Category: Articles – Spring 2023
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War and Peace: The Role of Domestic Media Coverage in Civil War Duration
By Nhaya Vaidya Abstract: Media coverage and its impact on conflict duration are topics that have received limited attention in the field of international relations literature. While various factors influence the duration of civil wars, the role of domestic media coverage has been overlooked. As citizens primarily rely on domestic media outlets for news and…
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Mining for Equality: The Gendered Implications of Natural Resource Abundance
By Cindy Sung Abstract: The resource curse literature has primarily focused on uncovering causal mechanisms and conditions related to natural resources that lead to slow economic growth and increased conflict onset and duration. However, there remains a gap in understanding the extent to which the resource curse affects state development, particularly concerning social and humanitarian…
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Trap or Opportunity: The Impact of Belt and Road Initiative Loans on Recipient Countries’ Development
By Ellis Shen Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of loans associated with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the growth and development of recipient countries. While the BRI holds potential for enhancing economic development in underdeveloped regions, concerns have been raised regarding the effects of BRI loans on overall recipient country development. Existing…
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One Internet to Rule Them All
By Ezekiel Rochmis Abstract: As the internet has become increasingly pervasive worldwide, autocratic regimes have taken measures to restrict their citizens’ access to the web. Interestingly, these crackdowns have been predominantly conducted unilaterally by states, despite the internet being a global platform with shared content. This raises questions as to why states would opt for…
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The Fourth Question of Trader Preferences: How Political Leaders Can Most Effectively Communicate to Change Opinions on Trade
By Jackson Leith Abstract: Existing literature has provided insights into the who, when, and what aspects of political leaders’ ability to shape individual-level trade preferences through elite-cueing. However, little research has been conducted on the most effective communication methods for achieving this outcome. This paper aims to address this gap by examining variations in the…
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Manipulation and Coercion: Vote-Buying in the United Nations
By Ethan Thomas Hoadley Abstract: Vote-buying within the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) presents a unique and significant challenge to the international community. This article delves into the complex dynamics behind vote-buying in the UNGA, with a specific focus on three prominent mechanisms: financial development aid, diplomatic political coercion, and military capabilities. Drawing on existing…
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Rivalry or Revelry? Examining the Effect of Strategic Goods on Conflict Between Exporters
By Mason Blackburn Abstract: Trade is generally considered to have a pacifying effect on interstate conflict, but recent literature has identified cases where this relationship may not hold true. Moreover, there is no consensus regarding the role of economically and militarily vital strategic goods in shaping this dynamic. This study aims to contribute to this…
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Who States Choose: The Economic Advantageouness Factor in Refugee Assistance
By Waqar Asad Abstract: This research study investigates the role of economic advantageousness in shaping refugee assistance policies and its impact on the treatment of refugees by host states. By considering both admittance and permanent residency as separate dependent variables, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how economic factors influence the prioritization…
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Breaking Barriers: Arab Women and Social Media Activism
By Roma Sheth and Madeline Merrill Abstract: This paper investigates the role of social media in facilitating activism, particularly among Arab women in Egypt, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. It builds upon prior studies that have examined social media usage during the Arab Spring uprisings, as well as research focused on female engagement on these platforms.…
