Civic Links
Asynchronous Session
Elevating Women's Voices within a Historically Male-dominated Industry: A Traveling Exhibit - Learning from the Past, Celebrating Progress in the Present, and Paving a Way for the Future
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Jacquelyn Eidson
Through an educational, historical, and interactive visual art traveling exhibit, Dr. Eidson highlighted the advancement and empowerment of Missouri women in the Federal Reserve Bank System, with an emphasis on the role of women leaders and women of color. As the only state to hold two Federal Reserve Banks, one of which was most recently led by a woman as president and CEO, Missouri women have played a unique role in advancing the diversity of women in leadership, finance, economics, technology, historical record keeping, and numerous professional roles throughout the Federal Reserve. The exhibit celebrates the diversity and resilience of women and inspires future generations about possible career paths with the Federal Reserve Bank and civic leadership opportunities. The exhibit was informed by Dr. Eidson’s dissertation research, working closely with Federal Reserve Bank archivists and Federal Reserve Bank leadership, and interviewing thirty diverse women from multiple ethnicities and ages that work or have worked at the Federal Reserve Bank.
NATO, Russia and the New World Order - Implications for Georgia: A Healthy Mix of Idealism and Materialism View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Nikoloz Esitashvili
Regional Security Complex Theorem (RSCT) is an international relations theory developed by Barry Buzan and Ole Waever in 2003 in Regions and Powers: The Structure of International Security. RSCT uses a mixture of materialist and constructivist approaches. From the side of materialists, the theory incorporates the idea of limited territoriality and redistribution of forces, which makes it resemble neorealism. RSCT also has constructivists elements, for example, the theory of securitization, which focuses on the political process through which the issue of security is determined and where hostility and friendship are independent variables. South Caucasus is a centered RSC, with Russia as its center. And, according to RSCT in centered RSCs classical balance of power dynamic is suppressed. I propose that with the passage of time Russia will be more and more challenged in its RSC, by growing EU-Europe complex bumping into it and producing one supercomplex, or GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova) countries uniting and producing a counterweight. This scenario will probably lead to the following development: with the involvement of external powers like the US and Iran a minicomplex will form as part of a EU-Russian supercomplex with countries siding either with Russia or the US/EU. Turkey will likely be an insulator state among two complexes which will lose its insulator function and will side with either one of the parties.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Indonesian Film Industry: A Case Study of Qun Films
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Azalia Muchransyah
This research delves into the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Indonesian film industry, specifically focusing on Qun Films, a micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) founded in 2019. Initially aiming to bolster talent from Papua through the 'Jendela Papua' initiative, the pandemic compelled Qun Films to adapt its strategies for sustainability. The study unfolds the evolution of Qun Films' plans, originally slated to produce four short films, into the production of a singular feature film, ORPA. This shift in approach, driven by pandemic-induced constraints, showcases the resilience and adaptive decision-making required to weather unforeseen challenges. The synergy with Qun Studios, its sister company specializing in PR and marketing campaigns was integral to Qun Films' survival during these turbulent times. The paper explores how the diversified portfolio and client base of Qun Studios provided a vital lifeline for Qun Films during a period of industry-wide uncertainty. The research methodology relies on in-depth interviews with key stakeholders of Qun Films and Qun Studios. This case study not only sheds light on the challenges faced by Qun Films but also serves as a microcosm of the broader struggles within the Indonesian film industry during the pandemic. It underscores the importance of adaptability and collaboration for MSMEs to navigate unprecedented disruptions, offering valuable insights for similar enterprises grappling with the long-term ramifications of the global pandemic.
Traumatizing the Lonely Island: Trauma Narratives on Discrimination, Microaggression, and Resilience of Transgender People in Taiwan View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Hsu Sun
Amidst the global LGBTQIA+ movement, Taiwan stands as the first and only Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. However, the discourse on transgender rights in Taiwan remains overshadowed. This pioneering research, conducted by a dedicated Taiwanese transgender activist, presents the first-ever trauma narrative of Taiwanese transgender individuals. Utilizing narrative inquiry and in-depth interviews, the study explores the life experiences of 14 individuals, including 4 transgender women, 6 transgender men, and 4 non-binary individuals. The study reveals diverse forms of discrimination and microaggressions, such as misgendering, ontologizing gender, transnormativity, invalidation of gender-diverse concepts, invalidation of trauma, and stigmatizing transgender women as sex offenders. This resulted in trauma, including low self-esteem, social barriers, high defensiveness, mental illnesses, distrust in people, lack of futurity, physical damage, and the concealment of transgender identity. Resilience strategies included community connectedness, rebelliousness, pride, and the presence of transgender-friendly regulations in social settings. This research provides a crucial foundation for Taiwanese society to grasp the authentic experiences of transgender individuals before engaging in discussions on transgender issues. The study proposes recommendations for policies aimed at enhancing the environment for transgender individuals in Taiwan, particularly addressing the current focal point of controversy – the scheme of gender marker changing without surgery. Specific attention is given to improving regulations in educational institutions, workplaces, and hospitals. This research advocates for future studies to delve deeper into transnormativity and explore potential advocacy strategies amidst Taiwan's post-Cold War dilemma.
