Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The emergence of diversity in the foreign policy orientations of the American public and elite opinion-makers during the Cold War led a number of scholars to study the role and influence of beliefs in US foreign policy. In particular, empirical research and theory has explained the evolution of elite attitudes in US foreign policy in terms of dimensions or schools of thought. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and Communist governments in Eastern Europe, scholars have observed considerable growth and expansion in the foreign policy beliefs of US opinion leaders during the 1980s and 1990s. This leads us to put forth the following general question: to what extent has this diversity in the content of beliefs held by US leaders continued following the end of the Cold War? Therefore, the goal of this study is to extend research on the foreign policy beliefs of elite opinion leaders deeper into the Post-Cold War and Post-9/11 political environments. Using a content analysis of national opinion and foreign policy journals between 1992 and 2004, this study reveals that the trend toward even more diverse and dynamic foreign policy orientations held among US elite leaders has continued, as the rise of alternative dimensions are clearly apparent. The findings presented here do not uncover the rise of a foreign policy consensus similar to that which structured the beliefs of US leaders at the height of the Cold War.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Our research literature and theories generally assume that collectivists internalize value systems that emphasize interpersonal harmony and group orientation. These values encourage the sacrifice of individual goals for the greater good of the whole. In opposition to such claims, we argue that this stance is a gross over-simplification of the relationship between collectivism, harmony, and interpersonal relations. Exploratory research using correspondence analysis indicates that conflict and self-focused instrumental behaviors are also embedded within collective societies. In fact, conflict in its latent stages may masquerade as harmony. In addition, an instrumental orientation is shown have a stronger relationship to collectivism than to individualism.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: IR scholars as well as policy-makers have generally accepted that a major transition in the Asia-Pacific security order is under way with China's rising power being the primary cause of this evolution. This paper first examines, in a general way, the concept of order before drawing on a definition that focuses on the more dynamic attributes of the concept.The paper next examines China's concept of regional order on the basis of its statements and behaviour. It then assesses the degree of compability between China's regional order preferences and those of several of the other states in the region.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Culturally-appropriate health interventions can yield more effective results than those that do not consider the cultural significance of a population. Few attempts at theory-based interventions have been created for Alaska Native populations. The current HIV/STD program in Alaska does not closely examine cultural considerations as much as it could. This paper proposes a theory-based intervention using Social Cognitive Theory for reducing HIV/AIDS among Alaska Native populations.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: For over forty years, India and Pakistan cooperated in sharing their Indus River. At the same time, Israel and Jordan oscillated between secret cooperation, conflict, and open cooperation over their Jordan River. Finally, during this period, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq fought over their Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. What accounts for this variation in outcome?The need to answer this question increased exponentially over the last several decades. Population growth and industrialization substantially increased demand on an inelastic supply of water throughout the world. As states look to their international rivers to meet growing demand, the probability of regional conflicts over shared rivers will increase (Elhance, 1999). Yet, our understanding of conflict or cooperation among states over their shared rivers remains nascent (Postel and Wolf, 2001). Through a comparative analysis of four international rivers with varying experiences in the management of water disputes, this study seeks to remedy this omission. Before introducing possible answers, it is essential to appreciate the relationship between international rivers and national security. As they follow nature?s rules and disregard manmade borders, rivers impose an interdependent and vulnerable relationship on their states. This relationship arises because every upstream activity influences the quality and quantity of water available to the downstream state. Similarly, downstream activities influence the upstream state?s ability to develop the river within its territory. This creates an environmentally induced national security threat because a state?s ability to meet its food and energy needs, respond to floods and droughts, or allocate its domestic water budget is threatened. This threat results in substantial losses for a state. Rivers also bestow on states the potential use of the water weapon. At its maximum, the weapon entails manipulating the river?s flow to impose a drought or releasing the waters to submerge the neighbor under water. At its minimum, the weapon entails withholding hydrological data and preventing a neighbor from making the necessary policy adjustment. Without adjustments to droughts or floods, states incur losses. To account for the variation from stable cooperation, to unstable cooperation, to conflict, this study combines international relations theory, the field of political geography, and environmental security to test the following hypotheses:The existence of a powerful third party able to use the carrot and stick, results in cooperation. The balance of power between states and the degree of dependence on the river results influences the probability for cooperation, unstable cooperation, or conflict.The design of the institution established to manage the river has a direct impact on cooperation, unstable cooperation, or conflict. Data was collected through field research in South Asia and the Middle East. Preliminary findings suggest that the design of the institution for managing rivers has a direct impact on states? ability to cooperate. If the institution has the capacity to monitor the river?s development, it holds regular meetings, and it possesses conflict resolution mechanisms, it is able to facilitate cooperation. As these capabilities decline, so does the institutions ability to facilitate and maintain cooperation.