Political Science senior Jia Emaus has brought home first prize in the Business, Education, Economics, Behavioral & Social Sciences section at last week’s URSCO Undergraduate Research Expo, for her project, “Municipal Government Responses to the Gaza Conflict.”
We are so proud of her accomplishments!
Faculty Mentor/Collaborator: Dr. Michael Broache – Political Science Department
Topic: U.S. Municipal Government Responses to the conflict in Gaza.
Project Dates: April 2024 – Present
Abstract: The study examines variations in local government responses to the Gaza conflict between October 7, 2023, and July 15, 2024, by analyzing city council resolutions from the 200 most populous U.S. municipalities. Despite international conflicts typically being the concern of national governments, municipal governments have increasingly engaged in global issues through symbolic legislation and public statements. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, using systematic searches of council records and media sources to identify and categorize resolutions related to the conflict. The study codes resolutions based on key themes, including calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, political solutions, and positions on Israel and Hamas. A descriptive analysis is conducted as a preliminary explanation for variation among cities and themes in resolutions. Additionally, the study explores factors influencing municipal government engagement with international relations topics, including political ideology, demographic composition, and civic activism. By documenting these responses, this research contributes to the growing literature on subnational actors in international relations and highlights the role of municipal governments in shaping discourse on global conflicts. The findings offer insights into the evolving nature of local governance and its intersection with international issues, providing a foundation for future research on municipal foreign policy engagement.
