Political Science and Public Policy

A number of Elon faculty took part in the annual International Studies Association (ISA) meeting held in New York from February 14-19. ISA has more than 4,000 members worldwide and is the most respected and widely known scholarly association in the field.

Kerstin Sorensen, an assistant professor of political science, presented a paper at the Feb. 15-18, 2009, International Studies Association's Annual Convention in New York City.

Political science faculty members have twice been interviewed in February on the politics and economics behind the stimulus legislation working its way through Congress in Washington, and how President Barack Obama is trying to sell his ideas to the American public.

Students, faculty and staff packed McKinnon Hall on Tuesday to watch the Inauguration of President Barack Obama in a program sponsored by the Multicultural Center, the Council on Civic Engagement, the Office of Civic Engagement and Elon members of Phi Beta Kappa.

Rudy Zarzar, a professor of political science, was interviewed at length by WFMY News 2 (Greensboro, N.C.) for a Jan. 1 segment on local reaction to the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Jason Kirk, an assistant professor of political science, spoke with News 14 Carolina on Dec. 4 about President-elect Barack Obama's national security team and the challenges faced by Obama and President Bush in the Indian subcontinent.

Hunter Bacot, an associate professor of political science and director of the Elon University Poll, answered questions from News 14 Carolina on Nov. 14 regarding potential Cabinet selections by President-elect Barack Obama.

Larry Vellani, Elon's director of corporate and foundation relations, made a presentation Oct. 31 to a delegation of Kazak public officials and civil servants at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, D.C.

North Carolina residents believe there has been more mudslinging and negative campaigning this election season than in previous years, although most say political ads have not been helpful in selecting a candidate to endorse, according to the latest Elon University Poll.