International humanitarian law (IHL) is a codified framework designed to mitigate the adverse effects of armed conflict, providing protections for non-combatants and regulating the conduct of warfare. Despite its noble intentions, IHL is often criticized for being excessively bureaucratic and, at times, ineffective. Real-world examples, such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, and elsewhere, highlight the challenges of IHL's enforcement. While institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) exist to prosecute violations, the enforcement of IHL is hampered by issues of sovereignty and the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms. The gravity of these challenges is evident in ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, and elsewhere. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 114 million people are displaced by international and civil conflict, with the heaviest impact falling on women, children, and the elderly. This analysis employs the theoretical frameworks of Liberal Internationalism and Constructivism to scrutinize the strengths and weaknesses of IHL. Preliminary research highlights significant deficiencies in the current legal system, exemplified by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the evolution of normative standards and the international community's response to the Russo-Ukrainian War underscore the enduring and crucial role of IHL in shaping global humanitarian efforts. 

Political Science - Central Eastern European Identity & Democratic Backsliding

Presenters: Isabel Luke (Political Science)

Supervising Faculty: Robin Datta (Political Science), Edmonds College

Abstract/Description: The political state in Eastern Europe is growing increasingly unstable. Resulting from a rise in populism due to economic, social, cultural, and political changes since the late 2000s, Central Eastern Europe has been suffering from what is known as a “democratic backslide”. This study explores the reasons behind "democratic backsliding" and illiberal democracy in Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia and examines the impact on European integration. While "democratic backsliding" is not exclusive to Eastern Europe, the Polish, Hungarian, and Slovakian cases provide insight into the difficulties of the post-communist transition.

Political Science - Bridging the Gulf:  The Challenging Cuba–U.S. Geopolitical Relationship

Presenters: Dominic Washington (Political Science)

Supervising Faculty: Robin Datta (Political Science), Edmonds College

Abstract/Description: Given the island's history and complex relationship with the United States, Cuba’s current crisis offers a compelling case study in international relations. This analysis examines key historical events and contemporary issues through various international relations theories, including Realism, Marxism (Radicalism), and Liberal Internationalism. By comparing these theories, we explore their strengths and limitations in explaining the intricate state of Cuban–U.S. relations, which span more than a century, featuring events such as the Spanish-American War, the Cuban Revolution, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. This case study focuses on the pivotal interactions that have significantly shaped the histories of both states.

Sociology - The importance of sleep for high school students

Presenters: Lisa Nguyen (Sociology)

Supervising Faculty: Nina Kunimoto (Sociology), Edmonds College

Abstract/Description: The importance of sleep for high school students is an interesting topic, and this is the topic that I would like to focus on in my paper, which is specified with the research question, How does lack of sleep affect the cognitive function and the ability to succeed in academics of high school students?. Honestly, sleep is like the foundation of a house for high school students. Without a solid foundation, the house cannot be stable and maintained for a long time. The same goes for sleep. Studying the importance of sleep and its effects on high school students will help parents and educators help students build a healthier, more enjoyable, and more successful future.

Political Science - Power Vacuums: Effects of Foreign Presence on Sociopolitical Stability

Presenters: Nicole Nagamatsu (Political Science)

Supervising Faculty: Heather Fralick (Political Science), Shoreline Community College

Abstract/Description: In August 2021, the withdrawal of the remaining U.S. forces from Afghanistan created a power vacuum where the local government did not have the control or resources to resist an insurgency. Through a literature review, I have analyzed the impact of U.S. actions on Afghanistan’s sociopolitical stability. The research I have conducted so far reveals that the U.S. contributed to the instability of the Afghan government and the subsequent conflicts in the country. I found that the U.S. implemented indecisive and inconsistent counterinsurgency strategies, which may have created doubt regarding the U.S.’s commitment to Afghanistan. The U.S. also did not involve local leaders in the distribution of aid and the prioritization of beneficial programs. It is important to note that this research is ongoing; there are other aspects that may have created instability and there are other avenues and counterarguments I have not yet explored. However, the goal of this research is to add to the discussion on the effectiveness and potential consequences of foreign involvement. It is important to know the risks of potential socioeconomic insecurity when deciding whether to implement foreign presence in the first place. This research has broader implications regarding the actions of global powers in response to other current conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and war in Israel and Gaza. In many crises, foreign involvement, whether in the form of physical presence or not, has been and will continue to be quite influential.