Associates

Jungyeon Lee | Georgetown University, Government and Sociology, BA`26

“Religion and Demographic Shifts: Analyzing Population Trends Using Durkheim’s Theory”

Abstract: Global population dynamics have undergone significant transformations, with declining fertility rates in developed nations and shifting patterns of religiosity. This study examines the relationship between religiosity and fertility, exploring whether religiosity is a primary driver of reproductive behavior or a component of broader modernization processes. While previous research has largely focused on demographic changes through cultural, economic, and modernization perspectives, the role of religiosity remains underexplored. The study uses sociological frameworks to analyze religion and modernization, incorporating case studies of three nations—the United States, South Korea, and Nigeria—each with distinct historical trajectories, levels of religiosity, and degrees of modernization. The findings indicate that modernization plays a predominant role in shaping fertility behaviors, with religiosity serving as a moderating influence rather than a primary determinant. As societies modernize to survive in a competitive international arena, traditional sources of legitimacy—religion—weaken, affecting fertility patterns. However, in cases where alternative social structures fail to replace traditional legitimacy, modernization may exacerbate demographic crises as seen in declining fertility rates. The research highlights the necessity or reassessing social cohesion mechanisms in an era of declining religiosity to mitigate the unintended consequences of modernization on population trends.

Joon Park | The George Washington University, International Affairs and Finance, Economics, BS`26

Research Title: “Echoes of the Past: The Rise of Right-Wing Populism in Europe in the Early 20th Century and Today“

Research Description: The resurgence of right-wing populism in contemporary Europe, resembling historical precedents such as pre-Third Reich Germany in the early 20th century, urges a deeper understanding of the societal, economic, political, and faith-based conditions that led to the populist movements and the marginalization of minority communities. This research aims to dissect these conditions by drawing historical parallels and analyzing the current political climate across various European countries. It will specifically explore how economic downturns, social disparities, political rhetoric, and religious narratives converge to amplify populist sentiments. The study will also assess the impacts on immigrant and minority communities, focusing on how faith and religious identity play roles in both the propagation and opposition of populist ideologies. By comparing early 20th-century developments as well as modern patterns of populist movements, this research seeks to provide insights into the cyclical nature of populism and its effects on social cohesion, integration, and interfaith dynamics in Europe.

Natalie Dolenga | Syracuse University, International Relations, Spanish, BA`24

“Immigration & Integration in the EU-Mediterranean Relationship: How Mediterranean Policy Impacts Religion in the EU“

Abstract: This paper examines the intersection of immigration, integration, and religion within the EU-Mediterranean framework, aiming to understand how migration from the southern Mediterranean region to Europe interacts with integrative policies and religious landscapes. The first section provides a background on the EU-Mediterranean relationship, detailing the refugee “crisis” of 2015 and the evolution of the current policy framework. The analysis then progresses through four case studies of key EU Member States–France, Spain, Italy, and Greece that significantly shape broader EU policies. These case studies assess the effectiveness and limitations of each approach to managing immigration, facilitating integration, and addressing religious diversity. Ultimately, this paper highlights the notable successes and critical shortcomings in these countries’ policy frameworks, emphasizing the importance of enhanced interfaith dialogue and more inclusive policymaking to effectively integrate Muslim populations from south of the Mediterranean and manage immigration on a large scale.

Jacqueline Bucaro | Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service, Regional and Comparative Studies, BA`25

“Islam and the Latin American Diaspora: Exploring Cultural Connections“

Abstract: This paper examines the Latino Muslim community in both Latin America and the United States to explain why Latino Americans are the fastest-growing demographic among converts to Islam. The first half of this paper outlines the history of Islam in Latin America from colonization until the present day, drawing on existing research and consultations with figures in local Muslim communities to understand why Islam`s growth in Latin America is limited. The second half focuses on the Latino Muslim community in the United States, exploring the movement’s history to draw out the historical, political, and cultural factors that connect Latinos to Islam in the United States. Ultimately, this paper argues that Islamic values and Latino culture are already close together, and it is the shared political struggle of Muslims and Latinos in the United States that breaks down Islamophobia and allows would-be Latino converts to approach Islam.

Wyatt Flicker | University of Delaware, International Relations, Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, History, BA`26

“Prophetic Politics: Islamic Readings of Plato’s Republic“

Abstract: This paper examines the interplay between the Islamic and Platonic philosophical traditions through the lens of medieval receptions of The Republic. By constructing a comparative analysis between the source materials, the Quran and The Republic, the paper identifies the traditions as not only compatible but also in active conversation. This active conversation dates back to the beginning of the Islamic tradition and plays a central role in the political thinking of al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and Ibn Rushd. Considering the nature and structure of the ruler, citizen, and society as a whole through the eyes of these philosophers, this paper presents medieval Islamic Platonism as a coherent philosophical worldview, connecting the issues raised in Plato’s dialogues with the Islamic philosophical substrate. By presenting medieval Islam as a valid school of political philosophy, this paper seems to broaden the general conception of Neoplatonic thought and highlight the contributions of Muslim thinkers in the Western Hellenic-derived philosophical canon.

Liam Adamczyk | Boston College, History and Theology, BA`25

“Loss of Identity: The Religious Passiveness of American Youth“

Abstract: This research aims to learn about the decline in religion among American teenagers and young adults. More specifically, it looks at the growing passiveness and the increase in religious “nones” among these groups and identifies significant reasons for the growth in passiveness and unaffiliating. The author wanted to undertake this project to understand what is changing in American culture, leading to lower levels of religiosity. Although religious affiliation is higher than two hundred years ago, many self-identify within the group but do not practice—the research aimed to unpack the numbers on religion in the United States and see what they meant. The core of the study is based on data compiled from national polling agencies. After finding the data, reports, articles, and academic texts are synthesized to understand religious pheromones while looking at religious beliefs and behavior. Then, the study found how generational differences play a significant role in the decline in religiosity. Family life, technology, and current events are all responsible for the fall, not to mention institutional issues causing a lack of trust or desire to affiliate with a religious group. Overall, the paper found that the decline in religion among American youths and young adults will continue. As American culture grows secular and tensions weaken, people will steadily lose faith.

Millicent Caughey | Duke University, Religious Studies and History, BA`25

“Faith and the Law: The Extent of Religious Freedom in Modern America”

Abstract: Under the US Constitution, every American is guaranteed a right to believe and practice the faith they choose freely. However, in practice, true religious toleration is incredibly difficult. The interwoven nature of many religious people, their faith, ethics, and politics often makes the three difficult to parse out. While much Christian tradition and thought has been treated as secular, more obscure faith traditions have been banned or made difficult. In my research, I want to understand the limitations of religious freedom in the United States from two perspectives. First, I want to understand what religious freedom means in a country with a profoundly religious history, and second, I want to examine how modern jurisprudence treats religious liberty issues. Ultimately, I want to understand the extent to which religious practice in the country is truly free, the nature of the so-called paradox of religious freedom, and the extent to which it is the law’s fault.