Advancing Citizenship and Public Leadership

Campbell Public Affairs Institute

Tanner Lecture We Matter with Etan Thomas

Through rigorous scholarship, debate and public engagement, the Campbell Institute examines contemporary challenges in democratic governance—particularly, the idea of citizenship, its evolution and the conditions under which it thrives.

Faculty from the fields of political science and public administration, along with historians, philosophers, anthropologists and public health scholars among others, study the relationship among leaders, citizens, private organizations and governments in an effort to understand and promote effective public management and policy, and encourage civic involvement.

Students benefit from an enriched learning experience by assisting faculty in their research, participating in live events and engaging with guest speakers.

Upcoming Lecture

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State of Democracy Lecture | Trajectory of Power, William G. Howell

In this State of Democracy Lecture, William G. Powell, professor and dean of the School of Goverment & Policy at John Hopkins University, will discuss his co-authored book, Trajectory of Power: The Rise of the Strongman Presidency.

March 27, 2026, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. EDT | Maxwell Hall, 204

Featured Research

View All Campbell Publications

The cover of a publication from Cambridge Elements titled "How News Coverage of Misinformation Shapes Perceptions and Trust" by Emily Thorson. Beside it is a portrait of a person with long brown hair, wearing a white top and brown jacket, smiling.

Emily Thorson, associate professor of political science and senior research associate in the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, analyzes how the media addresses the issue of misinformation and how such coverage shapes public perception and trust. It explores the relationship between news and social media, highlighting how mainstream media often places blame on social media for the spread of false information.

Cambridge University Press, 2024

Read the announcement.

“It's Not the Economy: The Effect of Framing Arguments on Attitudes Toward Refugees”

In this article, Lamis Abdelaaty, associate professor of political science, and her co-authors assess whether and how economic, legal, and moral arguments affect Americans’ support for refugee admissions, and which types of refugees they prefer to admit.

International Migration Review, 2025

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“Analyzing the Stability of Gun Violence Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Syracuse, New York”

Professors Robert A. Rubinstein, Sandra D. Lane and their co-authors investigate whether COVID-19 altered the geospatial patterns of gun violence in Syracuse, New York.

International Journal of Health Geographics, 2025

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See all books by Campbell faculty

Campbell Institute faculty publish award-winning books on a wide range of topics. View a sample of recently published works, or visit the Maxwell School Faculty Bookshelf for more.

Cultural Awareness for Peace Operations Personnel

Robert A. Rubinstein, Clementine K. Fujimura

Peace Operations Training Institute, 2026

International Affairs

Belief, Behavior, and Health: Religion as a Social Determinant of Health

Sandra D. Lane

Routledge, 2024

Africa (Sub-Saharan), Community Health, Gender and Sex, Health and Identity, Health Communication, Health Education and Literacy, Middle East & North Africa, Religion, United States

How News Coverage of Misinformation Shapes Perceptions and Trust

Emily Thorson

Cambridge University Press, 2024

Federal, Media & Journalism, State & Local, United States

Maxwell Experts Unpack the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

A recent State of Democracy lecture offered varying perspectives from Maxwell faculty members Brynt Parmeter, Leonard Burman and Colleen Heflin in a discussion led by Chris Faricy, director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

Brynt Parmeter Joins Maxwell as Phanstiel Chair in Leadership

The decorated U.S. Army veteran and former Department of Defense executive brings deep expertise in leadership, workforce transformation and innovation.

Robert Shetterly and Associate Dean Gladys McCormick

‘Americans Who Tell the Truth’ Artist Shares Stories Behind His Portraits

Robert Shetterly visited the Maxwell School recently to talk about his portrait series, a sampling of which is on display in the foyer.

Maxwell Professor Joins First Cohort of AI2050 Early Career Fellows

Baobao Zhang has received up to $200K to research the role of citizens in the governance of artificial intelligence systems.

Lecture Series

Campbell's lecture series bring together people with a diverse range of perspectives and interests to open dialogue, foster understanding and give the power of knowledge.

Bantle Symposium on Business and Government Policy

Campbell Debates

Campbell Lectures

Phanstiel Lecture Series on Leadership

State of Democracy Lecture Series

Tanner Lecture Series on Ethics, Citizenship and Public Responsibility

State of Democracy Lecture with Mayor Miner in full Maxwell Auditorium

Campbell Conversation Spotlight

You probably know the name James Garfield, but how much else do you know about him, and why might he and his political times be relevant to considering today’s political landscape? Host Grant Reeher interviews C. W. Goodyear, a historian who has written a new definitive biography of him. His book is titled President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier.

December 9, 2023

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