Papers by Galen Tsongas
What explains the fall and rise of Ecuadorian Indigenous mobilization from 2006-2021, and how Ind... more What explains the fall and rise of Ecuadorian Indigenous mobilization from 2006-2021, and how Indigenous peoples, both leaders and non-leaders, understand the dynamics of their movement? This paper specifically examines protests as modalities of resistance and power to make broader claims regarding the movement as a whole. While there are many modes of resistance, protests are a phenomenon that diverse communities and groups within the movement participate in and have frameworks on. I argue that the decrease in protest frequency is rooted, in part, in two distinct factors that Indigenous leaders propose: 1). Political and ideological co-optation; and 2). Political repression. The increase in the number of protests and participants is rooted in cross-sectoral alliances against widely unpopular neoliberal reforms that enabled the movement's resurgence. While many scholars have emphasized the role of highland movements and elites in the Indigenous movement in Ecuador, I seek to examine the perspectives of individuals outside of the Andean leadership, specifically in the Amazon. Understanding protest dynamics in Ecuador requires an analysis of non-Andean, non-leadership beliefs on why individuals protest or not and how they conceptualize the movement. My sincerest gratitude to Burcu Pinar Alakoc, Ella Wilhoit, and Diana Schwartz-Francisco for their extraordinary dedication to this project as my advisors. For their help in conceptualizing the direction of this thesis and providing excellent feedback, contacts, and comments along the way, I would also like to thank
In this paper, I propose a research agenda regarding global governance and ask in what ways are n... more In this paper, I propose a research agenda regarding global governance and ask in what ways are norms of global governance defined or contested? For the sake of this paper, global governance is defined as “collective efforts to address global problems that go beyond the capacities of individual states” by actors with accepted authority. My emphasis is on Indigenous contestation of norms of global governance. Of particular interest in this proposal is a focus on the extent to which Indigenous people shape norms of global governance.
This paper examines utopian ideologies and their effects in motivating iconoclasm. Using the case... more This paper examines utopian ideologies and their effects in motivating iconoclasm. Using the cases of Islamic State, the Nazi’s destruction of Warsaw, and the Taliban’s destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, this paper analyzes the utopian elements of each group’s ideology that motivates iconoclasm. I argue that Islamic State engages in iconoclasm in order to promote a unified and ideal community rooted in their utopian religious ideology. They achieve this goal by destroying cultural artifacts and museums that clash with their vision. While most of the debate around Islamic State has focused on non-religious aspects like oil-backed finance, this paper attempts to reorient the debate around the religious character of Islamic State’s actions. Given the salience of Islamic State and other similar groups in recent attacks globally, this paper attempts to analyze their operational motivations through the destruction of cultural artifacts.
Drafts by Galen Tsongas
In this policy paper, I examine the Human Development Bond (Bono de Desarrollo Humano, or BDH) in... more In this policy paper, I examine the Human Development Bond (Bono de Desarrollo Humano, or BDH) in Ecuador, especially under Rafael Correa (2006-2017), former president of Ecuador. This program replaced the previous non-conditional cash transfer program, Bono Solidario, that was created in 1998. The Ecuadorian government granted $50 USD per household within Ecuadorian households between 2003 and present day. Upon receipt, both mother and child(ren) had to attend mandatory health check ups and a minimum attendance in school for children with the primary aim of this program being the reduction of childhood malnutrition and preventable diseases. From 2003 until 2010, the number of recipients of the BDH grew. However, in 2012, recipients and spending on the BDH decreased until 2014 when there was a 60% drop in the number of recipients. I argue that while the benefits were life changing for many people living in poverty, the negative externalities for particularly Indigenous people were life changing in another way - especially those living on oil reserves. This paper situates the BDH within a framework of Indigenous exploitation, epistemological extractivism, and the underside of Correa’s social spending.
Field Notes by Galen Tsongas
Some reflections on the role volunteerism and international development play in promulgating raci... more Some reflections on the role volunteerism and international development play in promulgating racism. This reflection is derived from my time living in Togo, West Africa with the Peace Corps.
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Papers by Galen Tsongas
Drafts by Galen Tsongas
Field Notes by Galen Tsongas