2018 Conference

Panel 1A: Democratization

3rd Floor East Lounge
Chair: Natalie Flex, Illinois State University
Discussant: Natalie Flex, Illinois State University

• Furkan Burcu Yildiz, Eastern Illinois University

  Comparative Judicial Politics Between USA and Turkey

• Sabastina Wiafe, Monmouth College

  The Successful Democratic Nation of Ghana

• Fatemeh Jamali, Illinois State University

  Beyond Authoritarianism: A Hybrid Regime Framework for Analyzing the Islamic Republic Sustainability

• Bich Tran, Illinois State University

  The Relationship Between State Effectiveness and State Legitimacy: A Quantitative Test

Panel 1B: Environmental Politics

Spotlight Room
Chair: Kate Brunk, Illinois State University
Discussant: Kate Brunk, Illinois State University

• Celeste Dominguez, Monmouth College

  Under What Conditions Will Activism Against CAFOs Be Successful in the U.S.?

• Nicholas Mullins, Illinois State University

  Domestic Climate Change Mitigation (or lack thereof) Variously Explained

• Katie Spoden, Illinois State University

  Local Government Sustainability Efforts and City-Run Farmers’ Markets

Panel 2A: Conflict and Human Rights

3rd Floor East Lounge
Chair: Patrick Swindle, Illinois State University
Discussant: Patrick Swindle, Illinois State University

• Furkan Burcu Yildiz, Eastern Illinois University

  Ways Through to Authoritativenes

• Adefehintoluwa Akinborho, Monmouth College

  Political Disorder: An Analysis of Political Corruption

• Sydney Franklin, Westminster College

  A Comparative Analysis of the Influence of Historical Latin American Military Dictatorships on the Human Rights Crisis in Venezuela

Panel 2B: Political Economy

Spotlight Room
Chair: Jordan Norton, Illinois State University
Discussant: Jordan Norton, Illinois State University

• Amjad Karkout, Monmouth College

  An Oligarchic Democracy

• Saber Khani, Western Illinois University

  The Impacts of Market on Modern Social Structure

Luncheon 12:30 to 1:50pm
Founder’s Suite

(for participants)

Panel 3A: American Political Thought

3rd Floor East Lounge
Chair: Bich Tran, Illinois State University
Discussant: Bich Tran, Illinois State University

• Thomas Wise, Monmouth College

  Liberal Democracy in the Republic of Ireland

• Mingyi Zhang, Beloit College

  Choosing the Working Partners: Preconditions and Outcomes of Coalition Building Under MMP Electoral System

• Tyler Carter, Illinois State University

  A Generational Study of Collectivism in the United States

Panel 3B: The Presidency of Donald Trump

Spotlight Room
Chair: Margaret Scarsdale, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Discussant: Margaret Scarsdale, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

• Leah Middagh, St. Bonaventure University

  What Effect Do Celebrities Have on Voting Behavior?

• MacKenzie Olson, Monmouth College

  The United States of Vulnerability: Russian Meddling in Public Opinion

• Myles Nelson, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

  A Comparison of President Donald Trump’s Administration Policy to Previous Republican Presidents

Panel 3C: Ethnicity and Politics

3rd Floor West Lounge
Chair: Katie Spoden, Illinois State University
Discussant: Katie Spoden, Illinois State University

• Akbota Yergaliyeva, Monmouth College

  Language Reforms in Kazakhstan

• Alfred Boateng, Monmouth College

  The Enigma of How Ethnicity Affect Voting Choices in Ghana

• Kate Brunk, Illinois State University

  Intensity of Ethnic White Identity and Out-Group Harm

• Lydia Ochs, Butler University

  The Undermining of Representative Democracy through Racial Gerrymandering

Panel 4A: Campaigns and Political Behavior

3rd Floor East Lounge
Chair: MacKenzie Olson, Monmouth College
Discussant: MacKenzie Olson, Monmouth College

• Nathanial Null, Monmouth College

  Religion and Presidential Campaigns in the United States

• Jaron Park, Monmouth College

  Movements of Polarization: The Tea Party and Occupy

• Margaret Scarsdale, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

  Political Circumstances and President Obama’s Use of Statements of Administration Policy and Signing Statements

• Nathan Wilson, Westminster College

  A Check on the Rabble? Faithless Electors and Electoral College Reform

Panel 4B: State and Local Politics and Public Opinion

Spotlight Room
Chair: Michael Hill, Illinois State University
Discussant: Michael Hill, Illinois State University

• Julia Bartusek, Butler University

  The Cyclical Theory and Public Opinion: Preferential Treatment of Student Collegiate Athletes in Violation of Title IX Policy

• Austin King, Monmouth College

  Regional Politics: Downstate Illinois vs. the Chicagoland Area and its Implications

• Bryon Pierson, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

  The Serenity Plan

• Jordan Norton, Illinois State University

  Should States Adopt Overdose Immunity Laws?

Panel 4C: Media and Politics

3rd Floor East Lounge
Chair: Leah Middagh, St. Bonaventure University
Discussant: Leah Middagh, St. Bonaventure University

• Nate Lemen, Butler University

  The Impact of Local News Media through the Lens of Voter Fraud and Gerrymandering

• Rebecca Reading, Monmouth College

  Priming in Campaigns

• Natalie Flex, Illinois State University

  The Effects of the Neoliberal System on the #metoo Movement