AWARDEES
Graduate
Sophia Nguyen
- An Analysis of Digital Infrastructure in Urban and Rural Areas of Vietnam
As part of my GLOA 720 Capstone Research Seminar course with Dr. Lisa Breglia, this research paper embarks on a journey to examine the disparity in digital infrastructure availability and quality between urban and rural areas in Vietnam and the role that community-based initiatives and international organizations have in addressing these discrepancies. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including a qualitative assessment of interviewing employees from the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), along with a quantitative analysis of historical records from USAID’s Development Experimental Clearinghouse (DEC), this study investigates the extent of the digital divide and its implications for socio-economic development. Findings suggest that while urban areas generally have better access to digital infrastructure, significant disparities exist within rural regions. Organizations such as USAID and VCCI play a crucial role in bridging the gap by providing inclusive strategies tailored to the needs of rural communities. By highlighting the importance of addressing digital infrastructure qualities availabilities, this research offers insights into strategies for promoting equitable access to digital technology and fostering inclusive development in Vietnam.
Undergraduate
Jie-Soo Lee
- The Impact of Political Tensions on Cultural Exchange: The Case of South Korea’s Hallyu in China amidst the THAAD Dispute in 2017
This research examines the impact of political tensions between South Korea and China in 2017 on the flow of South Korean culture, particularly the Hallyu or Korean Wave, into China. Descriptive data analysis shows a drastic decline in the value of South Korean exports to China in 2017, coinciding with the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system by South Korea which strained relations with China. Tourism from China to South Korea also dropped significantly that year. The timing of these declines suggests China imposed informal restrictions on South Korean cultural products in response for THAAD, despite no official policies. While negatively impacting Korea's cultural industries, these restrictions also led to an unintended consequence: a sharp rise in unfavorable views towards China among the South Korean public. The findings demonstrate how cultural exchange can be disrupted by political tensions in this globalized world. It also highlights the potential use of informal sanctions to restrict foreign cultural imports during conflicts, even without official policies.
Donya Najem
- The Socio-Economic Implications of China's Investment in Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Over the last few years, there has been an unprecedented inflow of Chinese investments into Cambodia, which has led to a significant rise in the Chinese population there. China has been a major source of foreign investments, tourists, and immigrant workers for Cambodia, a developing nation and close strategic partner. The majority of Chinese investment projects were centered in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia; however, the focus has been shifted to Sihanoukville, a coastal province. Owing to its port and strategic location, Sihanoukville is home to a special economic zone that is currently home to over 100 Chinese companies (Po & Heng, 2019). Chinese investments have led to a growing presence of Chinese investors and nationals that contribute socio-economic implications such as the increase in local prices, decline in local businesses, land acquisitions, high cost of living, and limited job opportunities in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The increasing connectivity between China and Cambodia was facilitated by globalization. Multi-level globalization is occurring, with advantages and disadvantages at each level.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Graduate
Kimberly Flores-Rivera
- Efficacy of UNHCR Economic Initiatives for Syrian Refugees in Jordan and Turkey
The construction of vulnerability and exceptionalism placed onto refugees has led humanitarian intervention to seek methods of stabilization, at times these methods can be immediate assistance through emergency responses. Other times these methods seek to better their livelihoods through means of work and employment. Humanitarian and state actors have pivoted towards self-reliant initiatives, a movement wrapped around the idea of empowerment and sustainable development, yet how effective are economic strategies implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in facilitating economic inclusion and development for refugees? Unfortunately, the vulnerable construction of refugees, like that of Syrian refugees, justifies these economic initiatives that further exploit and shroud their lives with further precarity. Actors, like the UNHCR, seek to offer solutions through economic security, by allowing refugees the ability to work and provide for themselves. On the other hand, the reality that refugees face reflects work filled of low pay, long hours, weak or no worker rights, barriers to work permits, and local hostility. This paper, using critical discourse analysis, argues that the initiatives set by UNHCR are not sufficient in facilitating economic inclusion and development of Syrian refugees through the analysis of socioeconomic issues and concludes by offering a human rights-based approach to pave the way for better economic security.
Undergraduate
Jade Key
- The Coffee Industry Has a Complex Relationship of Economic Globalization, Exploitation and Labor Rights in Areas like Ethiopia and Brazil
The coffee industry has a complex relationship between economic globalization and labor exploration in Ethiopia and Brazil. Throughout this paper, I will discuss how coffee is a source of cultural identity and main revenue for Ethiopia. Whereas coffee as a commodity is not a main source of revenue in Brazil, Brazil is an example of how labor violations are expected within the coffee industry. Economic globalization enables exploitation in groups like women, children, and workers in general. Through a discussion of a case study and data analysis, it will help strengthen my main argument. Ultimately, this paper also opens the room for discussion about the links of economic globalization for prosperity at the vulnerability of vulnerable groups.
Ella Jackson
- Narrative of George Mason International Students Mental Health Resources and Experiences for International Students
This project is a qualitative study on international students' narrative of mental health struggles from their time as students at George Mason University. While evaluating the mental health resources provided and promoted for international students and how resources impact their mental health knowledge and struggles. Attending college in a new location can significantly change students mentally and emotionally. When this new location is abroad, it can lead to exposure to new languages, cultures, and other things in academic and social settings. There are over a million international students attending higher education universities in the US. Being in a different environment internationally puts these students in a more vulnerable state, especially when so far from cultural and personal norms. The current scholarly discussion has identified the mental health struggles of international students around the world from the last ten years but does not discuss the resources provided at different schools. GMU promotes diversity and inclusivity, as it is a diverse institution and internationally connected university. I have surveyed 15 higher education students and analyzed their shared narrative on their experience with mental health at school and the resources provided by the university. In a framework of mental health intersectionality with academics, cultural narrative and college mental health resources, narrative inquiry and thematic analysis.