The Online Mind

A review of the academic literature on Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian crisis is drenched in debate. It is complicated by a long political upheaval, an ongoing social and political revolution, and a long history of competing memories and over lapping historical narratives. This review will take a more specific approach to the conflict, rather than focusing on all possible factors, it will focus primarily on the role and intentions of Russia. This review will not explore the developments of the Ukraine revolution, but will explore Russia’s involvement, actions, and interests. From exploring and analyzing many articles, writers, first hand sources, poll results and statistics, this review has narrowed down the important key factors in the academic study of Russia’s involvement and intentions in Ukraine. Ultimately this review has determined two main branches of the academic sphere: Realpolitik VS Kulturkampf, both of which will be described and discussed. Continue reading “A Review on Russian Policy in Ukraine”

I Stared Into the TV and It Stared Back At Me

 The rise in consumer popularity of the television in the United States was a technological advancement with significant influence on public self-perception, the spread of information, the shaping of norms and standards, and the framing of social dialogue. This paper will examine how the role of television influenced and, was influenced by, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
Continue reading “The Role of the Television in the 1960s US Civil Rights Movement”

Contradictions, Disarray and a Case for Impeachment

The purpose of this essay is to analyze the Iran-Contra Scandal and to argue whether the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, deserved impeachment as a consequence. The format for this paper will be as follows; first a general historical overview will be established to contextualize the conflicts and circumstances of the scandal. This will include an understanding of the key factors and players in the scandal such as: the Nicaraguan Contras, the Iranian government, American hostages, and congressional legislation such as “The Boland Agreement.” After a strong contextual foundation is established, this paper will analyze and describe the event known as the Iran-Contra Scandal. This paper will look at what this specific controversy entails, as well as why the opponents responded with such anger and critique. Furthermore, this paper will look at the broader implications of what this scandal meant to the American political system. This paper will examine the conflict between the congressional and executive branches, as well as the issue of accountability. Finally, this paper will argue that President Reagan should have been impeached due to the scandal, and why he wasn’t.  Continue reading “The Iran-Contra Scandal”