Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2013, Political Science

Theories and models of political behavior, while sometimes predicated on methodological individualism, routinely fail to consider the possibility and potential impacts of human free will—or the implications if humans lack free will. I argue that all models of social behavior, whether individualistic or holistic, must take at least an implicit position on whether individuals can make free (i.e., autonomous) cognitive and behavioral choices. However, social scientists' everyday agnosticism on the question of free will threatens theoretical falsehood and practical irrelevance. I discuss the consequences for political science—focusing on international relations—of the existence or absence of free will. I use metapreferences as a modeling technique to help us conceptualize how free will and causation interrelate, and from this develop the argument that free will elevates the importance that natural science and technology play in creating preferred social outcomes. I close by applying the preceding arguments to the study of war.

Committee: Randall Schweller (Advisor); Alexander Wendt (Committee Member) Subjects: International Relations; Philosophy; Philosophy of Science; Political Science

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2005, Arts and Sciences : Romance Languages and Literatures

Paloma Pedrero's hyperrealist theater provides a glimpse into the daily existence of a group of Madrid's outcasts as well as an analysis of the pertinent social issues that affect them. In her plays, characters suffer from numerous conflicts linked to financial and emotional alienation. Longing for solidarity and companionship, an atmosphere of rivalry and mistrust thwarts their attempts to establish effective dialogue or productive cooperation. Though role-play can bring about momentary connections, bonds are soon severed as characters fail at (self)expression and resort to mutual victimization. Spectators exit the theater perplexed since characters seem no better off at the plays' open-ended conclusions. In recent years, Pedrero is proving to be one of the most important playwrights to emerge on the Spanish stage. The growing number of critical studies on her plays attest scholars' interest to unravel the complexities of her thought-provoking texts. Although most critics concentrate on the theatric, erotic or feminine aspects of her writing, I believe an analysis of the psycho-sociological dimensions of her theater is essential to a greater understanding of her works, especially in light of her educational background in sociology. Consequently, my dissertation approaches Pedrero's texts uniquely within this social framework. Although Pedrero avoids writing plays with overtly didactic messages, in La isla amarilla, she offers rare insight into the concerns that characterize her Weltanschauung: i.e. dismay at contemporary society's thirst for material wealth and its individualistic nature. Commencing with these ideas, my aim is to delve into Pedrero's world, revealing the influences, theories and experiences which have shaped her discourse. The three primary points of my research, constituting my chapters, include: 1) Success and failure in Western society, the marginalization process and deviancy – Merton's theory; 2) Relationship disorders and the breakdown of i (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Dr. Maria Paz Moreno (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2002, Political Science (Arts and Sciences)

This thesis has two aims: first, to use neorealist theory to help illuminate the future role of European Union foreign policy; second, to use the case of the EU to help highlight some benefits and limitations of neorealism. Particular emphasis is given to how neorealism's balance of power theory pertains to relations between the European Union and the United States, that is, to consider the possibility of the EU challenging the USA for global leadership. The thesis uses two case studies to focus on the development and trajectory of European foreign policy in its near-abroad, first in the Balkans and second in the Middle East. In both regions, the EU's actions are considered in the context of transatlantic relations. Conclusions drawn from these studies are later supplemented with evidence from other issue areas. In a dedicated chapter, special attention is given to the ramifications of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the USA.

Committee: Harold Molineu (Advisor) Subjects: Political Science, General