Barış Kesgin in the Department of Political Science and Public Policy has been recognized for scholarship and service in international studies.
The International Studies Association Midwest Region has honored an Elon University faculty member in the Department of Political Science and Public Policy with its 2025 Quincy Wright Distinguished Scholar award.
Associate Professor Barış Kesgin, a member of the ISA Midwest region since his graduate studies at the University of Kansas, said he is grateful for the professional relationships he has built through the organization and the leadership roles he has held.
“Considering that what this award represents, I am most humbled that my colleagues value my scholarship and leadership in the region and the profession,” Kesgin said. “I look up to the previous award recipients and continue to be inspired by their work. The thought that my colleagues judged that my record has perhaps come closer to merit this recognition is overwhelming.”
Created in 2000, the Quincy Wright Distinguished Scholar award is given annually to a scholar with an exceptional record of scholarship in international studies, a distinguished record of service to the International Studies Association and other international affairs organizations, and a record of service within the Midwest region.
Kesgin has made noteworthy contributions to the field, specifically for his research on leadership and decision-making in Turkish and Israeli foreign policymaking processes, work on India examining the interplay between rising status and leaders’ characteristics and research on Pacific Island countries analyzing how microstate leaders view global climate change politics.
In addition to his scholarship, Kesgin was instrumental in institutionalizing the ISA Midwest annual undergraduate research panels and the ‘best research award’ for undergraduate students. Several Elon students he has mentored have participated in the ISA Midwest conference.
“As I reflect on my service and leadership at the ISA Midwest, it is evident that the most meaningful of that record has been my efforts to help foster a sense of community among our colleagues,” Kesgin said. “The ISA Midwest has long been a professional home to me; it has consistently provided a community that has inspired my work in teaching, mentorship and research. There was a learning moment at each and every annual meeting.”
Kesgin was honored with the award at the 2025 ISA Midwest Conference in St. Louis. Kesgin delivered a keynote address titled “Understanding Foreign Policy Actors: A Guide to Where to Find Them,” at the Quincy Wright luncheon; a roundtable in Kesgin’s honor followed.
Kesgin has served in numerous roles for the ISA, including co-chair of the Foreign Policy Analysis Section, chair of the Pedagogy Conference Planning Committee, a member of both the Governing Council, and a member of the ISA Nominating Committee. Within the ISA Midwest region, Kesgin served as the program chair and president. He is now starting a four-year term as the editor-in-chief of one of the ISA journals, Foreign Policy Analysis.
Founded in 1959, the International Studies Association has more than 7,000 members worldwide, comprising academics, practitioners, policy experts, private sector workers and independent researchers, among others. The ISA serves as a central hub for the exchange of ideas and networking and programmatic initiatives among those involved in the study, teaching and practice of International Studies.