APUS Richard G. Trefry Archives | Home: International Relations and Conflict Resolution

Rebekah Williams
Program: International Relations and Conflict Resolution: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2023
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Paula Wylie
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to address weaknesses within existing International Space Law (ISL) regarding the role of private actors, and to present a viable ISL regime model for future shared responsibilities in space. The research addresses the structural relationships within existing international law that relate to the behavior of private actors in an international environment. This study was conducted by completing a review and analysis of academic writing on ISL and its corresponding treaties and structures in international law. This was accomplished using the tools of Regime Theory and through textual and case study analysis. Primary sources were analyzed for content including key words, definitions, treaty language similarities, and international legal precedence applicable to the future of private space enterprises. This study finds that existing national and international mechanisms for development and monitoring of private actors within terrestrial law provide precedence to guide the development of a new blueprint for ISL. This blueprint should pull these puzzle pieces together, incorporating existing state-level legislation, international organizations, and private actors to create an ISL regime capable of proactively addressing the role of private actors and international cooperation in space.

Dale E. Anderson
Program: International Relations and Conflict Resolution: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: May 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Paula Wylie
Abstract: Considerable research regarding the United Nations doctrine of Responsibility To Protect (R2P) has been focused on the debate between state sovereignty verses human rights protection. Since the Doctrine’s inception, smaller non-Western states have argued that R2P presents a threat to state sovereignty arguing for the status quo in the global state system, namely, state sovereignty and noninterference. Egypt has been a dissenting state arguing for that status quo. The purpose of this research is to examine: Why does Egypt resist the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine? This research will analyze the political and cultural norms and values of Egypt using the theoretical framework of modernization theory as researched by Ronald Inglehart and Christian Welzel. Using primarily qualitative research strategies (case study and content analysis methods), the analysis will focus on a review of documents, data sets and surveys. The analysis will show that Egypt interprets R2P doctrines as a new norm heralding a shift in the international system from state sovereignty to human rights development and protection. Next, documentation will show that Egypt's traditional cultural (Islamic) values and political culture (authoritarian regime) values are being threatened by the changing international social order.

Mario Brasil do Nascimento
Program: International Relations and Conflict Resolution: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: March 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Paula Wylie
Abstract: On a daily basis, various news media broadcast reports of terrorist attacks and endemic social issues such as widespread malnutrition and refugees. Invariably, fragile states are involved with those challenges, which can ultimately impact stable states. Academics and practitioners have established fragile state indices to help prioritize which fragile states should receive assistance, and how much. Although financial aid is an attempt to solve such problems, the international community has on occasion launched peacekeeping operations to restore or enforce stabilization. So the following question emerges: Do UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs) positively affect the overall health of fragile states? Linear regressions suggest negative impact of UNPKOs on fragile states, and case studies show that peacekeeping operations have produced a mix of good and bad outcomes. Deficient mission and mandate designs have been some causes of UNPKOs’ failures in fragile states. Moreover, political groups play de facto roles, which interfere in peacekeeping effectiveness. In sum, despite the faith many place in UNPKOs, this instrument of the international community needs to be continually reinvented to face new challenges.

Derrick A. Torres
Program: International Relations and Conflict Resolution: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Robert Deller
Abstract: Political leaders in the United States argue over the policy of intervention and the extent to which it should be involved in other countries' domestic conflicts. This study examined 31 intrastate conflicts with 35 episodes of intervention by major powers spanning the period from 1991-2008 in order to determine how various conditions relating to intrastate conflicts and interventions could indicate which method of intervention is most likely to be successful in achieving a third-party's desired outcome. Intervention methods were classified by level of involvement, either direct or indirect, and by mode of implementation, either multilateral or unilateral. Methods of intervention were examined in specific conditions relating to the intensity of the conflict, the goal of warring parties, ethnic and religious divisions, etc. The analysis compared the success rates of each method of intervention in these conditions with the overall success rates of the respective intervention methods in general. The results suggest certain conditions change the effectiveness of intervention methods. Findings regarding specific conditions and intervention methods provide potentially valuable information applicable to the decision making process of third parties regarding intervention in intrastate conflicts.