Fordham University: DigitalResearch@Fordham
Not a member yet
16374 research outputs found
Sort by
Democracy’s Crossroads: How Extremism Reshapes Power and Inclusion in the United States and India
No full textThis thesis examines the historical and structural factors that have shaped the current rise of extreme conservatism, shift toward exclusionary politics, and authoritarian tendencies in India and the United States, two of the world\u27s largest constitutional democracies. By tracing the rise of Hindutva-driven nationalism under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India and the emergence of Christian nationalism in the U.S., particularly under Donald Trump, this research investigates how economic strife, population dynamics, and the strategic use of religion fuels the appeal of exclusionary ideologies. This comparative analysis is grounded in historiography, demographic data, economic trends, and current policies. In this approach, this research reveals how these elements intersect to consolidate power for majority groups while marginalizing minorities, often through the erosion of democratic norms, increases in political violence, and solidification of social hierarchies. By focusing on the mechanisms behind and consequences of extremism, this thesis argues that the rise of extremism is not caused by religion or economics alone but instead caused by the perception of existential threats to traditional identities and power structures, highlighting the complex relationship between extremism, power, and constitutional ideals within democracies
Visibility Without Justice: The Wayuu’s Paradox of Resistance Amid Marginalization and Systemic Violence
No full textThe Wayuu, Colombia’s largest Indigenous group, endure systemic marginalization and various forms of structural, direct, and slow violence, which is compounded by preexisting vulnerabilities such as water scarcity, malnutrition, and displacement in La Guajira, a border region situated between Colombia and Venezuela. These challenges are worsened by state neglect, inaction, and environmental degradation caused by El Cerrejón, Latin America’s largest open-pit coal mine. Despite awareness of their suffering, both the Colombian state and Glencore, the company that owns El Cerrejón, perpetuate these harms, with the state hiding behind protective legal frameworks intended to protect and uphold the Wayuu’s rights but, instead, serves as a facade for inaction. The Wayuu continuously employ resistance strategies in response to their suffering and state neglect. However, the Wayuu’s visibility through protests, advocacy, and legal action paradoxically intensifies their marginalization. This visibility amplifies their struggles but provokes silencing, retaliation, and unmeaningful solutions, perpetuating cycles of exclusion and harm. The Wayuu are visible in terms of their resistance methods and indigenity but invisible in terms of their rights as Colombian citizens and as human beings. Categorized under “Indigenous rights,” the Wayuu are isolated as “other,” denying them full recognition as Colombian citizens. This thesis explores how preexisting vulnerability, state and corporate inaction, and the paradox of visibility perpetuate the Wayuu’s suffering. Using legal analysis, public health data, and firsthand accounts, this thesis critiques the state’s complicity in maintaining this cycle. This work calls for enforceable action to dismantle structural forces prioritizing profit over dignity, demanding accountability and transformative change to break the persistent cycle of injustice that the Wayuu endure
Rethinking Resource Exploitation: Shared Capitalist Motivations in Ghana’s Gold Mining Sector
No full textThe relationship between Chinese involvement in Ghana\u27s gold mining sector and its impact on sovereignty, development, and resource governance has ignited significant debate. While neo-colonial frameworks often dominate discussions, this thesis argues that such perspectives oversimplify the complex dynamics at play. Instead, Chinese involvement is better understood as mutual capitalist exploitation, where both Chinese and Ghanaian actors are driven by shared profit motives within a global capitalist system. This mutual exploitation is enabled by weak governance, regulatory gaps, and systemic corruption, creating a permissive environment for resource exploitation at the expense of societal and environmental well-being. The thesis critically examines the structural conditions that sustain illegal mining activities, emphasizing the interplay between global capitalism and local agency. By exploring the roles of chiefs, politicians, and other intermediaries in facilitating exploitation, it highlights how Ghanaian actors contribute to the dynamics of resource dependency. Furthermore, the study interrogates the environmental degradation, social inequalities, and governance failures that exacerbate the challenges posed by Chinese involvement. The research concludes that addressing these issues requires a shift away from neo-colonial narratives toward a focus on structural and institutional reforms. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing transparency, and investing in alternative livelihoods are crucial steps toward sustainable development. By reframing the debate, this study provides actionable insights into fostering equitable resource management and reducing exploitation, offering a nuanced understanding of Sino-Ghanaian interactions in the gold mining sector
Career Long Scholarly Contributions to Educating Teachers for Multilingual Classrooms and Exploring Multilingualism
No full textThe Rainbow Nation Goes Dark: Unjust Energy Production and Load Shedding in South Africa
No full textNumerous inequalities experienced by South Africans right now are a result of the country’s previous apartheid government. One example is South Africa’s current energy distribution, which is extremely inequitable across communities due to the structurally failing energy grid and corruption within the government. Energy distribution in South Africa encapsulates the practice of load shedding, which is essentially controlled rolling electrical blackouts. Chapter One examines quantitative data regarding energy production and distribution in South Africa, including the details of load shedding. Moreover, this chapter explores the negative relationship between energy production, load shedding, and ecosystem services. The quantitative data lays the groundwork for understanding future chapter topics. Chapter Two dives into the extensive history of South Africa, displaying systemic inequalities. This chapter includes an overview of the development of energy production infrastructure, the causes of load shedding, and the unjust use of load shedding on particular populations. Chapter Three defines, in detail, environmental justice and then applies the concept to the impacts of load shedding, including the economic and social disparities associated with the practice. Chapter Four evaluates how political players have prolonged the failure of the electrical grid through corruption and what efforts are being made to improve the grid and people’s quality of life. Chapter Five considers all the previous information to propose policy recommendations that support equitable energy distribution and encourage South Africa to move forward sustainably
Ecologies of Urban Encroachment: How LA’s Built Environment Shapes Urban Ecosystems and Wildlife
No full textThis paper examines the impact of Los Angeles’ built environment on its ecosystems and biodiversity through the destruction of wildlife corridors and habitats and the threats urbanization poses to its native species. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, Chapter 1 describes the current threats that wildlife faces and ecosystem services that are at stake in Los Angeles due to suburban sprawl and the impacts of urbanization on its ecosystems. This chapter introduces data on the decrease in population of important species and statistics on how urbanization has been encroaching on and breaking apart habitats. Chapter 2 explores the history of the ecosystems of Los Angeles and the significance of the various flora and fauna that support these ecosystems prior to the city’s urbanization. Chapter 3 describes elements of the urban and suburban planning of Los Angeles and the ways in which they have impacted these critical habitats. Chapter 4 discusses the politics, including proposed bills and citywide movements that are occurring with an aim to reduce the harm done to these key ecosystems caused by the city’s infrastructure and additional implications of human presence in the area. Drawing on the crucial aspects of the ecosystems discussed in Chapter 2 and the issues discussed in Chapter 3, the final Chapter 5 culminates in the discussion of further environmental policies, infrastructure improvements, and design elements that must be implemented to restore Los Angeles’ habitats and species diversity to restore the once-healthy ecosystem
Immigrants’ Inhumanity to Immigrants: The Failings of Modern US Immigration Policies through the Lens of Mauritanian Asylum Seekers
No full textBy analyzing firsthand accounts of Mauritanian migrants gathered at The Migrant Center of St. Francis Church of Assisi, this paper explores the systemic inequities of U.S. immigration law and enforcement, particularly its impact on African migrants. The research argues that these lived experiences expose the disconnect between official narratives of welcoming migrants and the harsh realities of the immigration system, making a case for a more humane and equitable framework. This will be accomplished by first setting the scene on Mauritania and the culture and history that backs up how the migrants act and why they chose America to emigrate. Their journey is perilous and highlighted throughout the paper, making sure it is understood that leaving one’s home country is no easy feat. Through these examinations, this paper will explore the systemic inequities of US Immigration law and enforcement, highlighting the racialized context they exist in despite aiming to be “race-neutral.” This paper will conclude with how to make US Immigration law and enforcement more humane and welcoming
Digital Voices of the Arab Spring: Mainstream Media, Social Media, and Narrative in Egypt\u27s Tahrir Square Protests
No full textThis thesis questions and examines the dynamics between social media activism and mainstream media coverage during the Tahrir Square protests of the Arab Spring, focusing on how these platforms collectively shaped the global narrative and challenged the Mubarak regime\u27s control over information. How exactly did these two types of media coverage work in tandem to contribute to the revolution\u27s success? Through qualitative textual analysis of the events of January and February of 2011, it analyzes the tweets from activist Gigi Ibrahim alongside reports from The New York Times and Al Jazeera English to identify recurring themes, including corruption and suppression, state-sanctioned violence, and unity among protestors. The findings suggest that while social media provided a crucial tool for mobilization and real-time reporting, its impact was made possible by the amplification of mainstream media, which legitimized activist narratives for a broader audience. The study questions and challenges prior arguments that dismiss the role of social media altogether, arguing instead that the synergy between digital and traditional media was instrumental in countering state propaganda, sustaining the revolution, and the short-term success of the revolution. By demonstrating how these media forms worked in tandem to inform both domestic and international audiences, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the media\u27s role in political uprisings and authoritarian resistance
The Challenges of International Maritime Treaty Enforcement: Examining Outcomes of the South Sea and Red Sea Dispute
No full textThe challenges of enforcing international treaty obligations are explored through the lens of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its newly introduced addendum, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. Through a detailed analysis of two case studies—the South China Sea Dispute and the Red Sea Dispute—this paper highlights the significant obstacles to treaty enforcement, particularly in contexts of power imbalances. Both disputes, arbitrated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, reveal a troubling pattern of non-compliance by stronger states, such as China and Eritrea, despite legally binding rulings. These findings underscore the limitations of international enforcement mechanisms, which often rely on voluntary compliance and lack meaningful penalties. The paper argues that these deficiencies not only undermine existing frameworks like UNCLOS but also raise concerns about the efficacy of the BBNJ Agreement in addressing pressing environmental and maritime governance challenges. The analysis concludes by emphasizing the need for stronger, more equitable enforcement mechanisms to ensure that international treaties serve as effective tools for global cooperation rather than instruments of geopolitical power struggles
Interviews with JMER’s Contributors: Episode #2 - Sandra I. Musanti, PhD; Episode #3 - Diane D. Kester, PhD
No full textVisit the links to the podcast interviews with Sandra I. Musanti, PhD, and Diane D. Kester, PhD