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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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“What’s at Stake in Ukraine?”

Eggers Hall, 220

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The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs will host a panel discussion and Q&A Monday, Feb. 28, with faculty experts examining the repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Featuring Maxwell faculty experts Brian Taylor, Michael Williams, Osamah Khalil and Catherine Bertini, the program, titled “What’s at Stake in Ukraine?” will be held at 4 p.m. ET in the Dr. Paul and Natalie Strasser Legacy Room, 220 Eggers Hall. Guests can attend in person and can also access the event via Zoom

The program will be moderated by Margarita Estevez-Abe, associate professor of political science and co-director of the Center for European Studies at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs. She studies comparative family and social welfare policies in Europe and Asia.

Each panelist will provide comments based on their area of expertise. 

Taylor, professor of political science and author of “The Code of Putinism” will discuss what’s at stake for both Russia and Ukraine. 

Williams, associate professor of public administration and international affairs, and director of the graduate program in international relations, will address what’s at stake for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Europe. 

Khalil, associate professor of history, chair of the international relations (undergraduate) program and the Dr. Ralph E. Montonna Endowed Professor, will share the implications for the U.S. 

Bertini, emeritus professor of practice of public administration and international affairs, and current Rockefeller Foundation fellow and Chicago Council on Global Affairs distinguished fellow, will discuss what's at stake for the UN and humanitarian action.

Afterwards, audience members can ask questions of the panelists. 


Category

Social Science and Public Policy

Type

Discussions

Region

Open to

Public

Organizer

Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Contact

Carol Faulkner
315.443.9500

cfaulkne@syr.edu

Accessibility

Contact Carol Faulkner to request accommodations


Political Science Department
100 Eggers Hall