Senior Project Abstracts – 2016

The Evolution, Resilience, and Future of Bolívar’s Dream: Reevaluating Regional Integration in a Post-Liberal, Post-Hegemonic Latin America
Thomas Alvarez, 2016

The goal of this study is to contextualize Latin America’s long, complex experience with regional integration. Specifically, I will analyze contemporary, fourth wave regional structures in a post-liberal, post-hegemonic Latin America (2001-Present). Since Simón Bolívar initially proposed a Spanish-American Union, similar, albeit less profound, regional attempts have been made. First, it is important to unravel and interpret the complex history of regional movements, referred to as waves, of which many scholars are hesitant to do. From this historical analysis, characteristics and trends of previous integration can then be used to explain and understand the current state of the Latin America’s regional system. In the final analysis, I examine twenty-first century regional schemes, identified as “fourth wave,” “post-liberal” and “post-hegemonic.” I contextualize Latin America’s “Pink Tide,” experienced in the early twenty-first century, in conjunction with September 11, 2001 and the subsequent US-foreign policy shift away from Latin America, as features of the fourth wave period. During this time, Latin America has been left without the predominating presence of a foreign hegemon, arguably for the first time in centuries. This motivated the founding of several Latin American-centered and US-exclusionary regional schemes which aimed at re-integrating the region (politically, economically, socially, and culturally), solving regional issues in the absence of the United States, and creating a unified regional voice to be heard on the world stage. Nearly 15 years since the turn of this new wave, current integration in Latin America is considerably inflated, overlapping, and ineffective. I argue that current Latin American leadership lacks both the political will and capability to commit to substantial, sustainable regionalisms. I as well suggest that hemisphere regional thought may no longer be helpful or relevant. Finally, following this grim interpretation, I contemplate several recent events which I believe signal the beginnings of a fifth wave of regional integration.

Double Major: Latin America / Spanish
Project Advisor: Dr. Shannan Mattiace
Language Advisor: Dr. Wilfredo Hernández

Writing History Under the Pine Trees: An Examination of Pre-Modern Chinese Environmental Past, Treatment, and Tradition from Neolithic Cultures to 1800
Alexandra Ashbrook, 2016

Environmental degradation certainly is in the forefront of modern discussion; however, environmental degradation is not a modern issue. In fact, patterns of environmental exploitation and ecological destruction have existed for thousands of years. Traditions which have created these patterns have existed since humankind began arranging societies. This project utilizes Chinese history as a backdrop to explore and discuss ecological issues. Traditional histories are typically told using political, social, or economic aspects to advance the historical narrative–this project, however, employs environmental histories in order to create a narrative that spans from Neolithic cultures to the mid-Qing dynasty. Divided into three chapters and further subdivided, the first chapter explores traditions and patterns of human-ecological interaction that act as a background for most future environmental treatment. These traditions began to be set as early as Neolithic cultures, and can be as late as the Han dynasty. The second chapter discusses the period of time where these traditions were well established and therefore technological advancements and territory shifts were made which created increased stress on the environment. Finally, the third chapter begins with population spikes in the Song dynasty which truly sparked the conditions which have been viewed in the modern era–almost complete loss of natural forest, animal extinction, water siltification, agricultural land overuse, and so on. It is imperative that humankind modernly understands these interactions in order to know the existing traditions and confines which we must work within to create a better future.

Major Track: East Asia
Project Advisor: Dr. Guo Wu
Language Advisor: Dr. Xiaoling Shi

The Crowning of a Democracy: The Role of the Spanish Monarchy in the Democratization of Spain
Kevin Caler, 2016

In the late 1970’s, Spain experienced a transition to democracy which was encouraged by the actions of the newly reestablished monarchy under King Juan Carlos I. This series of events proved remarkable based on the earlier history of Spain by which the Spanish monarchy fell from favor in the 1930’s to be followed by both a flawed liberal republic and then an authoritarian regime under Generalissimo Francisco Franco. As Juan Carlos grew up under the supervision of Franco, he grew out of the suspicion by other that he was merely a Francoist monarch. Through various reforms, Juan Carlos would demonstrate a sincere desire to foster the growth of democracy and parliamentary government in the face of challenges such as the coup of February 23, 1981 (23-F) which the King was instrumental in helping to end.

Double Major: Europe / History
Project Advisor: Dr. Barry Shapiro
Language Advisor: Dr. Teresa Herrera De la Muela

Democracy and Urban Space: The Relationship between the Rise of the Privatization of Urban Space and the Emergence of Democracy in Mexico City
Paul Cancilla, 2016

This project examines the paradox of the rise of privatization of urban space with the emergence of democracy as it pertains to the case in Mexico City. The aim is to bridge the gap of different areas of study by including analysis from political scientists, anthropologists, and sociologists. There is also a discussion on Carlos Monsiváis’s Los rituales del caos as it relates to the project both as a literary work but also as a perspective on Mexico City and the different aspects living in the metropolitan area. The analysis throughout the project includes the importance of public space for democratic regimes and the effect that the rise of private and gated communities have on the quality of democracy. Citizenship is also a major theme throughout the project, and allows for a discussion about the recent trend of globalization and the neoliberal belief in the market. Even though this project looks at several different disciplines, there is common ground between these disciplines that allows for a proper analysis of multiple aspects of urban studies. The conclusion based on this analysis is that while the rise of private and gate communities doesn’t completely prevent democratic regimes from consolidating, this trend challenges the ideals of democracy to the point that it affects the quality of democracy that the regime can achieve.

Double Major: Latin America / Spanish
Project Advisor: Dr. Shannan Mattiace
Language Advisor: Asst. Prof. Verónica Dantán

Why have Brazil and the United States not pursued a Free Trade Agreement? A Brazilian Perspective
Daniela Cuellar, 2016

Free trade is a topic that is more relevant now than ever. With globalization, the current trend among nations is to engage in free trade discussions and agreements. Brazil and the United States are large trading partners and both countries are major economic and political world leaders. Brazil is the most important economy in Latin America, and the United States is the most important trading partner to the region. Then, why does Brazil not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States? The relationship between Brazil and the United States, two major global powers and Western Hemispheric leaders has consisted of a long history of cooperation and competition. Following a Heckscher–Ohlin trade model, from an economic standpoint, both countries appear to have complementary economies. Also, since they are already major trade partners, removing trade barriers and promoting the free movement of goods would seem beneficial to both. However, the governments of Brazil and the United States in numerous occasions have never been able to agree on trade negations and have not engaged in FTA discussions. The political disagreements between them, as well as both countries’ sense of manifest destiny in the Latin American region, have prevented them from pursuing closer economic ties.

Double Major: Latin America / Economics
Project Advisor: Dr. Shannan Mattiace
Language Advisor: Asst. Prof. Verónica Dantán

Postmobilization in Bolivia: Exploring Origins and Outcomes
Anna Doten, 2016

This paper analyzes the social movement theories, preceding events, and outcomes that surround the presidency of Evo Morales in Bolivia. Favorable political opportunity structures, organizational strength, and successful collective actions have all played a large part in the social movement organizations in modern times of the Bolivian case. This paper will focus on the events and actors in the time period of mobilization from 1980-2005 and the period postmobilization from 2005- 2013. Postmobilization can be defined as the period where challengers are successful and become members, but their demands have not all been met. Bolivia is in a period of postmobilization because the Evo Morales administration is torn between upholding the interests of the social movements that elected him and the responsibilities that come with governing a nation with large economic, political, and social issues.

Major Track: Latin America
Project Advisor: Dr. Shannan Mattiace
Language Advisor: Dr. Wilfredo Hernández

The impact of Hamas and various Israeli spoiler movements on the peace process
Mikki Franklin, 2016

How effective are peace spoilers? This paper is a qualitative study conducted on the concept of ‘spoiling’ within the context of the peace process. A spoiler is a party actively seeking to hinder, delay, or undermine a conflict settlement. My paper focuses on spoiler objectives and whether or not they reach their goals. Although there has been a lot of research on the concept of spoilers, scholars have found it very difficult to measure a spoiler’s effectiveness. The concept of spoiling is important to understand because it impacts conflict resolution and peace making. Through my findings, I found that spoilers do have the capability to derail peace agreements, but it largely depends on their role in the conflict. It also depends how influential the spoiler is—do they receive outside support, organized, or connected to other actors within the peace process? These three variables are key determinants to a spoilers&rsquo ; success. Throughout this process, I have learned that different groups or actors can have a major impact in relation to others. The Israeli and Palestinian peace process is an on-going process. Peace may never be attainable, but understanding the spoilers (or groups of people that hinder the peace) is one more step in comprehending the past failures and learning how to resolve them for the future.

Major Track: Middle East/Northern Africa
Project Advisor: Dr. Shanna Kirschner
Language Advisor: Dr. Reem Hilal

Saving Quichua: An Examination of Intercultural Bilingual Education in Ecuador under the Correa Administration
Kelly Frantz, 2016

This project examines the possibilities for Quichua language revitalization through Ecuador’s Intercultural Bilingual Education (IBE) System. I analyze the current program alongside best practices for language revitalization and bilingual education to determine what linguistic and educational conditions are helping or hindering its ability to promote language revitalization. I conclude that IBE has some strengths, but also significant weaknesses. The biggest strength of IBE under the current administration is its intercultural rhetoric. It is framing linguistic diversity in a positive light, addressing deeply held negative language attitudes. However, due to recent changes in IBE policy and disagreements between the Correa administration and social movements, indigenous groups are losing control over an education system that is meant to serve them. In addition to the loss of indigenous control and support, the program is also failing to adequately allocate the resources that communities and teachers need for successful implementation.

Double Major: Latin America / Spanish
Project Advisor: Dr. Rehenuma Asmi
Language Advisor: Dr. Wilfredo Hernández

Interpreting Mainstream Republicanism and the Agency of Women of Muslim Heritage in Ethnic Feminist Organizations in France
Alyssa King, 2016

This project explores ethnic feminist organizations created by women of Muslim heritage in France within the last ten years. I analyzed the organizations’ perception of mainstream republicanism because it is a part of ongoing debates about French national identity. Through my examination of Ni Putes Ni Soumises(NPNS), an ethnic republican feminist organization, and Collectif des féministes pour l’égalité (CFPE), Femmes françaises et musulmanes engagées (FFEME), Association pour la reconnaissance des droits et libertés aux femmes musulmanes (ARDLFM), Femmes en Lutte 93, and Parti des indigènes de la République (PIR), alternative ethnic feminist organizations, I discovered that these alternative ethnic feminist organizations challenged the idea that Islam is incompatible with Frenchness. The alternative ethnic feminists are redefining and reinterpreting mainstream republicanism to be more inclusive to differences so as to enable women of Muslim heritage to regain their autonomy and agency as citizens of the Republic. Alternative ethnic feminist activism raises questions for the future of France and how it will respond to differences and diversity within a reinterpretation of republican values.

Double Major: Europe/ French
Project Advisor: Dr. Jackie Gehring
Language Advisor: Dr. Laura Reeck

Guerrilleras, Revolutionaries, and Mothers: Women’s Agency and Conflict in Latin America
Bryn Philibert, 2016

Throughout Latin America in the 20th century, women were active participants during internal conflicts. Their roles challenged traditional gender norms within society, and allowed women to develop important organization and political skills as they entered the public sphere of society often for the first time. This paper builds off of discourse that concludes that conflict creates spaces for the development of women’s agency, and asks, then what? Through an examination of women’s experiences both during and post conflict in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Argentina, this project seeks to determine whether women’s agency gained during conflict leads to lasting changes within society. Development discourses that measure agency based on produced outcomes alone fall short of examining the ways that agency has changed women. By positioning agency as a step within a process of empowerment that relies on resources in order to produce outcomes, women’s agency can be observed even when it fails to produce societal gender equality. The three case studies provide distinct examples of both the successes and failures of women’s agency to produce change in Latin America, and exposes many of the structural barriers that have hindered women’s participation within society’s public sphere.

Major Track: Latin America
Project Advisor: Dr. Shanna Kirschner
Language Advisor: Dr. Barbara Riess

How the French Republican system deters integration of second-generation Algerian immigrants in France
Katherine Touscany, 2016

Inspired by two of Azouz Begag’s writings, this research paper discusses the French Republican system and if it ultimately helps or hinders the children of North African (specifically, Algerian) immigrants who are raised in France – between both public schools and communities. From his childhood experiences in Lyon to time spent as a minister in the prime minister’s cabinet, Begag provides an in-depth perspective on the challenges he has faced as the child of immigrants raised in France. Though France does not recognize race, Begag experiences first hand multiple levels of both racism and discrimination. However, as a firm believer in the French Republican system, Begag maintains that the Republican values will provide for a successful life for all, assuming they are practiced well. He struggles to prove that it is the French citizens who are the issue in the system, rather than the system itself. This research explores why the system does or does not work, and how the second-generation Algerian children (and eventually, adults) navigate the French Republican system.

Major Track: Europe
Project Advisor: Dr. Jackie Gehring
Language Advisor: Dr. Laura Reeck

Putting the ‘gypt’ in Egypt: The Copts’ Connection to Egyptian Politics
Winona Vaitekunas, 2016

When looking at the shift of government in the Middle East, many of the current situations focus on Islamic fundamentalism. However, in Egypt the Coptic Church has outlasted any modern political regime. Through observing the changes in Coptic political opinion and religious concerns toward the state, I attempt to identify the issues that have motivated the Coptic attitude and level of allegiance with the most recent political leaders. This focuses particularly on the influence of sectarian violence and public opinion under specific presidents, while looking at different religious issues and topics that cause stress in the political atmosphere. Additionally, in the observance of inter-religious conflict, I address what attempts are currently being made to bridge the religious schism in Egyptian society that plays a significant part in responding to the political climate.

Major Track: Middle East/Northern Africa
Project Advisor: Dr. Younus Mirza
Language Advisor: Dr. Reem Hilal