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“Jamás os conocí”: la utilización del discurso católico para justificar la represión ilegal durante la última dictadura militar de Argentina / “I never knew you”: the utilization of Catholic discourse to justify the illegal repression during the final military dictatorship in Argentina
No full textEn las décadas anteriores a la dictadura, el ala derecha de la política argentina trabajó para construir una identidad nacional inextricablemente entrelazada con el catolicismo. Esta identidad impregnó, y sigue impregnando, una plétora de aspectos de la sociedad argentina, incluido el ámbito político. Durante la dictadura militar de 1976-1983, la derecha utilizó esta identidad católica argentina construida para ordenar divinamente su represión brutalmente violenta de la izquierda. Este trabajo explora cómo la institución de la Iglesia católica contribuyó a una justifcación religiosa para acciones de otro modo injustificables según la doctrina católica. A través del análisis de cartas, comunicados de prensa, memorandos internos y entradas de diarios, se determina que el discurso católico se utilizó para construir dos justificaciones separadas, la teológica y la social, para tranquilizar las mentes de quienes llevaban a cabo la represión y apaciguar la reacción del público argentino.
In the decades prior to the dictatorship, the right-wing of Argentine politics worked to construct a national identity that was inextricably intertwined with Catholicism. This identity permeated, and continues to permeate, a plethora of aspects of Argentine society, including the political arena. During the military dictatorship of 1976-1983, the right-wing used this constructed Argentina Catholic identity to divinely ordain their brutally violent repression of the left-wing. This paper explores how the institution of the Catholic Church contributed to building a religious justification for actions otherwise unjustifiable under Catholic doctrine. Through the analysis of letters, press releases, internal memos, and diary entries, it is determined that Catholic discourse was utilized to build two separate justifications, theological and social, to ease the minds of those carrying out the repression and pacify the reaction from the Argentine public
Navigating Real World Conditions: M&E in USAID Projects
No full textThis capstone asks the following question: What shared challenges do USAID evaluators face when evaluating programs in the same region on similar topics? This research aims to inform the question through a comparative review of six evaluations published in the past five years of USAID projects in Latin America on the themes of rule of law, governance, and democracy building. Evaluations review program goals and actual outputs to determine effectiveness of a program and develop lessons-learned for future programming. However, this evaluation process occurs in real-world settings that inevitably present challenges to data collection. I find that the primary challenges faced by evaluators in the sample include insufficient program documentation, difficulty contacting stakeholders, political upheaval, and concerns regarding the accuracy of data collected.
This paper contributes to the field of monitoring and evaluation by exploring on a small-scale the real-life USAID evaluation methods and challenges. Due to the limited scope of this research, the findings of this paper cannot be used to draw broad conclusions about USAID evaluation practices. Instead, this research will contribute to the conversation on real-world evaluation practices and raise further questions about development program effectiveness and the contributions of evaluation to the field of development
RESILIENCE THROUGH URBAN GREEN SPACES: COLLABORATIONS AND COLLECTIVE ACTION TOWARD EQUITABLE ACCESS AND CREATION OF GREEN SPACE IN ALBANY, NEW YORK
Get PDFThe crisis of climate change-driven disaster and instability is affecting humans all over the world, especially vulnerable populations in urban settings. This crisis exacerbates social inequalities in cities that exist from a legacy of discriminatory policies. This research centers local perspectives and policies on access and utilization of green spaces as a vital social and green infrastructure within the city of Albany, NY. Building off literature establishing green space as a means to build climate resilience and foster community wellbeing, this paper uses a socio-ecological lens to explore efforts being made by government and community organizations to foster equity, social connectivity and community resilience through these spaces. Through thematic analysis of interviews with local government officials and individuals working with community organizations I assess present issues and future needs to increase community access to green spaces across the city. This research serves as a case study for the city of Albany as well as a framework for other municipalities in addressing the importance of providing equitable access to green spaces in an urban environment. It establishes that local organizations and government can establish productive partnerships to work cooperatively towards this goal. Albany demonstrates some level of success in adopting socio-ecological thinking and resilience principles in practice. If these ideas are actively incorporated into planning and policy, there is high potential for more long-term successes in building climate resilience and enhancing social connectivity in Albany
Masters Abroad
Get PDFThe research focuses on gaining the perspective and experience of students attaining a master’s degree abroad. The overall study is to answer the following questions: 1) What is the reasoning behind gaining a master’s degree abroad? 2) What kind of impact does a master’s degree have on the identity of students? 3) How might a master’s abroad experience aid international relations? Among the key findings, specifically, students’ main incentives ranged from career development in wanting to advance career objectives or real-world experiences of living and adapting to a new cultural environment. Following identity transformation, students experienced self-growth or discovered new identity traits and passions they did not know existed. Then finally, the significant importance of a master’s abroad aids international relations, preparing students’ skillsets through diplomatic practices to be prepared in international relations or foreign affairs work. Overall, this study represents the vital importance of masters abroad to graduate students who are on their way to making a global impact in one way or another
Við Pollurinn: The Effects of Human-Caused Stimuli on Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) in Ísafjörður
No full textHarbor seals are important for the health of Iceland’s marine ecosystems. They are normally seen hauled-out onto land to rest. There are many factors that affect the haul-out patterns of harbor seals including location, season, time of day, tide height, weather, and human-caused stimuli. The presence of human-caused stimuli can also have a negative impact on haul-out patterns and behaviors. The Icelandic harbor seal population is threatened as it has been declining since 1980. Climate change and the rise of tourism in Iceland may be a factor contributing to this decline; and there is a gap in knowledge on the full effect of tourism on wildlife because it has grown rapidly. Therefore, it is important to monitor Icelandic harbor seal populations. By conducting land-based scans of harbor seals, this study attempts to find the abundance of harbor seals in a haul-out site in Pollurinn, Ísafjörður during autumn, and how they are affected by human-caused stimuli. It found that human-caused stimuli negatively affects the harbor seals in Pollurinn, Ísafjörður by causing them to change their behaviors. Hauling-out decreased, vigilance increased, and flushing increased in the presence of stimuli including planes, drones, humans, and large trucks. Humans had the greatest impact among all of the human-cause stimuli. These findings are important in the context of Icelandic harbor seal population decline and the rise of tourism. It is important to monitor these populations because the observations and findings can be used to help conserve Icelandic harbor seals. This is especially significant to Ísafjörður where tourism is very prevalent in the summer
Sustainable Energy Distribution Methods at the Azraq and Za’atari Refugee Camps in Jordan: A Refugee Perspective
Get PDFThe looming climate change crisis requires research and development of mitigation strategies to protect those most vulnerable. This study uses semi-structured interviews to capture the refugee perspective of the successes and shortcomings of large-scale solar farm projects installed at the Azraq and Za’atari Syrian refugee camps in the west and north of Jordan, respectively. These perspectives may be utilized to improve each camp\u27s current renewable energy distribution system. Results suggest that at both camps the current renewable energy systems are deeply flawed with limited hours with rampant distrust among camp residents in the management of the solar farms. Most refugees demand individual accountability through energy sensors on each caravan or personal home solar panel systems. Women, students, and those afflicted with illnesses are the most impacted by the energy limitations but all refugees face difficulties that are exacerbated by the region’s increasing temperatures which are linked to climate change. The two camps are quite different, both in historical development and modern management. However, the results for each camp were similar. This suggests that individual accountability may be effective at refugee camps globally once adjusted to the context-specific challenges. Azraq and Za’atari serve as case studies to inform future research on solar energy systems in temporary settlements to prepare for the imminent climate refugee crisis
Nyeshangpa: The Next Generation’s Search for Identity in Nyeshang
Get PDFOriginally intended to be a report on the Nyeshang Valley and the cultural values that its people hold, Nyeshangpa quickly evolved into something different. Many thanks are given to the village elders who provided valuable insight into Nyeshangpa culture, but the most significant plaudits must go to the film’s main character, Karma Wangyal Gurung, my dear friend and invaluable co-researcher. Though a substantial portion of the film is dedicated to culture talk and general discussion on fading traditions, the spotlight is given to Karma and his fellow Nyeshangpa youth. A story of maintaining traditions is compelling enough, but a story of a young man and his friends inadvertently being thrust into the center of a cultural crossroads is incredible. One standout moment from the production of this film was when Karma turned to me after we had finished a shoot and told me that he had just learned facts about his own culture that he had never encountered before. It was then that I realized that we were not making a story about Nyeshang; we were making one about Karma. I decided to diverge from my previous idea which was to create cultural discussion amongst community members. Instead, I gave the microphone to Karma and had him step into the role of interviewer. In its final form, Nyeshangpa evolved from a predictable narrative of cultures lost to changing times, into an equally predictable trope of youth versus elders. Only this time, the roles were reversed. The title, Nyeshangpa, encompasses Karma’s struggle to locate his cultural identity. The alternative title though, Nga Phyongla Kangni Nangseyzey, which translates to Dreams of My Youth in Nyeshangte, is my personal favorite. More artistic perhaps, it incites a youthful willingness to fight the status quo and conjures the confused frustration that accompanies the inability to make impactful decisions
Community participation and perspectives of Ambondrolava mangrove restoration project
Get PDFMadagascar’s mangrove forests are intertidal ecosystems that provide numerous valuable ecosystem services but are nonetheless under pressure from large amounts of deforestation. On the southwestern coast of Madagascar, the village of Ambondrolava practices community led management of the mangrove and its resources. This research project studied the evolution of the mangrove area using GIS data, and investigated, through interviews, the relationship between the local community of Ambondrolava and the organizations that manage the mangrove ecosystem. From 2000 to 2018, the zone of the mangrove has experienced a net loss in area every year, despite reforestation efforts. Most community members interviewed expressed the importance of the mangrove forest and therefore its conservation, as well as benefits gained from the two management organizations, VOI Mamelo Honko and Reef Doctor Honko Project. However, participants also expressed discontent with the dishonesty and unreliability of the VOI leaders. To ensure the success of the conserving the mangrove, these issues of trust and transparency must be addressed, and alternative sources of income and food should be instituted to reduce anthropological pressure on the mangrove and improve community livelihood
ABCDs of Triggerfish in Pemba and Misali Island: Abundance, Biodiversity, Behaviour, Cultural Significance and Distribution
Get PDFThis study takes a socioecological approach to understanding triggerfish (Balistidae) in Pemba Island, using Misali Island reefs as a sample ecological site. Two reef sites on Misali Island and three of four districts in Pemba were observed during the study. The abundance of Balistipus undulatus at one of two study sites is close to the maximum carrying capacity of the reef. Overall observed biodiversity was low. Behavioural trends point to distinct species specific defence strategies and species aggression taking different forms. Triggerfishes cultural significance was primarily as a food fish, though it is not highly sought after. With polarised responses for both catch and as a food, the fishery pressure on them was assessed to be moderate. Balistidae abundance, especially B. undulatus could be a good reef health and fishery monitoring metric. This study samples triggerfish ecology, finding interactions and samples which produce a holistic idea of triggerfish in Pemba
Hydropower to the people: Implications of a comparative macroinvertebrate study on either side of the Central Hidroeléctrica Topo in Tungurahua, Ecuador
Get PDFThis study uses macroinvertebrates as bioindicators to assess the water quality upstream and downstream of a hydroelectric project in Ecuador’s eastern cloud forest. Ecuador has increasingly turned to hydropower to supply its energy needs as pressure mounts to turn away from fossil fuels. This transition has been realized on the Río Topo, located in the province of Tungurahua. This study aims to determine how the Central Hidroeléctrica Topo (CHT), a diversion hydroelectric project (HEP) constructed on the Río Topo in the 2010s, has affected the water quality of the river. Samples were taken of benthic (bottom-dwelling) macroinvertebrates in the Río Topo, both upstream and downstream of the CHT, as well as on the nearby and relatively pristine Río Zuñac. Through these samples, an understanding was reached not only of the present water quality in these areas, but also of how the water quality has changed as a result of the CHT’s construction. The physical parameters of turbidity and conductivity were also briefly sampled and compared between the three areas. Overall, the macroinvertebrate community structures in these three areas showed high water quality and biodiversity, but lower levels of water quality below the CHT. The results indicate that while healthy water persists in all three areas, the CHT has had a light but decidedly negative impact on the water quality. This is evidenced by much lower levels of individual macroinvertebrates, small but persistent differences in the results of macroinvertebrate-based indices, dissimilarity between the upstream and downstream areas of the Río Topo, and differences in the physical parameters. These effects should be taken into consideration for future hydropower projects