Date of Award
Summer 7-21-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
August 2026
Department
Political Science
College Granting Degree
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Department Granting Degree
Political Science
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Jeffrey Morton
Abstract
This thesis examines the unique relationship between nongovernmental human rights reporting, and U.S. congressional attention during the post-Cold War period, 1989-2004. Using a longitudinal content analysis research method, it compares human rights-related resolutions from the 101st through 108th Congresses with materials from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Human Rights First. Rather than claiming causation, the study evaluates whether congressional country or issues mentioned overlapped with NGO reporting during those same sessions. The findings show recurring overlap between congressional attention and NGO-identified countries, abuses, and normative claims. This convergence suggests that NGOs operated within a democratic information environment yet simultaneous recognition that congressional attention may also reflect world events, executive priorities, media coverage, geopolitical interests, and other advocacy networks is also crucial to this study.
Recommended Citation
Manosh, William J., "LEGISLATIVE SIGNALS AND HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF U.S. CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTIONS AND NGO REPORTING IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA, 1989-2004" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 363.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/363