Browsing by Author "Watson, Forrest"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Open Access
An alternative market for well-being: reconnecting producers and consumers through shared commitments
(2017-06) Watson, Forrest
Markets have increased consumption, but not necessarily improved social connections, also a vital part of well-being. Producers and consumers are anonymous to one another in the traditional capitalist paradigm, where each individual pursues his or her own gain on the grounds that markets effectively promote the interest of society. This thesis considers an alternative premise for an economy that balances financial and social benefits, where consumers and producers are reconnected for mutual benefit. An exploratory mixed methods research approach was applied to the case of a predominant alternative food network in Turkey. First, qualitative data collection and analysis revealed shared commitment between the owner, employees, and customers of this network. Second, through customer and employee surveys, the collective action, congruent values and goals, and concern for the future welfare of others dimensions of shared commitment between actors were measured and a structural model of its impact on well-being tested. The findings demonstrate the existence of an alternative market model, founded on shared commitment, which improves well-being for producers and consumers. Despite limitations in the community that can be built among consumers and producers who live geographically distant from one another, it is hopeful for an urbanizing world that shared commitments can still develop and well-being can be improved. Although the findings point to some vulnerabilities to dark sides, the research overall shows the well-being potential of shared commitment outweighs the risk of ill-being. A re-socialized market can facilitate reduced alienation, rather than just instrumental exchanges, and enhance well-being.
Open Access
Mitigating anti-Americanism in Turkey through public diplomacy
(2007) Watson, Forrest
Record-high anti-Americanism in Turkey goes deeper than the ongoing Iraq War. The build-up to and aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Turkey’s neighbor ignited preexisting sensitivities in Turkey due to its past relations with America and its own identity issues and fears. Turkey views the U.S. through the lenses of 1) an exaggerated view of American agency coupled with mistrust and 2) a reactionary phobia about threats to undermine the Turkish Republic. Seen through theses lenses, anti-Americanism is driven by a perception that America is supporting 1) Kurdish self-determination, which will lead to the eventual dismemberment of Turkey and 2) political Islam as a part of its broader plan for Middle East politics, which threatens to erode Turkey’s secular state. Because anti-Americanism is mostly based on distorted perceptions caused by the lenses, public diplomacy is an effective tool that should be utilized by the U.S. to bring about understanding with the Turkish public. If the politically-rooted anti- Americanism in Turkey continues, it will solidify into a view of the U.S. as a threatening power, squandering Turks’ natural affection for Americans. U.S. public diplomacy for Turkey can be improved by Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Ankara by acting from an understanding of the uniqueness of Turkey and the reasons that drive its anti-Americanism. Reinvigorated public diplomacy offers hope for strengthening a relationship that is in the best interests of both Turkey and America.