Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Name

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Department

Historical & Political Studies; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Jennifer Riggan

Abstract

In this research paper, I will be discussing how the gay man has been used as a cultural weapon by America and Russia since the Cold War to justify tensions between each nation. Though this is not the only factor creating international tension, it certainly is a significant cultural problem in and between each nation that lasts to this day. I will be discussing major academics such as Jasbir Puar’s work on Homonationalism. I will also be discussing how important Queer IR theory relates to this issue as well. There are also key factors in each nation that are discussed on how homophobia has survived all these decades. Some of these factors are extreme forms of religion, to factors such as nationalism and how culture and economy also intertwine to justify this cultural weaponization of the gay male.

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Weaponizing Gayness: Homonationalism, During and After the Cold War

In this research paper, I will be discussing how the gay man has been used as a cultural weapon by America and Russia since the Cold War to justify tensions between each nation. Though this is not the only factor creating international tension, it certainly is a significant cultural problem in and between each nation that lasts to this day. I will be discussing major academics such as Jasbir Puar’s work on Homonationalism. I will also be discussing how important Queer IR theory relates to this issue as well. There are also key factors in each nation that are discussed on how homophobia has survived all these decades. Some of these factors are extreme forms of religion, to factors such as nationalism and how culture and economy also intertwine to justify this cultural weaponization of the gay male.