The book examines patterns of participation in human rights treaties. International relations theory is divided on what motivates states to participate in treaties, specifically human rights treaties. Instead of examining the specific motivations, this dissertation examines patterns of participation. In doing so, it attempts to match theoretical expectations of state behavior with participation. The conclusion of this study is that the data suggests there are multiple motivations that lead states to participate in human rights treaties. The book is divided into five substantive chapters. After an introduction, the second chapter examines the literature on why states join treaties in general, and human rights treaties in particular. The third chapter reviews the obligations states commit to under the fifteen treaties under consideration. The fourth chapter uses basic quantitative methods to examine any differences in the participation rates between democratic and non-democratic states. The fifth chapter examines reservations, declarations, and objections made in conjuncture with the fifteen treaties. The chapter employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to determine if there are substantial differences between democratic and non-democratic states. Finally, the sixth chapter examines those states that participate in the most human rights treaties to determine if there are characteristics that help to identify these states. Additionally, the chapter examines and evaluates theoretical predictions about participation.

Now in its second edition, Seeing the Bigger Picture examines the ways movies and popular culture can foster a deeper awareness of the political dilemmas and debates shaping our world. Reviewing commercial films and documentaries, the text illustrates the myriad ways that film and popular culture shape our understanding of capitalism and democracy, war and terrorism, civil rights and social justice, campaigns and elections and the presidency. This updated edition includes new chapters on media, human rights and the environment. In the aftermath of the American invasion of Iraq, the book discusses the broad new spectrum of films about war; it also looks at capitalism and financial markets in popular culture in light of the financial crisis of 2008. Examining a range of vital issues that dot the political landscape, this is an excellent comprehensive text for students of film and politics, and a creative resource for courses in American government, international relations, popular culture and media studies. This edition is accompanied by a website with links to additional material and film clips that will help facilitate the study of film and politics.

There are many types of political scandals, to include political sex scandals, corruption scandals, and election scandals. All are public events of significant consequence for politicians and for the voting public. As we pay attention to scandal, we ignore more weighty matters and we over-estimate the bad behavior of our elected officials. Political scandals have tremendous consequence on citizenry and might possibly undermine democratic institutions. This volume brings together academics from different backgrounds to explore the impact and long-term effects of political scandals. What makes this book different from others is the wide spectrum of perspectives brought together to help analyze a singular subject.

There are many types of political scandals: sex, corruption, and election scandals are but a few. Political scandals are public events that have tremendous consequence on citizenry and can undermine democratic institutions-when we pay attention to scandal, we risk ignoring weightier matters. This volume brings together an array of academics to explore the impact of political scandals. What makes this book different from others is the wide spectrum of perspectives brought together to help analyze a single subject.