Commencement 2021

Anna Fraher Klingensmith

2nd Major AMES (Arabic)
Graduation with Distinction

Thesis: Exploring Cultural Influence on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Policy: A Cultural Analysis and Comparison between Jordan and the United Kingdom

Abstract: This Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) thesis attempts to answer some of the questions raised by a public policy thesis I wrote in February. In my public policy thesis, I analyzed gender-oriented preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) policies in six countries. In this AMES thesis, I use cultural analysis to explain my findings for two countries in particular, Jordan and the United Kingdom (UK). I chose to focus on these two countries because my findings about their national action plans (NAPs) were the most unique. Jordan was very thorough in articulating policy indicators for the successful implementation of gender-oriented P/CVE policy, whereas the UK did not list a single policy indicator.

The AMES thesis concludes the main reason why the UK and Jordan may have such different NAPs is because of their understanding of gender norms in their country. Jordan wants to appear more progressive to the West regarding gender, so they are very thorough in detailing indicators of women’s empowerment in their NAP. Britain, meanwhile, believes it has largely solved gender inequality in the UK, and as such does not feel the need to focus on empowering women as agents in P/CVE.

Anna is a senior at Duke University double-majoring in Public Policy and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with a concentration in Arabic. Anna will be working as a Research Analyst at the Embassy of Bahrain in DC after graduating.

Michelle Rodriguez

2nd Major AMES (Arabic)
Graduation with High Distinction

Thesis: Cyberspace and the Middle East: An Analysis of the US-Iranian Digital Conflict and its Effects on Regional Politics

Abstract: This paper aims to discuss how cyberspace has transformed statecraft within the Middle East by way of introducing new vulnerabilities, enabling foreign intelligence gathering, asserting a state’s geopolitical influence, and their ability to conduct asymmetrical warfare. The Middle East’s regional politics have consistently dominated the focus of US national interests, from its influence as an oil rich region to the rise of terrorist groups and to its overflowing cultural and political tensions. These issues exist amongst a complex yet not unfamiliar scene in which traditional diplomacy has been tried with varying success. However, throughout the world, states have come to increasingly bring into play a novel digital realm known as cyberspace. The cyberspace domain today has significantly transformed US foreign policy and Middle Eastern politics by creating new factors that have affected the regional/international political power struggle. More specifically, this paper will analyze the state cyber operations conducted by the United States and Iran, who have become key actors in both the Middle East and cyberspace. In doing so, this paper seeks to have a more extensive discussion on the use of state cyber capabilities and their effects on geopolitics and the Middle East.

Michelle Rodriguez is a senior at Duke University double-majoring in Public Policy and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with a concentration in Arabic. Michelle will commission and serve as a U.S. Army officer after graduation.

Chapin Skye Ruffa

2nd Major AMES (Chinese)
Graduation with High Distinction
Outstanding AMES Honor Thesis Award

Thesis: "Umbrella as Weapon": Identity, Creativity, and Social Media in Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement

Abstract: The 2014 Umbrella Movement displayed a segment of Hong Kongers’ committed efforts to a democratic future for the city. While political, social, and economic unrest is not new to the city, especially since the early 1980s, the Umbrella Movement transformed the nature of protest in Hong Kong. This thesis sheds light on the movement by first discussing the identity of those who engaged in the protests. Then, it focuses on two key transformative aspects of the movement: the different modes of struggle and how these protesters communicated with each other, as well as with a greater audience to disseminate messages and updates around the world. The modes of struggle and the tactics utilized by protesters differed for each participant, yet they served as a means to motivate, encourage, and compel other Hong Kongers to join the fight for freedom and democracy in their city. Finally, this thesis concludes with a discussion of the long-lasting impacts of the Umbrella Movement, the evolving relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing, and how the goals of the protesters endured overtime and are still fought for today.