2015 Conference

Panel 1-A: Environmental Politics

Spotlight Room
Chair: Kenney Kilman, Illinois State University
Discussant: Julia Neaves, Illinois State University

• James Arthur, Eastern Illinois University

  Media Frames of Fracking in Illinois

• Florian Varian, Monmouth College

  The Climate Change Debate in the United-States: Political Polarization, Skepticism and the Role of Experts

• Samantha Seaman, Loyola University Chicago

  Cooperation in International Environmental Treaties

• Vivian Skumpija, Temple University

  The Urgent State of the Earth: International Organizations and Non-State Actors to Enforce Compliance with International Environmental Law on Climate Change

Panel 1-B: International Relations

Old Main
Chair: Steven Richardson, Illinois State University
Discussant: Sandra Ahmadi, University of Missouri, Kansas City

• Kathleen McStay, Monmouth College

  The Peace Process in Northern Ireland and Its Applicability to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Love Jordan, Loyola University Chicago

  Female Agency and Empowerment in Iran

Panel 1-C: Race Politics

1st Floor West Lounge
Chair: Ben Feminella, Illinois State University
Discussant: Dayna Schickedanz, Illinois State University

• Corbin Beastrom, Monmouth College

  Can Contemporary America Compensate African Americans for Past Injuries and Present Inequalities? A Candid History, Analysis of Reparations, and Possible Solution

• Laura Christensen, Lewis & Clark College

  Felon Disenfranchisement Laws: The Silencing of the African-American Voice

• Yaritza Navarretee, Monmouth College

  Why the Belief that Undocumented Immigrants Have a Negative Impact on the United States is Wrong

• Emily Holt, Monmouth College

  The Relationship Between the Hispanic Electorate and the Republican Party

Panel 2-A: Campaigns and Elections

Spotlight Room
Chair: Corbin Beastrom, Monmouth College
Discussant: Chris Farrer, Illinois State University

• Christopher Rassi, St. John's University

  The Few: Why Congressional Incumbents Lose

• Samantha Sarich, Eastern Illinois University

  Gendered Media Coverage of Female Governors

• Christopher Pulliam, Syracuse University

  The Effect of Party Affiliation on Views Regarding a Woman Serving as President

• Anthony Pierucci, Illinois State University

  Padania or Federalism? An Analysis of Electoral Factors in the Lega Nord's Spatial Demands

Panel 2-B: Political Theory

Old Main
Chair: Yamato Hiromatsu, Illinois State University
Discussant: Yamato Hiromatsu, Illinois State University

• Audra Siliunas, Saint Louis University

  John Stuart Mills Harm Principle Applied to the Steroid Policy of the U.S.A.

• Emily Ordaz, Monmouth College

  Preserving Americas Original Values

• Ethan Levinton, University of Texas at Austin

  Tocqueville and the Question of Legalism

Luncheon 11:55 to 12:30pm
Circus Room

(for participants)

Keynote Speaker (12:30-1:15)
Circus Room

(open to the public)

Who Keeps the Peace? Understanding State Contributions to UN
Peacekeeping
Operations

Molly Melin, Loyola University Chicago

Panel 3-A: Social Movements

Spotlight Room
Chair: Anthony Pierucci, Illinois State University
Discussant: Anthony Pierucci, Illinois State University

• Yamato Hiromatsu, Illinois State University

  Protest Events of the Tea Party Movement and Senatorial Voting Behavior

• Luis Quinones, St. John's University

  From Rallies to Results: How Mr. Tea Party Went To Washington and Mr. Occupy Stayed Behind

• Stephen Gurney, Loyola University New Orleans

  Revolutions in the Age of Social Media

Panel 3-B: Crime and Politics

Old Main
Chair: Courtney Johnson, Illinois State University
Discussant: Courtney Johnson, Illinois State University

• Manuel Pelayo, Monmouth College

  Narco Terrorism in Mexico

• Julia Neaves, Illinois State University

  Road to Recovery: Recidivism and the McLean County Drug Court

• Alex Waszak, Monmouth College

  Drones, A Watchful Protector?

Panel 4-A: Political Economy

Spotlight Room
Chair: Arafat Kabir, Illinois State University
Discussant: Keith Smilie, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

• Sandra Ahmadi, University of Missouri Kansas City

  Limitations of Monetary Unions for Peripheral Countries

• Arianna Harding, Bowling Green State University

  Adjusting GDP as a Measure for Economic Growth and Public Wellbeing: How Environmental Politics Can Benefit from Economic Policy Change

• Courtney Johnson, Illinois State University

  The Impacts of Capital Structure on Depth of Outreach in Sub-Saharan Africa

• David Graham, University of Missouri, Saint Louis

  From Great Depression to Great Financial Crisis: A Comparative Analysis

Panel 4-B: Political Participation

Old Main
Chair: Amie Soltas, Illinois State University
Discussant: Amie Soltas, Illinois State University

• Mykala Keuter, University of Colorado at Boulder

  Selectivity of Television Media: The Effects of Quasi-Social Networks on Voter Participation

• Kyle Davis, Western Illinois University

  The Future Generation: An Analysis of College Student Political Activity

• Elizabeth Meyer, Monmouth College

  Voter Identification in America: Restrictions that Inhibit Electorate Disrupt Democracy