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Political Science News and Events

Griffiths Quoted in Newsweek Article on Growing Support in Some States for Seceding from the US

“The key factor driving this interest in secession is polarization. Whether it is the Red-State secessionists, the BlueExiters, the California Independence Party or the Texas Nationalists, they all point to unstoppable polarization and political dysfunction as the reason secession is necessary,” says Ryan Griffiths, professor of political science.

February 17, 2026

In Memoriam: Laurence Thomas

Thomas, professor emeritus of political science and philosophy at Maxwell and the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away on Dec. 27 at age 76.

February 16, 2026

See related: In Memoriam

Reforming Primary Elections: Voters, Campaigns, and the Future of Congressional Politics

Robert G. Boatright, Richard Barton

Maxwell School alumnus and Assistant Teaching Professor Richard Barton ’15 M.A. (PSc) has co-edited a book that examines how primary elections have changed over the past decade and why they often yield extreme or unpopular candidates. 

February 10, 2026

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Gen Z and the Future of Politics

Eggers Hall, 220 (Strasser Legacy Room)

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How does Gen Z use TikTok to challenge the political establishment? Why is Gen Z so active in political social movements yet vote at such low levels? How are Gen Z policymakers successful in a political system dominated by boomers?

The future of American Politics is coming soon, and it will be led by Gen Z. 

Please join us and participate in a conversation with renowned experts in Gen Z politics about the coming “cohort cliff” when boomers will give way to a new generation of voters and political leaders and what that will mean for the future of American democracy. 

D. Sunshine Hillygus is a professor of political science at Duke University. She is director of the Duke Initiative on Survey Methodology (https://dism.duke.edu/ ) and co-director of the Polarization Lab (https://www.polarizationlab.com/ ). 

Kevin Munger is the Jeffrey L. Hyde and Sharon D. Hyde and Political Science Board of Visitors Early Career Professor of Political Science and assistant professor of political science and social data analytics at Penn State University. 

Maurice Brown '19 is a U.S. Army veteran running for Onondaga County Legislature.

This event is part of a series of discussions hosted by the Hicker Family Professor in Renewing Democratic Community to promote civil discourse and mutual understanding.


Category

Social Science and Public Policy

Type

Talks

Region

Open to

Public

Organizer

Maxwell Dean's Office

Contact

Bethany Walawender
315.443.3461

bdwalawe@syr.edu

Accessibility

Contact Bethany Walawender to request accommodations


Political Science Department
100 Eggers Hall