Distrust in the media, fueled by disinformation and partisan outlets, is among the reasons Syracuse University is opening the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship in D.C.

A joint initiative of the Newhouse and Maxwell schools, the institute will promote nonpartisan, evidence-based research and dialogue in the public interest and support the work of faculty and students.

Although from the outside, the saga of the SLS (Space Launch System) and NASA’s plans for the moon and Mars look like a story of endless delays and cost overruns, that is basically how large technological projects work out in a democracy, says W. Henry Lambright, a professor of political science and public administration and international affairs.

"Today’s defense community has forgotten that strategic competition is won through irregular warfare—a dangerous mistake," writes Sean McFate, adjunct professor in Maxwell's Washington programs.

"When I saw Syracuse was offering an executive master’s program in conjunction with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, I knew this would be a great opportunity to work on the theory around the intersection of national security and human rights," says Heather Fischer, senior advisor for human rights crimes at Thomson Reuters Special Services.

Amy McKeever '06 B.A. (Hist), senior writer and editor for National Geographic in Washington, D.C., says research she conducted for her capstone thesis was her "first real exposure to an intense research project and helped her understand how to dig for historical documents and other primary sources."

Anne Mosher, associate professor of geography and the environment department, says it’s not uncommon for localities to cast about for a new identity. “American communities have been reinventing themselves since the 19th century and this is generally how they attracted business and tourists.”  

"No trans women that I formally interviewed or met in the course of my field research wanted to or felt safe in men's housing programs," says Joss Greene, assistant professor of sociology. 

Maxwell professors Chris Faricy, Shana Gadarian, Jenn Jackson and Sean O'Keefe participated in the Campbell Lecture, “After the Election: Assessing the Midterms,” on Nov. 17. Grant Reeher, director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, moderated the discussion.