Department of Political Science Archives - News Center

Political science professor Gretchen Helmke stands in her office with whiteboards and notes behind her.

From the Magazine

Office hours with Gretchen Helmke

November 14, 2025

The 2025 Guggenheim Fellow on turning a passion for reading and writing into solving our most vexing political puzzles.

Campus & Community

Heather Higginbottom ’94: On leading with purpose

October 21, 2025

From Capitol Hill to JPMorgan Chase, the political science graduate traces a career shaped by URochester and driven by public service.

Emblem of United Nations with UN member country flags and Secretariat Building in the background.

Society & Culture

After 80 years, is the United Nations past its prime?

October 20, 2025

Randall Stone, an expert on international institutions, explains the UN’s enduring influence—and its limits.

Black graduation cap on top of an American flag.

Society & Culture

Survey: Americans back higher ed—but worry about campus culture

October 15, 2025

University of Rochester’s James Druckman helps lead sweeping 50-state study on public attitudes toward universities.

Two hands hold up a blue poster that says "hands off our healthcare, research, and jobs."

Society & Culture

Study: Widespread disapproval of federal interventions in science, public health

The findings, based on a sweeping national survey, help quantify the public’s verdict on recent federal policies.

A dog wearing a tin foil hat stares at an open laptop screen. Behind him is a "ripped from the headlines" collage of conspiracy theories a dog might believe.

Society & Culture

Who’s immune to conspiracy theories?

Rochester faculty on how political conspiracy theories start and spread—and why people believe them.

Photo of Tommy Evans in a layout that shows the University of Rochester "spirit R" and says "alumni . . . connections: Tommy Evans '99, political science/studio art."

Campus & Community

Tommy Evans ’99: Witnessing and reporting on world events

One of NPR’s top editors discusses how his Rochester education equipped him for an unexpected career in journalism.

University News

Gretchen Helmke named Guggenheim Fellow for political science

The professor and Bright Line Watch cofounder’s research focuses on the rule of law and democratic erosion in the United States and Latin America.

Photo of Lea Thome in a layout that shows the University of Rochester "spirit R" and says "alumni . . . connections: Lea Thome '22, political science."

Campus & Community

Lea Thome ’22: A global citizen helps shape global policy

At Rochester, the German native forged her path to a career analyzing international relations in an interconnected world.

Photo of Ian Krager, political science major from the Class of 2022, smiling next to a design with the University of Rochester spirit R and the words "alumni connections" against a blue background.

Campus & Community

Ian Krager ’22: Congressional communications director meets the press

February 20, 2025

Krager shares takeaways for students and graduates who want to land a dream job after college.