EIU Department of Political Science

EIU Political Science Review Fall-Spring 2014/2015

^{Mariah Wallace - Subsidizing Public College Tuition}

^Abstract:

^{This article provides, via a qualitative analysis, an alternative view on how to pay for college education in America by exploring the possibility of subsidizing public college education.  The author indicates that subsiding public college tuition is possible, making it easier for citizens to receive a college degree, but the entire education system must be restricted in order to adapt to the new system.}

^{Mariah Wallace Article}

^{Melissa Borah - Empathy and Its Effect on Religious Opinion Regarding Homosexuality}

^Abstract:

^{This article examines shifts in opinion, and the reasoning behind these shifts, among Christian-identified Americans regarding their views of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.  After conducting interviews with several Christian-identified Americans, the author finds that when a family member or close friend “comes out” as LGBT, individuals are more likely to change their opinion of those who identify as LGBT, and their change in opinion is more likely to be dramatic.  Moreover, the author finds that empathy is the most powerful factor that facilitates an individual’s change in opinion.}

^{Melissa Borah Article}

^{Matthew Jacobs - International Relations: The Obama Administration’s Relationship with Israel}

^Abstract:

^{In this article, the author examines the effectiveness of the Obama administration’s handling of US-Israeli relations via a qualitative analysis of the factors and players involved in the complex dynamics of the President’s dealings with Israel.  The author finds that, despite minor exceptions, President Obama’s relations with Israel have been successful.}

^{Matthew Jacobs Article}

 ^{Matthew Jacobs - Continued Perseverance: What Causes HAMAS to Stand Despite Constant Opposition}

^Abstract:

^{The author uses qualitative methods to examine the reasons why Hamas has endured, despite facing constant military pressure from Israel and suffering substantial casualties.  The author finds that the organization has survived because it has been underestimated and dealt with improperly.  Now that it has experienced relative success, Hamas has succeeded in discrediting, to a certain extent, the Israeli government.  The author recommends that Israel find more effective ways to turn Hamas’s supporters against it in order to weaken the organization and ensure its defeat.}

^{Matthew Jacobs Article}

^{Catie Witt - President Bush, President Obama, and Executive Orders}

^Abstract:

^{This article examines the use of executive orders issued during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barak Obama.  Using case studies of the most significant executive order issued by each president, and by using quantitative data on the number of executive orders issued by each president during their first term in office, the author finds evidence that supports the “two presidencies” thesis.  Moreover, the author finds evidence supporting the theory that Republican presidents are more likely to issue executive orders related to foreign policy, whereas Democratic presidents are more likely to issue executive orders related to domestic policy.  Also, because President Bush’s more impactful executive orders were related to foreign policy, he experienced greater success getting his policies enacted, as per the “two presidencies” thesis.  President Obama, on the other hand, was less successful because many of his most important executive orders were related to domestic policy.}

^{Catie Witt Article}

^{Mariah Wallace - The Generals: An Examination}

^Abstract:

^{The author examines the book The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today by Thomas Ricks and several journal articles related to the book in order to examine issues relating to military attitudes, internal army relations, the civil-military gap, and upper-division military officers. It is found that Ricks’ work supports the findings of the journal articles discussed in this essay on the current state of the United States military.}

^{Mariah Wallace Article}

^{Michael Neal - The Way of the Knife: Book Review}

^Abstract:

^{The author reviews the book The Way of the Knife by Mark Mazzetti, specifically looking at the underlying themes of shifting operations in the CIA, relationships between the CIA and United States military, and the growing private-sector.}

^{Michael Neal Article}