Books by Lisa Spears
Thesis Chapters by Lisa Spears
Advanced Master Thesis, 2015
Throughout the world today, there is a growing trend of protecting one’s borders through
walls an... more Throughout the world today, there is a growing trend of protecting one’s borders through
walls and fences. These separation barriers, though hardly new historically, are part of a new
realm of international relations. This thesis seeks to answer the questions: Do separation barriers
increase or decrease relations between two groups of people? Are conflicts mitigated or
exacerbated? Using the theories of constructivism and human security, separation barriers are
put to the test. After a brief background and literature review, a theoretical framework is given,
followed by an in-depth analysis of two cases: Northern Ireland and the West Bank. Following
these analyses, a conclusion is drawn regarding the effects of these walls.
Papers by Lisa Spears
How Has Wikileaks Altered Public Diplomacy?, 2014
"Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings, ‘The illegal we do immediately... more "Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings, ‘The illegal we do immediately; the unconstitutional takes a little longer.’" – Henry Kissinger, 1975
Diplomacy is as old as civilization. Historically, it has not included the general public. Recent developments in technology and the accessibility of information have revolutionized the way the public interacts with political issues, including diplomacy. Because meetings between world leaders are suddenly visible and accessible in a way they never have been before, the public is more interested in being an active participant in the diplomatic process. Furthermore, the ability to read documents previously limited to diplomats has had many consequences on diplomacy, including backlash from the public upon hearing of morally reprehensible actions, an altered sphere of diplomacy due to interference with trust, and further attempts at secrecy by diplomats and world leaders.
When Mass Killings Become Legitimate – Legal Definitions of Genocide and Their Implications, 2013
Genocide and other mass killings are the leading cause of preventable, violent death in the twent... more Genocide and other mass killings are the leading cause of preventable, violent death in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries (Blum, et. al. 2008), claiming more lives than war. However, the line between genocide or crimes against humanity and legitimate acts of war is sometimes unclear. The United Nations has a specific definition of genocide adopted in 1951. Since then, many cases of mass killings have occurred which have not received international attention or legal repercussions, and many cases have occurred which have. This paper will present a research proposal to investigate the role the U.N.'s legal definition of genocide has had in these cases and their outcomes, by analyzing three cases recognized as genocide and three cases not recognized as genocide.
Realism and Constructivism: Assessing Africa's Great War, 2013
The First Congo War happened between 1996 and 1997. From a realism perspective, Rwandan refugees... more The First Congo War happened between 1996 and 1997. From a realism perspective, Rwandan refugees started the First Congo War in order to preserve their respective ethnicities. Hutu refugees came to the Congo after the Rwandan genocide, and Tutsis eventually led an uprising which started the War. Rwandan and Ugandan armies backing a man named Kabila invaded the Congo in response to Rwandans being forced out. Realists would argue this happened because both Hutus and Tutsis had an interest in self-preservation, as did Rwandans and Ugandan. Constructivists would argue this was created through Belgian colonialism which created the initial cultural divide between Hutus and Tutsis, and through various other historical constructs which created the need for refuge or uprising and created the conflict between the groups.
The Second Congo War, or the Great War of Africa, officially took place between 1998 and 2003, although there is still an aftermath of violence. Kabila gained power, but changed his allegiance from Rwanda and Uganda to former Hutu armies and allowed them to regroup. Rwanda and Uganda invaded the Congo again in 1998, starting the Second Congo War. Various states in surrounding countries backed each side for the next five years. Realists would argue that this war resulted from the Hutus' need for preservation and Kabila’s interest in the nation of the Congo, as well as the anarchic system of countries involved. Realists might also see this as a result of the need for Rwanda and Ugandan survival, with other countries involved for the assurance of having the Congo as an ally. Constructivists could argue that this conflict was based on those social constructs already established by the First Congo War and the history between the countries involved. Constructivists could also see this war being caused by interpreting the actions of Kabila as threatening or making Rwanda or Uganda enemies.
"No Safe Haven": Obama, ISIL and the International Use of Force, 2014
The United States has a recent history of military intervention and action that has come under cr... more The United States has a recent history of military intervention and action that has come under criticism from various members of the international community. Frequently, the United States cites cases of both individual and collective self defense to justify its actions, while critics argue that such actions violate multiple international laws. In the past year, the group calling itself the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant 1 has committed human rights violations and violent acts towards civilians in various states and U.S. American journalists. President Obama has stated that these acts call for immediate action, and that the U.S. will use force in order to protect both its own citizens and civilians in other countries. 2 This paper seeks to answer the question of whether or not this force is justified under international law.
Fragmentation in Civil War: Using the Case of Ireland to Examine Theories, 2015
Why do political cleavages form in civil wars? How does this happen so extensively in some wars,... more Why do political cleavages form in civil wars? How does this happen so extensively in some wars, while others maintain separatist unity? What theories can explain this?
It will first be necessary to examine theories that might explain this, along with the evidence that might support them and the evidence that might disprove them. It will then be necessary to narrow in on a single case study, along with empirical evidence of fragmentation within that case, followed by the application of the theories to the case. This paper will look at the theories of “the revolution in the revolution,” co-ethnic competition, and differing reasons for leaving insurgencies. These theories will be tested using the case of Ireland, including a narrow focus on certain cleavages within the Irish Civil War. Finally, a conclusion is drawn regarding these theories as they apply to the case, along with implications for fragmentation in civil wars in general.
The Khmer Rouge Regime (1975-1979) , 2008
Using an overview of the existing literature, including both primary and secondary sources, this ... more Using an overview of the existing literature, including both primary and secondary sources, this paper lays out a detailed history of the Pol Pot Regime. This paper originally appeared at the Free University of Berlin, 2008.
Forced Informants in the Troubled Teen Industry, 2020
Thought Reform Thursdays is an ongoing series of brief articles, intended for educational purpose... more Thought Reform Thursdays is an ongoing series of brief articles, intended for educational purposes, applying the use of thought reform and brainwashing to adolescent, behavior-modification facilities in the USA. This article examines the use of forced informants, or unofficial collaboration, in the troubled teen industry.
LIFTON'S 8 CRITERIA FOR MIND CONTROL in Adolescent Behavior Modification Facilities, 2020
Thought Reform Thursdays is an ongoing series of brief articles, intended for educational purpose... more Thought Reform Thursdays is an ongoing series of brief articles, intended for educational purposes, applying the use of thought reform and brainwashing to adolescent, behavior-modification facilities in the USA. This article examines the use of Robert Jay Lifton's 8 Criteria for Mind Control in the troubled teen industry.
Forced Public Confessions in the Troubled Teen Industry, 2020
Thought Reform Thursdays is an ongoing series of brief articles, intended for educational purpose... more Thought Reform Thursdays is an ongoing series of brief articles, intended for educational purposes, applying the use of thought reform and brainwashing to adolescent, behavior-modification facilities in the USA. This article focuses on the use of forced public confessions, using Maoist struggle sessions and La Europa Academy as a case study.
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Books by Lisa Spears
Thesis Chapters by Lisa Spears
walls and fences. These separation barriers, though hardly new historically, are part of a new
realm of international relations. This thesis seeks to answer the questions: Do separation barriers
increase or decrease relations between two groups of people? Are conflicts mitigated or
exacerbated? Using the theories of constructivism and human security, separation barriers are
put to the test. After a brief background and literature review, a theoretical framework is given,
followed by an in-depth analysis of two cases: Northern Ireland and the West Bank. Following
these analyses, a conclusion is drawn regarding the effects of these walls.
Papers by Lisa Spears
Diplomacy is as old as civilization. Historically, it has not included the general public. Recent developments in technology and the accessibility of information have revolutionized the way the public interacts with political issues, including diplomacy. Because meetings between world leaders are suddenly visible and accessible in a way they never have been before, the public is more interested in being an active participant in the diplomatic process. Furthermore, the ability to read documents previously limited to diplomats has had many consequences on diplomacy, including backlash from the public upon hearing of morally reprehensible actions, an altered sphere of diplomacy due to interference with trust, and further attempts at secrecy by diplomats and world leaders.
The Second Congo War, or the Great War of Africa, officially took place between 1998 and 2003, although there is still an aftermath of violence. Kabila gained power, but changed his allegiance from Rwanda and Uganda to former Hutu armies and allowed them to regroup. Rwanda and Uganda invaded the Congo again in 1998, starting the Second Congo War. Various states in surrounding countries backed each side for the next five years. Realists would argue that this war resulted from the Hutus' need for preservation and Kabila’s interest in the nation of the Congo, as well as the anarchic system of countries involved. Realists might also see this as a result of the need for Rwanda and Ugandan survival, with other countries involved for the assurance of having the Congo as an ally. Constructivists could argue that this conflict was based on those social constructs already established by the First Congo War and the history between the countries involved. Constructivists could also see this war being caused by interpreting the actions of Kabila as threatening or making Rwanda or Uganda enemies.
It will first be necessary to examine theories that might explain this, along with the evidence that might support them and the evidence that might disprove them. It will then be necessary to narrow in on a single case study, along with empirical evidence of fragmentation within that case, followed by the application of the theories to the case. This paper will look at the theories of “the revolution in the revolution,” co-ethnic competition, and differing reasons for leaving insurgencies. These theories will be tested using the case of Ireland, including a narrow focus on certain cleavages within the Irish Civil War. Finally, a conclusion is drawn regarding these theories as they apply to the case, along with implications for fragmentation in civil wars in general.
walls and fences. These separation barriers, though hardly new historically, are part of a new
realm of international relations. This thesis seeks to answer the questions: Do separation barriers
increase or decrease relations between two groups of people? Are conflicts mitigated or
exacerbated? Using the theories of constructivism and human security, separation barriers are
put to the test. After a brief background and literature review, a theoretical framework is given,
followed by an in-depth analysis of two cases: Northern Ireland and the West Bank. Following
these analyses, a conclusion is drawn regarding the effects of these walls.
Diplomacy is as old as civilization. Historically, it has not included the general public. Recent developments in technology and the accessibility of information have revolutionized the way the public interacts with political issues, including diplomacy. Because meetings between world leaders are suddenly visible and accessible in a way they never have been before, the public is more interested in being an active participant in the diplomatic process. Furthermore, the ability to read documents previously limited to diplomats has had many consequences on diplomacy, including backlash from the public upon hearing of morally reprehensible actions, an altered sphere of diplomacy due to interference with trust, and further attempts at secrecy by diplomats and world leaders.
The Second Congo War, or the Great War of Africa, officially took place between 1998 and 2003, although there is still an aftermath of violence. Kabila gained power, but changed his allegiance from Rwanda and Uganda to former Hutu armies and allowed them to regroup. Rwanda and Uganda invaded the Congo again in 1998, starting the Second Congo War. Various states in surrounding countries backed each side for the next five years. Realists would argue that this war resulted from the Hutus' need for preservation and Kabila’s interest in the nation of the Congo, as well as the anarchic system of countries involved. Realists might also see this as a result of the need for Rwanda and Ugandan survival, with other countries involved for the assurance of having the Congo as an ally. Constructivists could argue that this conflict was based on those social constructs already established by the First Congo War and the history between the countries involved. Constructivists could also see this war being caused by interpreting the actions of Kabila as threatening or making Rwanda or Uganda enemies.
It will first be necessary to examine theories that might explain this, along with the evidence that might support them and the evidence that might disprove them. It will then be necessary to narrow in on a single case study, along with empirical evidence of fragmentation within that case, followed by the application of the theories to the case. This paper will look at the theories of “the revolution in the revolution,” co-ethnic competition, and differing reasons for leaving insurgencies. These theories will be tested using the case of Ireland, including a narrow focus on certain cleavages within the Irish Civil War. Finally, a conclusion is drawn regarding these theories as they apply to the case, along with implications for fragmentation in civil wars in general.