Recent challenges in the relationship between NATO and Russia have led to suspension of political and military cooperation. This thesis assesses the causal relationship between the gradual...Show moreRecent challenges in the relationship between NATO and Russia have led to suspension of political and military cooperation. This thesis assesses the causal relationship between the gradual deterioration of relations and NATO’s expansionism to Eastern Europe. This research uses process tracing of key events and developments to draw a historical pattern of the transformation in the relationship since the ending of the Cold War up until the Ukraine Crisis of 2014. To analyse the relation, this work uses a hybrid model of neorealist and social constructivist theories to understand power relations and motivations that underlie the developments. Overall, NATO’s eastward-enlargement to include former Soviet republics in its membership and its aspirations of creating a European-wide anti-ballistic missile defence system are identified as the main components that fuelled the deterioration in relations with Russia. Responding from a sense of insecurity, Russia has grown more assertive in regional politics to ensure its national interests. Russia has been able to project power in regional politics in aims of regaining its former power status. Russia’s increasingly confrontational stance has eventually manifested in military interventions in Georgia and Ukraine. The current suspension of relations does not constitute a structural new Cold War, but nevertheless is the product of an overall deterioration of relations.Show less
Throughout American history, there has been tension between the fundamental liberties granted by the United States Constitution and the need for government to protect its citizens. Many scholars...Show moreThroughout American history, there has been tension between the fundamental liberties granted by the United States Constitution and the need for government to protect its citizens. Many scholars have written about this conflict and have compared the pressures that exist today—post September 11—with those that existed previously. Much of this earlier work looks at counter-terrorism legislation and the response of courts worldwide to the infringement of civil liberties. Others have reviewed the literature and legal discourse in an effort to determine whether civil liberties have been infringed upon to a dangerous extent. What is missing is research gauging public opinion about whether a loss of rights is being experienced and if so, whether it is justified in the federal government’s effort to ensure the safety of its citizens. Accordingly, this paper asks: What is the opinion of American political science students regarding the possible loss of free speech rights as a consequence of fighting the “war on terror”? Although only a starting point for measuring public opinion on a broader scale, this study has tangible implications for increasing awareness among policymakers.Show less
