Date of Award

Spring 2011

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Patrick Donnay

Abstract

The main goal of this research is to analyze the impact of student exchange as a component of soft power in American foreign policy. Since September 11, 2001 there has been a significant increase in the number of Muslim international students enrolled in American institutions. In addition, there has been an increase in study abroad programs to predominantly Muslim countries by American students. I analyze the potential benefit to America’s foreign policy of accepting these international students and sending American students abroad. The measurement is whether or not the United States gets more support for measures it endorses in the United Nations. I use the 48 Muslim member countries of United Nations, and the Secretary of State’s Report to Congress on the voting practices in the United Nations as the key dependent variable. Other variables that are analyzed include G.D.P, U.S Aid, oil exports and production, and international trade. I anticipate the results will show that countries that send students to the U.S. and accept American students vote more consistently with the United States at the United Nations Assembly.

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