Research & Publications

Abstract We introduce a geospatial bounded confidence model with mega-influencers, inspired by Hegselmann and Krause (2002). The inclusion of geography gives rise to large-scale geospatial patterns evolving out of random initial data; that is, spatial clusters of like-minded agents emerge regardless of initialization. Mega-influencers and stochasticity amplify this effect, and soften local consensus. As an application, we consider views on Covid-19 vaccines in the United States. For a certain set of parameters, our model yields results comparable to real survey results on vaccine hesitancy from late 2020.

Abstract The opening chapter to Challenging Conceptions calls for an explicitly, feminist policy of peacebuilding and postconflict reconstruction that focuses not only on incidents and types of violence, but on the outcomes of violence as well. In grappling with conflict-related sexual violence and its legacies, the author asks readers to consider the entire spectrum and life cycle of potential and obvious outcomes: pregnancy, abortion, forced maternity, and children conceived through acts of sexual coercion or outright violence. This chapter aims to rethink some of the assumptions that echo in the literature and in popular culture about children born of conflict-related sexual violence, their mothers, and their lives. By detailing the conceptual, theoretical, empirical, and methodological innovations of the book and its contributors, this chapter summarizes and generates new insights into the lives of children born of wartime sexual violence and its implications for how to study gender, ethnicity, sexuality, violence, and identity.

Abstract <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>The Russian Federation is currently in the second phase of what appears to be a war of aggression against Ukraine. While Russia’s invasion is widely thought to satisfy the threshold of the crime of aggression, the routes to accountability for this crime are unclear: The International Criminal Court lacks jurisdiction and domestic courts offer an uncertain alternative. Therefore, Ukraine and a chorus of others are advocating the creation of a special tribunal. This piece explores the options as well as the arguments that speak in favour and against establishing such a special tribunal for the crime of aggression.</jats:p>

Abstract We examine the design of governance in international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) engaged in global advocacy. A central governance challenge facing INGOs is how to integrate their global advocacy efforts across diverse country units and memberships, in the face of limited authority and weak ownership over those units. Through a qualitative multi-case study of ten organizations, we analyze governance reforms intended to enhance global integration. We identify and discuss: a) four distinct governance structures for enabling more coherent global decision making (federation, confederation, network, constituency backbone); b) various mechanisms of formal and informal authority employed by headquarters in order to integrate the diverse interests and actions of their units; and, c) decision rights allocated to units or members to secure commitment to global goals. We synthesize these findings to offer a contingency perspective on designing governance for global integration. We hope this research will not only help to advance scholarship on governance in complex global organizations, but will also be useful to the leadership and boards of international organizations in strengthening the collective voice of their diverse constituencies.