The Macalester Review

Does Brazil Have the Right to Truth?

Glafira A. Marcon — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:44 PDT

Brazil established its first truth commission in November 2011, which seeks to uncover the human rights abuses committed during the military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. Although no international treaty or convention explicitly recognizes the right to truth, regional precedent suggests that it is a human rights norm. The Truth Commission faces the following barriers: the Amnesty Law protects perpetrators of human rights violations on either side of the conflict, tensions exist between the Brazilian Supreme Court and the regional human rights court, and politically strong military officials still present in the Brazilian government actively block the Truth Commission’s access to information. This paper reviews academic work on truth commissions and the right to truth, compares the events leading up to the Truth Commissions in Brazil and Argentina, and explore the hurdles to information in order to answer, does Brazil have the right to truth?

Are Volatile Coffee Prices Important to Economic Inequality?

KWAME D. FYNN — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:42 PDT

Historically, developing countries have been heavily dependent on natural resources as a major source of national income. Despite their large resource endowments, countries have been subject to volatile commodity prices which might affect the economic development of a nation. A salient measure of development is the inequality that persists within an economy as it portrays relative levels of income distribution. In this paper, using an econometric approach I seek to analyze the impact volatile coffee prices has on income inequality within a country or in a particular geographic region.

The Kolla of Argentina: Neoliberal Trends and the Promise of Law in the Process of Reframing, Claiming and Maintaining Land Rights

Courtney C. Nussbaumer — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:40 PDT

Indigenous groups around the world have faced countless hardships—the Kolla of northwestern Argentina are no exception. While there is no doubt that the Kolla are a minority group both oppressed and marginalized, they have only recently begun to reconceptualize themselves as indigenous. Kolla identity struggles coupled with larger Latin American trends explained below make the Kolla an excellent case study to conceptualize the larger struggle between neoliberal governments and indigenous employment of international legal norms. Processes of legal globalization have led to the increasing codification of the collective rights of indigenous peoples in Latin America. This can be seen in states’ constitutional revisions, ratifications of ILO 169 and signings of the 2007 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I argue that these codifications are not always about recognizing rights as such, but rather indicate the states’ limited acceptance of cultural diversity, which maintains the state as a rational actor operating between needs and interests of multiple actors. Furthermore, I interpret this limited acceptance to be evidence for a neoliberal trend in governmental functions. In the case of the Kolla and arguably Latin America more broadly, the neoliberal framework re-conceptualizes the state to be a property distributor that solely protects property rights rather than engages in broader social provision or support. In other words, the government may codify certain rights that appear to benefit indigenous peoples, but in reality fails to take seriously these rights in any practical sense. I argue that the government’s neoliberal stance can explain this implementation gap. The intentional lack of processes and structures for seeking redress as well as the absence of enforcement methods attest to the government’s apathy. Moreover, the government may “rationally” side with corporate interests in its larger function weighing needs and interests of many actors.

Effects of Western Imposition and Climate Change upon the Koyukon Environmental Identity

Sonja Meintsma — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:38 PDT

This paper demonstrates the relationship between the natural environment and the Koyukon Athabaskan Indians that live in Northwestern Alaska. The identity of the Koyukon Indian people derives from the land upon which they survive. This identity is defined through hunting and by the notion of reciprocity between animals, the environment, and human beings. This paper argues that this “environmental identity” has been impacted largely by imposition from the West and is continually threatened by adverse consequences of climate change. These changes will have a profound effect upon the Koyukon people and their environmental identity. It is too early to estimate how drastically this shared identity will be altered, but we can be sure that it will.

The Kolla of Argentina: Neoliberal Trends and the Promise of Law in the Process of Reframing, Claiming and Maintaining Land Rights

Courtney C. Nussbaumer — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:36 PDT

Fourth Time's the Charm?: Modeling a Psychologically-Based PEACE IV Program in Northern Ireland

Cailin A. Rogers — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:34 PDT

Abstract: Social conflict has consumed Northern Ireland for centuries. The relationship between Catholic Nationalists and Protestant Loyalists has proved difficult to reconcile–current policy approaches have been unable to attain peace. This paper seeks to explore the gaps in policy created by ignoring the important distinction between the social identities Nationalists and Loyalists have created and which they continue to perpetuate. This paper examines Social identity theory in context of Northern Ireland and applies the psychology of disparate community identities to current policies and trends in Northern Ireland to suggest reasons for a lack of progress towards peace. Unfortunately, contemporary Northern Ireland does not fully address the divisive social identities that have existed for hundreds of years. Finally, this paper offers suggestions to incorporate social identities into future policymaking by offering three-pronged approach to a PEACE IV program including: Resettlement Intervention, Generational Development, and Individual Reconciliation. If policymakers in Northern Ireland are able to embrace Social identity theory and work through its constraints, they have an incredible opportunity to solve an issue that continues to plague this nation and prevent a spiral into another civilian warfare.

An Econometric Analysis on Pricing and Market Structure in the U.S. Airline Industry

Jiajun Liang — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:32 PDT

This paper examines the relationship between market power and airfares in the U.S. aviation industry. I performed Hausman-Taylor and random effects estimation techniques on quarterly data of the top one thousand most heavily traveled city pairs from 2009 to 2012. Overall, the regression results may be interpreted in such way that while higher concentration at a route level increases ticket prices, it nonetheless reduces average airfare at the airport level. For policy implications, it may suggest that higher market concentration has at least some merits to the consumers, most likely caused by the cost saving due to economic use of airport facilities and efficient operations at hub airports.

Science Fiction and the Myth of Trajectory Evolution

Jocelyn D. Pickreign — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:30 PDT

Stephen Jay Gould first proposed the idea of “iconographies of progress.” Today, one of the most prominent forms of progress iconography is the science fiction story. Science fiction as a genre frequently portrays evolution as a linear trajectory of increasing complexity, and in doing so, furthers a worldview that is not unlike the pre-Darwin understanding of human beings as both the center and the pinnacle of the natural world.

Disinvestment Trifecta: Parking, Highways, & Urban Renewal in Minneapolis an Historical Analysis of the Gateway District

Scott Vargo — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:46:19 PST

Minneapolis, like many post-industrial cities, went through a massive land transformation in the decades following WWII. While the factors behind this transformation are numerous, this paper will hone in on several inter-related developments that had significant detrimental effect on the vitality of Minneapolis: parking lots, the interstate highway system, and the never ending quest to vanquish traffic jams. Viewed through the lens of “urban renewal”, and focusing on the Gateway District of Minneapolis, this paper will examine how and why the combined forces of economics, suburbanization, and misdirected city planners converted a once vibrant neighborhood into a sea of asphalt and concrete.

A Field Study of Consociationalism in the Northern Ireland Assembly: A Moderating Influence or Threat to Democracy?

Ellen Noble — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:46:11 PST

This paper is the outcome of a month-long exploratory study on whether consociationalism has a moderating influence on politics in Northern Ireland. I analyzed the impact of consociationalism on policymaking, party platforms and voter choice to determine if it strengthens and enlarges the middle ground or bifurcates the political community into two extreme and conflicting political agendas. Data was obtained through a literature study and eight interviews with academics as well as political representatives and advisors. This research tested two competing theories of consociationalism: David Horowitz’s theory of consociationalism as a centrifugal force and John McGarry’s and Brendand O’Leary’s theory that consociationalism encourages cooperation and unifying politics. It is concluded that consociationalism has had a dramatic moderating influence on policies and political platforms, but voter choice is still controlled by ethnic allegiances. The disconnect between voter choice and actual governance within Stormont allows parties to grandstand on loose, undefined and shifting platforms which stifles the democratic process. This paper recommends a shift in electoral systems or minor changes to the current consociational structure.

What are the Effects of Mergers in the U.S. Airline Industry? An Econometric Analysis on Delta-Northwest Merger

Jiajun Liang — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:46:01 PST

The Delta-Northwest Merger in 2008 has significantly reshaped the airline market structure and raised public concerns regarding market dominance. In this study, I will employ OLS techniques to examine the effects of merger on airfares, using more than 1,000 observations from 2008 and 2009 airline markets. Results show the belief that unbalanced market share will lead to heightened airfares misleading and unreliable. There is no significant evidence suggesting positive or negative correlations between airport dominance and airfares.

A New Nation, A Brighter Future? Strategic Norwegian Oil Development Assistance in South Sudan

Even Kvelland — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:45:46 PST

Post-independence South Sudan faces numerous development obstacles and many consider oil to be a redeeming factor for the new state. This paper discusses the resource curse related to the country’s oil industry and how with proper management, the oil can largely benefit the new state. It explores Norway’s history of oil development and examines ways in which Norway can assist South Sudan in managing their oil, making it the most effective for the people. Key elements of the assistance are the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, technical support focusing on increased oil recovery, and building stronger state capacity. But given that the time span of oil is shorter than first predicted, the heavily oil-reliant South Sudan must utilize incoming revenue as a part of an economic diversification process. Suggested areas of diversification are agriculture, mining, and hydropower, and the latter is an area that could significantly benefit from Norwegian expertise. A shift from oil to hydropower is in the interest of both states since it will provide South Sudan with clean energy while allowing Norway to promote environmental sustainability.

Seeking Stability in an Oily World: The Gulf War and American Imperialism

Kate Keleher — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:55:18 PDT

Oil has profoundly shaped the political, economic, and social structures of the twentieth century and it continues to shape the global order today. As both a source and a medium of power, oil binds together seemingly disparate elements into a highly sensitive web. This paper examines the first Gulf War as a turning point in the narrative of oil and power. The United States’ engagement in the Gulf War reasserted American dominance over the Middle East and ushered in a new era of oil security. In the war’s aftermath, the United States assumed roles that indicate an agenda of new imperialism – dominance in an effort to preserve economically favorable conditions.

Social Movements and Free Riders: Examining resource mobilization theory through the Bolivian Water War

J.P. Weismuller — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:55:16 PDT

Mancur Olson's free rider problem suggests that self-interested individuals would be more rational to abstain from rather than participate in collective action. This possibility is particularly problematic for social movement theories attempting to account for movement emergence. In this essay, I critique resource mobilization theory's solution to Olson's problem, arguing that its "elite support hypothesis" cannot account for the emergence of entirely grassroots movements. However, through an analysis of the Bolivian Water War, I ultimately suggest that resource mobilization theory can be salvaged. I claim that a distinction between "vertical" and "horizontal" organizations allows resource mobilization theory to maintain its solution to Olson’s free-rider problem and account for the Bolivian case.

An Analysis of the Career Length of Professional Basketball Players

Kwame D. Fynn et al. — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:55:15 PDT

An interesting problem in professional basketball is predicting how long a player remains in the NBA League. Previous research on this problem has focused on factors such as race, performance in games, and size. We propose to analyze career duration in the NBA based on awards won, position played and biological variables such as height. Using Accelerated Failure Time models, Cox Proportional Hazards models and Kaplan-Meier analyses, we determine that both height and number of awards won lengthen career duration; however, only certain player positions significantly affect career length of a player.

Does the Equity Market affect Economic Growth?

Kwame D. Fynn — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:55:11 PDT

This paper examines the impact of the stock market primarily on economic growth using panel data from 1990-2010. I apply Generalized Least Squares techniques for fixed effects with the exclusion of the subgroup 2005-2010 which uses random effects. The effect of the stock market on growth is based on country-specific effects and varies in different time periods.

A Brief Research on 1936 Soviet Constitution under Joseph Stalin

Jingyuan Qian — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:13:16 PST

The mission of this paper is to examine the Soviet Union's first constitution in 1936. It attempts to analyze how the social and economic conditions presented in USSR, as well as the personality of Joseph Stalin, stimulated the need to make a constitution. It also attempts to evaluate the influence of this constitution in the contemporary Soviet Society. I would like to thank Prof. Weisensel for his kind review and precious suggestions on this research paper.

The Steady-State Economy As A Solution to The World’s Problems: A Theoretical Examination of The Greatest Environmental Problem Facing Human Society

Brianna L. Besch — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:13:13 PST

This paper is a theoretical exploration of the questioning, if you were given a magic power to solve one, and only one, of the worlds problem outlined by a classic environmental author, which would you solve, and why? While the field of environmental studies is relatively new, since the publishing of Malthus’ An Essay on the Principles of Population environmental scholars have been debating what should be considered the greatest environmental problem facing humanity. This paper explains how the creation of a steady-state economy to replace our current economic system, as described by Herman Daly, offers a holistic solution to the world’s problems. It briefly outlines how the steady-state economy would operate, and then overviews how the creation of a steady state economy would create the solution to many other world problems outlined by other classic environmental authors.

The Geographic Value of Patient-Carried Medical Records in Improving Healthcare in the US

Lauren Edmundson — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:13:10 PST

American medical records have typically been maintained in a single location. However, patient-carried medical records (PCMRs) present an opportunity to alter the space in which health records and information operate. While past research has evaluated PCMRs from a largely economic perspective, this research examines potential benefits of PCMRs through a geographic framework. In total, while further work is needed to perfect the PCMR system, they can ultimately serve as a tool to alleviate four specific complaints made by American patients: lack of communication between provider and patient, lack of communication between providers, medical error, and high costs.

On Chinese Foreign Policy: A Big Stick, An Equally Big Carrot

Hannah K. Fishman — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:13:07 PST

This paper attempts to provide a framework for analyzing China's newfound assertiveness. Does a rising China pose a systemic threat to the world order, or will Beijing's rise be characterized by what policy officials refer to as a "Peaceful Rise"? This paper argues that China is "building a bigger stick and a bigger carrot" to increase its hard and soft power capabilities; however, this policy won't necessarily pose a threat. The United States must strengthen Western-central international institutions and guide Beijing into this framework if the US wants to see a "Peaceful Rise."