity
More Like This
13.
King, Brian Robert.
Presidential Management of International Crises: Structured Management Approaches and Crisis Learning.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2005, University of Cincinnati
► This multi-disciplinary project examines the style, structure, and performance of presidential management…
(more)
▼ This multi-disciplinary project examines the style, structure, and performance of presidential management of international crises in order to determine both the impact of earlier crisis management experiences on subsequent crisis management behavior, and the role of a structured presidential approach to crisis management in either encouraging or discouraging such institutional learning. The aim of such an approach is twofold. First, it is to discover the level of learning and adaptation, from both positive and negative experiences, that takes place among presidents and their advisors during and after the handling of an international crisis, including how that learning may be maximized and directed toward more effective management efforts in the future. Second, it is to determine the role of a structured crisis management approach in shaping decision-making behavior, including how such an approach may affect the ability of presidents and their advisors to learn from prior experiences. The study integrates research from the international crisis, presidential management, and organizational learning literatures, utilizing George’s (1979) comparative case study method to examine several crises during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The paper concludes with a presentation of findings and discusses the relevance of such findings on issues such as; recent and looming international crisis situations in North Korea, the Middle East, and elsewhere; the impact of a changing global landscape that includes such dangers as nuclear proliferation; and the prospects for successful crisis management efforts by the current and future American presidents in the 21st century.
Advisors/Committee Members: Harknett, Dr. Richard J.
Keywords: presidency; presidential style; international crisis; crisis management; organizational learning; Eisenhower, Dwight D.
More Like This
14.
KISSOPOULOS, LISA.
HOW ELITES PERSUADE: CULTURE IN NATIONALIST CONFLICT, SERBIA AND BOSNIA 1988-1999.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2002, University of Cincinnati
► Two major theoretical approaches address the causes of nationalist conflict: popular rivalries…
(more)
▼ Two major theoretical approaches address the causes of nationalist conflict: popular rivalries and elite persuasion. The popular rivalries theory, that nationalist conflict is caused by ancient culture-based hatreds, has tended to be discredited among scholars who argue that culture is not a persuasive variable in examining conflict. The elite persuasion theory proposes that as a state democratizes, elites, those in control of government or society, begin to lose power. In an attempt to retain power, they control the press and make nationalist appeals. As this begins to divide people into nationalist groups, this either intentionally or unintentionally causes conflict. This theory focuses on why elites persuade and is used to argue that nationalist conflict is not sparked by culture or cultural divisions but by leaders. Using the case studies of Serbia from 1988-1999 and Bosnia from 1988-1995, this study elaborates on the elite persuasion theory by focusing on how elites persuade and how culture plays a role in ethnic nationalism as a tool of elites. Specifically focusing on ethnic nationalism, the hypothesis is that elites use and make appeals to a common history to persuade the public. However, the findings suggest something different. Elites only made appeals to a common history at certain points in these case studies while they were gaining power. In both cases, these appeals to a common history in key speeches were an important route to increased power for certain elites. Once these elites gained prominence, their explicit appeals to shared history decreased, and they maintained their power through media manipulation and control. Nonetheless, culture continued to play a role in elite persuasion, particularly in the suppression of one ethnic group in favor of another. Elites attempted to influence nearly every aspect of life from language to education. In this sense, nationalist conflict is caused not only be elite persuasion, which tends to focus on populist appeals to one ethno-nationalist group, but by elite manipulation, a concept which can encompass both appeals to one group and suppression of other groups.
Advisors/Committee Members: Jenkins, Dr. Laura Dudley.
Keywords: nationalist conflict; serbia; bosnia
More Like This
15.
Kissopoulos, Lisa.
Nationalist Conflict and Elite Manipulation in Serbia and India.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2007, University of Cincinnati
► This study focuses on the cases of Serbia, specifically Kosovo from 1988 –…
(more)
▼ This study focuses on the cases of Serbia, specifically Kosovo from 1988 – 1999, and India, specifically Gujarat in 2002 to explain the causes of ethno-nationalist violence. In refining existing concepts, this study seeks to add to the elite persuasion theory of ethnic violence with the concept of elite manipulation, which is a subset and extreme version of elite persuasion. The cases of Serbia and India were so extreme in their ethnic nationalist violence that mere persuasion does not accurately describe or explain them. Instead, elites, through a combination of manipulation and repression, actually shaped mass behavior. In both cases majorities felt threatened by minorities, leading to a security dilemma. The majority felt the need to take an offensive position to defend itself against the minority, leading to violence. Elites used culture, specifically in the form of a common history, to make ethnic nationalist appeals to shape public interest. Leaders then attempted to control media content by promoting their own common history and criticizing or excluding the competing culture’s coverage. Moreover, they retained power through repression, including physical violence against both the main competing cultural group itself and aspects of their culture. This allowed elites to gain power, as people were left with few options other than to support the regime or violently conflict with it. With this combination of manipulation and repression, elites shaped mass behavior by forcing the public to focus on nationalist issues. The power elites sought was in the form of electoral gain either in the early stages of democratization or in a period of political instability. An examination of elite manipulation in these cases shows that violence is instigated in two distinct ways – either by elites themselves (elite led violence) or by the masses (mass initiated violence). In both cases, elites take advantage of the instability to lead and/or perpetuate violent conflict to gain power. Finally, the case of India in particular shows that democratization in itself does not lead to ethnic violence, but rather violence can occur out of political instability due to democratization or to power fluctuations within an established democracy.
Advisors/Committee Members: Jenkins, Dr. Laura.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: Nationalism; Nationalist Violence; Serbia; Kosovo; India; Gujarat
More Like This
16.
LEE, ERIC YONG-SUN.
FAILURE OF THE AGREED FRAMEWORK: AN INSTITUTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE ON THE NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR CRISIS, 1994-2002.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2005, University of Cincinnati
► In 1994, the US and North Korea signed the Agreed Framework, a…
(more)
▼ In 1994, the US and North Korea signed the Agreed Framework, a document aimed at ending North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Yet North Korea pulled out of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in January 2003, signaling the end of the Agreed Framework. This thesis explains the Agreed Framework’s operation between 1994 and 2002. While various branches of international relations theory provide insights into the Agreed Framework’s failure, an institutionalist perspective provides the most comprehensive explanation. Specifically, the payoff structures of the US and the DPRK show why the agreement failed to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis.
Advisors/Committee Members: Mistry, Dr. Dinshaw.
Keywords: Agreed Framework; US-North Korea Relations
More Like This
17.
LEVY, JONATHAN H.
MADISON, WILSON, AND EAST CENTRAL EUROPEAN FEDERALISM.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2006, University of Cincinnati
► This thesis proposes an alternative governance structure for east central Europe based…
(more)
▼ This thesis proposes an alternative governance structure for east central Europe based on the development of a supplementary federal structure capable of controlling factionalism and nationalism utilizing concepts from James Madison’s Tenth Federalist. In particular, Madison’s approach to mitigating and preventing the formation of dangerous factions is found to be compatible with preexisting notions of federalism in east central Europe and offers a potential regional political solution that merits further study. In reaching the above proposal, the concepts of Wilsonian national self -determination, Pan European federalism, functionalism and historical east central European variants of federalism are explored along with their leading personalities. At the author’s request over 100 previously unknown documents were declassified by a variety of intelligence agencies including the CIA, Army Counterintelligence, and FBI. In addition, three lengthy interviews were conducted with former American intelligence agent, William Gowen, who in 1947 and 1948 investigated and worked with several of the organizations and individuals profiled. The tragic history of east central Europe in the 20th Century consisted of bloody ethnic conflict, foreign invasion, and occupation with the lingering effects still evident today. While there is persuasive authority to suggest that the future for east central Europe is one of harmonious relations, liberal democracy and economic prosperity other forecasts predict decades yet of bloody conflict as the Russian Federation and its borderlands resolve rivalries fueled by national self-determination and irredentism. By developing a federal alternative to the European Union, east central Europe might effectively pool its resources and meet the foreign relations and security challenges unique to the region rather than relying upon far away Brussels in the event of a crisis. Regional federation as exemplified by east central Europe’s unique heritage may prove to be just the bridging mechanism needed to accelerate the goal of Pan Europe or provide a safe harbor from conflict in the event of the EU’s inability to address future crises.
Advisors/Committee Members: Harknett, Dr. Richard.
Keywords: James Madison; Woodrown Wilson; Federalism; Eastern Europe; European Union
More Like This
18.
Ludwig, Karen M.
Trust in Government: An Alternative Methodology Using Letters to the Editor.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2005, University of Cincinnati
► This research will explore the different facets of political trust and it…
(more)
▼ This research will explore the different facets of political trust and it will look at the severity of dissatisfaction that exists within the American electorate by analyzing the content of letters written to the editor of various regional newspapers. It will cover the years between 1990 and 2000 and specifically look at three different snap-shots in time: 1990, 1994-95, and 1999. This research will not attempt to measure any increase or decrease regarding the number of Americans who are angry with the government. It will give a general overview of the data and findings, which will include an analysis of where letter writers are directing their anger. It will characterize the nature of this dissatisfaction, its severity, and where this anger fits into theories of government distrust. This research will specifically look at dissatisfaction that is directed at the US Congress and the Supreme Court to determine if the letter writer is angry at the institution or the people within the institution. Demographic differences such as sex, region of country, elite verses mass opinion, and year are also explored. The 1994 congressional election will also be explored regarding the extent to which dissatisfaction and hostility towards government contributed to the unexpected Republican takeover of both houses of Congress. Letters will be critically evaluated for any discussion of the “Contract with America” to determine possible effects it had on the election. Finally, this research will consider the nature and severity of systemic complaints and look at the severity of changes proposed by letter writers.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tuchfarber, Dr. Alfred J.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: Trust in Government; Public opinion; Letters to the editor
More Like This
19.
Masterson, James R.
Economic Interdependence and Conflict: The Case of China and its Neighbors.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2009, University of Cincinnati
► This study tests the proposition that increased economic interdependence between states reduces…
(more)
▼ This study tests the proposition that increased economic interdependence between states reduces conflict and promotes peace between them. The study examines dyadic relations between China and its neighbors. This research finds that one of the benefits of interstate trade and investment is improved interstate relations. In both quantitative and qualitative assessments in this study, dyadic trade flows improved interstate relations. Financial flows were also found to improve interstate relations in the qualitative assessment alone and did not reach statistical significance in the quantitative study. However, economic interdependence can foster peace between the actors as long as relative power capabilities remain stable.
Advisors/Committee Members: Mistry, Dinshaw.
Subjects: International law
Keywords: Economic Interdependence; Chinese Foreign Policy; East Asian Political Economy; Interdependence and Conflict; Asian Regionalism
More Like This
20.
Melson, Gerald K.
Analysis of Underclass Black Male Skepticism of Educational, Business and Governmental Organizations in Cincinnati, Ohio, 2000-2004.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2005, University of Cincinnati
► The thesis is an analysis of organizational skepticism of underclass black males…
(more)
▼ The thesis is an analysis of organizational skepticism of underclass black males in Cincinnati, Ohio from 2000-2004. The analysis purports that organizational skepticism of underclass black males was by far the most predominant mindset operating within the urban areas of Cincinnati, Ohio. This lack of belief in organizations could adequately explain the social behavior of underclass black males in regards to educational achievement, steady employment and criminal behavior. Underclass black males was the primary focus within the analysis. The argument is based upon the premise that these specific individuals had become so disillusioned with the organizations of the city of Cincinnati, that an overwhelming majority had opted to remove themselves from all associations with those organizations or saw the organizations as illegitimate facets of society. This group was classified as the underclass because the majority of the population was plagued by poor education, criminal behavior, chronic unemployment, and underemployment.
Advisors/Committee Members: Jenkins, Laura.
Subjects: African Americans; Demographics; Educational theory; Political science; Public administration; Social research
Keywords: underclass; black males; Cincinnati, OH
More Like This
21.
MERGNER, STEPHEN T.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 'CONCILIATED MODEL' OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. TESTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE 'HYBRID MAYOR' CHARTER REFORMS.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2006, University of Cincinnati
► The City of Cincinnati has experienced a wave of governmental reform of…
(more)
▼ The City of Cincinnati has experienced a wave of governmental reform of a magnitude that has not been felt since the 1920s. Frustrated with racial unrest, a lack of accountability and legislative inefficiencies, local political leaders and public activists called for greater accountability and decisiveness from their urban government. Blame for these failures landed squarely upon the backs of the City Council and the weak Mayor system. As a consequence of this pressure, Cincinnati reformed its city charter to incorporate a ‘Hybrid’ Model of municipal governance. This is not just a specific modification of the current charter, rather it is an attempt at a full governmental reform in order to change the very seat of legislative and leadership power. Within the field of political science, urban governance literature is founded solidly upon qualitative case study research. Because of the time consuming nature of gathering, encoding and statistically analyzing large volumes of data, the study of the impact of charter reform measures has remained relatively devoid of quantitative research. This dissertation offers a quantitative based analysis that reveals that there are certain statistically significant consequences that have resulted from this governmental reform. My research analyzes five critical hypotheses that the qualitative scholarly literature and political reformers determined would change as the result of a city adopting this governing model. Hypotheses tested involve Legislative Leadership, Party Unity, Committee Assignments, Media Perception and Political Participation. This dissertation illustrates that the primary consequences of reform have occurred within three areas; First, an increase in party unity within the (minority) Republican Party. Secondly, an increase in negative attitude towards the Hybrid Mayor post-reform in the city’s newspaper reports. Third, a small increase in the percentage of ordinances the mayor proposed before Council. The results of this analysis argue that the expectation of broad changes within municipal governance has not occurred. These findings suggest that more drastic shifts in the structure of power are necessary if major changes are desired.
Advisors/Committee Members: Margolis, Dr. Michael.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: Cincinnati; mayor; conciliated; hybrid; charter; municipal; urban; stronger; council-manager; council manager; strong council; strong mayor; weak mayor; weak council
More Like This
22.
PIASKOWY, KATHARINE ANN.
MADELEINE ALBRIGHT AND UNITED STATES HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS: A PRINCIPLED OR PERSONAL AGENDA?.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2006, University of Cincinnati
► This study shows how Madeleine Albright’s policies and initiatives in the Rwanda…
(more)
▼ This study shows how Madeleine Albright’s policies and initiatives in the Rwanda and Kosovo conflicts may have been informed and shaped by her unusual personal history. Specific events in Albright's political career are discussed, in particular, the Rwanda conflict, which occurred during her tenure as UN Ambassador during the first Clinton administration, and the Kosovo conflict during Clinton's second term when Albright was Secretary of State and US intervention was characterized as “Madeline’s War.” The paper explores the influence Albright’s middle European heritage may have had on her policy choices in these two conflicts. Furthermore, her experiences as Ambassador to the U.N. during the Rwanda tragedy may be seen to have shaped her approach to humanitarian intervention in Kosovo. Finally, the resulting “Albright Doctrine” is assessed in terms of its impact on US foreign policy.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tolley, Dr. Howard.
Keywords: Rwanda; Kosovo; Madeleine; Albright; Clinton; United; Nations; States; Secretary of State; Ambassador
More Like This
23.
RADEMACHER, ERIC W.
THE PATH TO ACCURATE PRE-ELECTION FORECASTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF DATA ADJUSTMENT TECHNIQUES ON PRE-ELECTION PROJECTION ESTIMATES.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2002, University of Cincinnati
► Much has been written about the success and failure of survey research…
(more)
▼ Much has been written about the success and failure of survey research organizations attempting to project election outcomes in advance using sample survey data. However, less is known about the relationship between specific data adjustment methods used to generate those projections and the level of accuracy those projections achieve. Organizations often adjust raw survey results using data adjustment models, developed a priori, incorporating one, two or all of the following methods: 1) demographic weighting, 2a) likely voter screening and related 2b) adjustments for turnout, and 3) the allocation of undecided voter preferences. However, few investigations have considered the relationship between election projection accuracy and these various adjustments in depth. This research contributes to the literature on pre-election polling and projections through a systematic analysis of the contribution that each of these three types of data adjustment (weighting, turnout adjustment and undecided voter allocation) make to the accuracy of election projections. This research finds that while some data adjustment methods improve election projection accuracy, not all methods improve projections over the accuracy level achieved using unweighted data. For example, while this research presents evidence that specific turnout adjustment methods often lead to improved election projection accuracy, extensive tests also found specific demographic and geographic weighting had a very limited impact on increased accuracy in many situations and actually reduced projection accuracy in several cases. Variation in accuracy across different types of election contests was found when single data adjustment models were applied. As a result, this analysis recommends experimentation with using separate data adjustment methodologies when projecting election results in four types of election contests: "Top of the Ticket" incumbent races; "Top of the Ticket" open seat races; "Bottom of the Ticket" incumbent races; and "Bottom of the Ticket" open seat races.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tuchfarber, Dr. Alfred J.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: election polls; public opinion; survey methodology
More Like This
24.
ROE, DAVID JAMES.
UNDERSTANDING THE GENDER GAP IN PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL: THE CASE OF BILL CLINTON.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2002, University of Cincinnati
► Monitoring the popularity of the president is a vital aspect of public…
(more)
▼ Monitoring the popularity of the president is a vital aspect of public opinion research today. Presidential approval has become a very closely watched political indicator in the United States. The measure of job approval has grown in importance over time. It is now argued by many that a president's personal standing with the public is a very important aspect of his political power. While pollsters often report on "gaps" in presidential approval, citing differences in approval between socio-demographic groups, in most cases, the socio-demographic gaps referred to by pollsters are the products of simple bivariate analyses. Seldom are further steps taken by pollsters to investigate the reality of whether or not these gaps in approval actually exist when controlling for other factors. The focus of this research is directed towards the "gender gap" in presidential approval. In the literature review that follows, we see in detail that there is a gap between women and men, with women tending to the left and men tending to the right on many issues, including presidential approval. But does this frequently observed "gender gap" reflect a real difference in the political preferences of American men and women, or is it just an artifact of simple bivariate analyses, with many uncontrolled variables? In addition, does this "gender gap" interact with other socio-demographic variables to move presidential approval? This thesis tests the reality of the "Gender Gap" through a multivariate analysis of Ohio Polls conducted during the administration of Bill Clinton.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bishop, Dr. George F.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: presidential approval; gender gap; Bill Clinton; demographics and presidential approval
More Like This
25.
Roeder, Mark A.
Explaining Presidential Approval: Persona Versus “Real World” Explanations.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2004, University of Cincinnati
► Despite providing numerous plausible explanations of presidential approval, particularly how it changes…
(more)
▼ Despite providing numerous plausible explanations of presidential approval, particularly how it changes over time, the research literature has significant deficiencies. These include the following: (1) over-reliance on aggregate-level research; (2) lack of a comprehensive model to determine which factors best explain presidential approval; (3) assumption of constancy in the meaning of the presidential approval question, such that the potential for change in approval being merely a reflection of change in the meaning of the presidential approval question has not been seriously considered; and (4) the assumption that measures of perceptions of the president as a person and his job performance are just two sides of the same coin, resulting in little consideration of perceptions of presidential persona as a key factor in explaining presidential approval. This dissertation addresses these deficiencies. By using data from National Election Studies in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000, we test, directly and indirectly, a comprehensive model of approval at the individual level, including perceptions of economic and foreign relations performance, party identification, socio-demographics, and perception of presidential persona. Our model essentially combines some of the key conventional explanations with one rival explanation. Tests of it show that the most important explanation of presidential approval is one’s perception of presidential persona. This holds true on overall approval as well as approval of the president’s handling of economics and foreign relations. We probed the matter further, and found change in presidential approval to vary rather consistently with change in perception of presidential persona, as measured by the favorability rating. In addition to the tests of our model, we considered a second rival explanation of presidential approval, change in the meaning of the presidential approval question. By presenting indirect evidence, we demonstrate the likelihood of change in approval being merely a reflection of change in the meaning of the approval question, which alters the ingredients of evaluation of the president. This dissertation makes a key contribution to our understanding of presidential approval by determining more conclusively what is the best explanation of approval, and providing strong evidence, both direct and indirect, supporting our rival explanations of presidential approval.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bishop, Dr. George F.
Subjects: Political Science, General
Keywords: presidential approval
More Like This
26.
Shen, Wenzhuo.
EXPLAIN SINO-RUSSIAN ALIGNMENT.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2002, University of Cincinnati
► In retrospect, the Sino-Soviet alliance of the 1950s based on a shared…
(more)
▼ In retrospect, the Sino-Soviet alliance of the 1950s based on a shared communism ideology was actually very fragile. However, the end of Cold War brought a new era of Sino-Russian relations. The two countries are heading toward the closest relations they have had in decades. Ideology no longer permeates Sino-Russian bilateral relations, but a clear movement toward cooperation and coordination is occurring.In this thesis I have two objectives: First, I intend to demonstrate what forces (independent variables) possibly drive Sino-Russian alignment (dependent variable) according to different theories' argument about alignment. I will specifically discuss Kenneth Waltz's balance of power theory, Stephen Walt's balance of external threat theory, and Richard Harknett's balance of interrelated threat theory, which is developed from Steven David's balance of internal threat theory. Second, I will try to demonstrate the theoretical and policy significance of the above different explanations of Sino-Russian alignment. After analyzing the explanation given by the aforementioned three theories, I conclude that Harknett' balance of interrelated threat theory provides the best current explanation to Sino-Russian alignment. While other theories focus on the external variables contributing to Sino-Russian alignment, Harknett's theory notes that Sino-Russian alignment responds to the interrelated threats. This explanation catches the substance of Sin-Russian relationship and the nature of the challenges that Russia and China have confronted in the Post-Cold War era. The advantage of Harknett's explanation is especially brought out, when some new developments of Sino-Russian relationship after 911 could not be properly explained by other theories.
Advisors/Committee Members: Harknett, Dr. Richard.
Subjects: Political Science, General
More Like This
27.
SONDAAL, TIEST MAARTEN.
MUSLIM IMMIGRATION IN HOLLAND: ASSIMILATION AND CULTURAL PLURALISM.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2007, University of Cincinnati
► As the Muslim population in Western Europe (mainly France, Germany, and Holland)…
(more)
▼ As the Muslim population in Western Europe (mainly France, Germany, and Holland) increases exponentially, understanding processes of integration is critically important. However, despite this importance, there seem to be many misconceptions surrounding this topic as people tend to conflate integration and assimilation, even though they are not the same. After reviewing the literature on the concepts of assimilation and cultural pluralism, this thesis concludes that both concepts have evolved historically from their traditional conceptualizations and have converged to a point where one does not exclude the other. This finding carries significant policy implications, as convergence of the two frameworks could serve as the basis for future policies. A case study of Muslim immigrants in Holland is used to promote policies which will help immigrants integrate more smoothly while simultaneously reassuring the population at large that their dominant culture will not be eroded at the expense of the newcomers.
Advisors/Committee Members: Harknett, Dr. Richard.
Subjects: Political Science, General
More Like This
28.
Spence, John Thomas.
Council-Manager Government in Transition: The Change to “Stronger Mayor” in Cincinnati.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2003, University of Cincinnati
► The evolutionary nature of municipal government is often projected through the changing…
(more)
▼ The evolutionary nature of municipal government is often projected through the changing of its structural elements. The conflict that arises between defenders of the current system and those who wish to modify it to meet perceived deficiencies is part of the on-going American political struggle between efficiency and equity. For the researcher, one question of interest is whether or not significant change has resulted in the adoption of a new, modified, governmental form and, if so, what specific types of changes have and have not occurred. This is a study of the Cincinnati, Ohio, council-manager government in transition. Voters in Cincinnati, Ohio, adopted a "stronger mayor" governmental form in May,1999, which took effect in December of 2001. Empirically analyzing the motivations and expectations of elites - those actively involved both for and against the change - enables a determination to be made as to whether the change to "stronger mayor" significantly altered the way municipal government is perceived to now operate. A series of quantitative and qualitative questions were asked of 'elites,' both before the change to "stronger mayor" and after the change. This enabled an empirical comparison to be made between the way mayoral, council, and city manager roles and relationships have and have not been perceived to have changed as a result of the adoption of the new governmental form. Elites interviewed included leaders of the city's three political parties, current and former public officials, legislative aides, and political activists all of whom were engaged in either supporting or opposing the "stronger mayor" ballot initiative. Findings indicated that significant perceptual change did occur, particularly in regard to the mayor's power and roles at city hall, council's relationship with the mayor and city manager, the city manager's policy role, and a change from a generally negative to a cautiously positive perception of relationships between council members themselves. Despite arguments by supporters that "stronger mayor" would enhance efficiency and equity, that has not happened. This study also found that a major impact upon the perceptions of elites was the result of the impact of term limits which, although adopted several years prior, only recently began to have a major impact on the political process. This study contributes principally to the literature of municipal government in two ways. It is empirical, and more works based upon qualitative examinations are needed in the literature to provide measures and to permit comparisons to be made. Further, this research provides support for the argument of those who believe that a "convergence" is taking place between the strong mayor and council-manager forms of municipal government.
Advisors/Committee Members: Tuchfarber, Dr. Alfred.
Keywords: council-manager; municipal government; local government; stronger mayor; Cincinnati government
More Like This
29.
STINNETT, LISA H.
TRANSNATIONAL PROTEST, U.S. ACTIVISTS AND POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS ON UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE'S CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE 2003 IRAQ WAR.
Degree: MA, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2007, University of Cincinnati
► Studies of transnational activism focus on two types of activists: those that…
(more)
▼ Studies of transnational activism focus on two types of activists: those that use transnational activism to combat the repression of an authoritarian state and those that use transnational activism to combat international institutions. This project analyzes the case of United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), a US anti-war organization, and its campaign against the 2003 Iraq War. UFPJ represents a less studied group of activists, those in democratic countries who use transnational activism to pressure their own governments to change policies. I argue that political constraints at the national level, a lack of political opportunities at the national level, and favorable political opportunities at the international level motivated and shaped UFPJ’s use of transnational activism. This study identifies international political opportunities created by allied states, international forums, and the role of the UN in the debate over Iraq as the primary determinants of UFPJ’s strategy to oppose war in Iraq.
Advisors/Committee Members: Jenkins, Laura D.
Keywords: United for Peace and Justice, Political Opportunities, Transnational Activism, Social Movement Organizations
More Like This
30.
Sweet-Holp, Timothy J.
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION.
Degree: PhD, Arts and Sciences : Political Science, 2001, University of Cincinnati
► The research reported in this work is one of the first empirical…
(more)
▼ The research reported in this work is one of the first empirical examinations of politically successful Public/Private Partnership In Education to come from the policy sciences. As such, this research builds a theoretical model of political success and then empirically tests it against data from a national survey. In building and testing this model, this work employs a mixed research program of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In-depth telephone interviews with select stakeholders from two case study cities build the context of the work and lead to the development and clarification of the relevant research concepts. These qualitative data are supported with quantitative data collected via a mail survey from a national sample of stakeholders participating in Public/Private Partnerships In Education. These survey data are subjected to a Structural Equation Model (SEM) path analysis based on multivariate regression techniques. The findings support many of the hypothesized pathways and demonstrate the importance of goal formation, goal attainment, and leadership to the success of partnerships in education. As one of the first empirical models of partnership success coming from the policy sciences, this work contributes to the literature by combining the elements of theoretical abstraction with empirical rigor. This research concludes with implications drawn from the findings and then makes some recommendations for future work.
Advisors/Committee Members: Fisher, Bonnie.
Keywords: PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS; EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS; COLLABORATIONS IN EDUCATION; PUBLIC PRIVATE COLLABORATIONS
More Like This
[1] [2]
