Gracie Fuhrman
Author: Gracie Fuhrman | Majors: International Studies and Economics | Semester: Fall 2022
My name is Gracie Fuhrman, and I am an economics and international studies major with a concentration in peace, security, and human rights at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. I am currently writing a thesis on the relationship between coalition-building, violence, and revolutionary movements mentored by Dr. Jeffrey Ryan, an associate professor of political science and the director of undergraduate studies.
This semester, above all, has showcased to me that my research matters. A question I kept returning to during my research was, why does this matter? After tossing the question around myself, I turned to my mentor, Dr. Ryan, and he provided me with a succinct response – because it matters to you. When I began developing my hypothesis, I struggled with knowing the impact of this research project would not be a direct one. It would not magically alleviate poverty, provide all-in-one solutions to global crises, or have a direct impact on anyone within a fifty-mile radius of Fayetteville, AR. What I do with my research is not the point, but it is what I have learned. Through researching four generations of revolutionary theory, I have learned that providing immediately usable solutions through this research is not the point. Rather, the point is to put myself into the conversation. And this semester has made me feel as though I am in the conversation, even if what I am contributing is a minnow in an ocean of revolutionary theory.
Throughout this fall, I dedicated my time to reviewing the literature on revolutionary movements including theorists such as Theda Skocpol, Charles Tilly, Mark R. Beissenger, and countless others. While this has exemplified that the literature on revolutionary mobilizations and post-revolutionary states is extensive, my review of the current literature has revealed the gaps present in understanding the relationship between coalition-building and violence in these movements. Through many cups of too-expensive coffee and endless conversation, Dr. Ryan and I have attempted to carve out that relationship to create a testable and simple hypothesis. This has manifested itself through a three-step process of curating a hypothesis, taking it through an intuition and literature test, and then going back to the drawing board. As I complete my third rendition of the literature review, I feel confident in my hypothesis and well-equipped in developing my methodology moving forward into the Spring.
Because of this grant, I have been able to dive into the literature on revolutionary mobilization and make a space for myself within it. This semester has sharpened my research and writing abilities. Further, this research grant has provided me with the opportunity to showcase my work within local and national conferences. This semester I have submitted proposals and been accepted to the International and Global Studies program’s undergraduate thesis workshop as well as Pi Sigma Alpha’s research writing competition. These experiences will solidify my research findings and prepare me for presenting them at my thesis defense in May 2023. As I continue examining these relationships, I find myself left with more questions than answers. However, what this semester has shown me is how to take these questions one-by-one.