Terrorism has proven itself to be a worsening plight, and it continues to broaden world political unrest. Through violence and chaos, terrorism is most often used as a tool to control global political opinions and manipulate social and political processes. After the Al-Qaeda attacks of 2001 on the United States that shook the nation, terrorism…
Category: honors thesis
Honors Thesis Spotlight: Examining the Relationship Between Education and White Racial Resentment
Since the foundation of the United States, racism has been a systematic issue deeply rooted within long-standing principles. Laws and practices such as slavery, Jim Crow laws, and Black codes are just a few examples of the overt racism in the country’s system. In recent times, racism in America has transformed from outward aggression to…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: The Prison, The Prophet, and The People: [In]Justice in Senegal
The disrepute of America’s criminal justice system and their endemic issues of police violence have continued to heighten within the past couple of years. However, many activists, politicians, and celebrities in the United States have begun to draw parallels between these egregious systematic acts and Nigeria’s violent Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This comparison proves to…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: Conversations on the Top Steppe: The Impact of Tourism on Traditional Siberian Culture
Olkon Island, in the Southeastern Siberian region of Russia, is home to the Buryat people. Tourists now flock to Olkhon Island to witness Buryat culture and the practices of shamanism, the widely practiced religion on the island, but this was not always the case. While the Soviet Union was in power, their goals of “Russification”…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: How Collegiate Civics Education Impacts Youth Voter Participation
Research shows that in order for people to understand and engage with political issues, they need to first understand the political system and be encouraged to participate in politics. To sow the seeds of civic participation, there is an increased prioritization on implementing civics courses and exams at the middle school, high school, and…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: Fortifying Hate: How Social Media Acts as a Tool for White Supremacist Groups
Alternative right (alt-right) white supremacist groups are increasingly popular and highlighted in the mainstream media, specifically during the 2016 presidential election. Unlike past elections, alt-right groups are able to amass a greater following through resources available on the internet. Social media platforms provide group leaders with accessible and far-reaching communication channels. YouTube is one of…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: The Effects of Democracy on Human Development
Citizens in the United States and across the globe consider democracy essential for improved human development, but the relationship may be more nuanced than most research suggests. Most scholars identify a positive correlation between human development and democracy because of its primary features: electoral accountability, access to information, and individual rights and civil liberties. In…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: Impact of Amendment 4 on Black Voting Attitudes in America
The state of Florida has long held particularly strict regulations concerning the ability of individuals who have been convicted of a felony to vote. Florida was one of only four states to permanently block felons from voting unless they received approval from the governor. For a felon’s rights to be restored, they had to meet…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia: Unlocking Alternative Sources of Investment for Corrupt States
In 2013, the Chinese government launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): a regional integration project that establishes routes and provides resources to approximately 70 countries and national organizations. Benefits and negative consequences accompany the initiative; while poorer countries in Southeast Asia benefit from financial aid, there are still roadblocks to economic freedom, including corruptive…
Honors Thesis Spotlight: Splintering Off: Catalonia’s Search for Sovereignty
In 2017, the Catalonia region of Spain held a referendum for independence where 2.26 million people flocked to the polls to vote on the region’s secession from Spain. Catalonia’s bold campaign for autonomy sparked a country-wide debate and garnered international attention. The Spanish Central government declared the referendum illegal, thereby nullifying the Catalonian Declaration of…
Wicked Problems, Wicked Solutions 