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Browsing by Author "Via, Sandra Elizabeth"

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    Celebrity Diplomacy in the Current Global Economy: A Feminist Perspective
    Via, Sandra Elizabeth (Virginia Tech, 2011-01-25)
    Using gender lenses, this dissertation examines the emergence of celebrity diplomats as viable political actors, providing diplomatic services focused on negotiation and humanitarian aid, in current international politics and the global economy. More specifically, this dissertation uses feminist political economy literature to examine how neoliberal globalization has contributed to the growing role of celebrity diplomats in international politics. I argue that the increased presence and involvement of celebrity diplomats in the post-9/11 era is the result of neoliberal globalization and the neoliberal state's shift toward privatization of the public sector, increased militarization, and increased emphasis on commodification and consumption. In order to examine this phenomenon, this dissertation examines the diplomatic endeavors of two celebrity diplomats, Angelina Jolie and George Clooney. More specifically, this study provides an in-depth analysis of Jolie and Clooney's roles and involvement in international politics. Moreover, this dissertation examines the gender roles of celebrity diplomats. Therefore, this dissertation provides a gender analysis of Jolie and Clooney's diplomatic endeavors. I argue that Jolie's diplomacy reflects her role as mother, while Clooney takes a masculine approach to his diplomatic agenda. Finally, the dissertation concludes with an analysis of the ways in which celebrity diplomacy can further promote a neoliberal agenda.
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    Neoliberalism in Higher Education?: A Case Study of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
    Via, Sandra Elizabeth (Virginia Tech, 2007-05-11)
    According to David Harvey, neoliberal ideology has emerged as the current hegemonic economic discourse. Therefore, Harvey contends that neoliberalism has permeated every aspect of society, including institutions of higher education. However, the role of neoliberal ideology is perceived as a form of common sense, and thus proponents of neoliberal policies often do not realize that the programs and policies that they are implementing are neoliberal. Furthermore, Harvey argues that another aspect of neoliberalism is its propensity to exclude or ignore society. This thesis explores the relationship between neoliberal ideology and higher education, as well as the tendency of neoliberalism to depict universities and other forms of higher education as catalysts for economic development. In order to examine this relationship, this thesis examines an institution of higher education located in Southside Virginia, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). More specifically, this thesis takes an in depth look of the academic, research, and outreach/community programs offered by IALR. Moreover, this thesis explains how some of IALR's programs fit within a neoliberal framework and others do not, and how these programs are characterized as mechanisms of economic revitalization in Southside Virginia. Finally, this thesis demonstrates the ways in which IALR has embraced aspects of neoliberal ideology while resisting neoliberalism's tendencies to exclude the community from decision-making processes, yet also inculcate neoliberal ideology into the community's perceptions of economic development and higher education.