EIU Department of Political Science

EIU Political Science Review 2015-2016

Shirmeen Ahmad - Making a Difference: The Role of Global Sports Organizations

 Abstract: 

Global Sports Organizations play their own part in International Relations providing policies, entertainment, and competition. One of the main questions is how much of an impact do they have in IR. Using two prominent theories in International Relations, realism and constructivism, this research conducts two case studies on the International Olympic Committee and the Federation Internationale de Football Association to see which one proves true. Three hypotheses shape these studies: are states controlling the agenda, how strong is the leadership of the president, and do the organizations push their own initiatives independently. After testing these, we see global sports organizations lean more toward the constructivist theory. The third hypothesis showed both the IOC and FIFA have been instrumental in pushing their initiatives and getting states to adopt them. 

Christian Ilunga-Matthiesen - The duration of sub-Saharan African civil armed conflict episodes

Abstract:

The socio-economic question which this study intends to answer is one of global relevance. For quite some time now, civil wars on the African continent have been a major source of economic and social destruction resulting in excessive human suffering. The primary objective of this study will constitute the analysis of 32 armed conflict episodes across 17 countries between 1990 and 2014 throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Armed conflicts will be defined as the following: “a contested incompatibility that concerns government and/or territory where the use of armed force between two parties, of which at least one is the government of a state, results in at least 25 battle-related deaths” (UCDP, 2015)v. This study provides an assessment of the various factors which contribute to the duration of sub-Saharan Africa’s many armed conflict episodes as well as an empirical investigation into excess youth and utility theory.

Ashley Renkor - Analyzing the Roles of Law and Politics in Judicial Decision Making: Predicting U.S. Supreme Court Justices’ Votes on a Case of Affirmative Action

Abstract: 

This study seeks to study relevant precedent cases concerning affirmative action, the 14th Amendment equal protection clause, the 5th Amendment equal protection clause, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with the goal of predicting how certain justices will vote in the affirmative action case, Fisher vs. the University of Texas at Austin. I conclude that justices will debate numerous aspects at play, such as original intent, plain meaning, precedent, policy preferences, public opinion, personal experience, the federal government, and interest groups in order to take positions in the Fisher case for the second time around with an intent to make a moving statement on affirmative action.

Courtney Sage - Gender and the State Department

Abstract:

As research concerning women continues to expand, so to do the opportunities to examine women in other political positions beyond elected officials. Bureaucratic positions create an impact on policy just as elected positions do. My research examines gender in the State Department. I explore factors including length of service, country of service, appointments, and education. My research found that there are little differences between men and women in regards to length of service, education and appointments. However, the countries men and women serve in are much different when compared. This research has only scratched the surface, and future research will need to be conducted in order to further understand gender and its role in the State Department.