VCU Political Science

POLI's own Dr. Keena is quoted in this article in the Washington Post!

Good, McGuire locked in tight race in Va.’s 5th District GOP primary
The Washington Post

There is a chance that plays well with voters in a conservative district, but given the choice between ideology and Trump, Republicans have tended to favor Trump, said Alex Keena, a Virginia Commonwealth University professor of political science.

Good, McGuire locked in tight race in Va.’s 5th District GOP primary For a party accustomed to moderate-vs.-MAGA primary battles, the contest represented more offbeat internal warfare, with fighting over who is closer to Trump.

Congratulations to Zateya Jackson, a POLI student, on being chosen to participate in the Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Washington, DC this summer!

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a fully paid enrichment and training program seeking to expand awareness and access to Foreign Service careers to students from underrepresented communities across the United States. A partnership among Meridian International Center, the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, and Community Colleges for International Development, the Foreign Service Fellowship provides undergraduate students with insight into American diplomacy while underscoring educational, internship, and career paths within the U.S. Foreign Service. The program will spotlight the vital work of Foreign Service Officers, while also teaching the critical soft skills necessary to succeed in a diplomatic career. Fellows will enhance their understanding of diplomacy and international affairs through site visits while developing their career development skills through workshops and networking opportunities.

Zateya is one of 20 fellows selected from 450 applicants. We are delighted that Zateya will be representing VCU!

POLI's own Dr. Alex Keena is quoted in this article!

Republican Party rifts on display in Virginia congressional primary pitting Good and McGuire

Associated Press

It might have seemed inconceivable that an incumbent with the conservative record of Good could be vulnerable in a primary, but Alex Keena, political science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, said the race “has just captured the dynamics in the Republican Party right now really well.”

Republican Party rifts on display in Virginia congressional primary pitting Good and McGuire Bob Good is fighting a two-front battle to hold his seat in Virginia's 5th Congressional District. And that doesn’t even count his opponent in the June 18 GOP primary, state Sen.

POLI's own Dr. Alex Keena was quoted in this article by Courthouse News Service.

Associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University Alex Keena said the race will be an interesting study regarding how much weight the former president's endorsement holds. Good has delivered for his Republican constituents over his tenure in Congress, but McGuire has the all-important endorsement.

"I think that'll tell us a lot about Trump standing in a very important part of Virginia that Republicans are going to need," Keena said.

Virginia primaries: Why this year’s race holds national implications Highlights include a Trump-off between two candidates, a famous whistleblower and a Republican Senate candidate who referred to an important small city as podunk.

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 19 • SEASON 15:

In the News: Guilty on 34 Counts

Dr. John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers discuss the recent Donald Trump trial that resulted in 34 felony convictions.

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 18 • SEASON 15:

In the News: Recognizing Palestine as a Nation
Dr. John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers welcome Dr. Bill Newmann to discuss the recent news that some nations have recognized Palestine as a nation. They also talk about unusual instances of recognition and derecognition of countries in the past.

Link: United Nations Charter regarding Membership https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/chapter-2

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

https://www.wvtf.org/news/2024-05-20/governor-youngkins-record-breaking-final-slate-of-vetoes

POLI's own Dr. Jatia Wrighten is quoted in this story for Radio IQ about Governor Youngkin's final slate of vetoes.

Governor Youngkin's record-breaking final slate of vetoes Youngkin took action to help a Confederate heritage group and frustrate supporters of contraception. In one of the most anticipated decisions, he vetoed a bill that would’ve allowed slot machine style games at convenience stores and truck stops.

CONGRATULATIONS to POLI students Selna Shi, Mason Rowley, and Haley Salmen for their outstanding contributions to student-run publications through VCU Student Media Center this year!

Sela Shi - Commonwealth Times news editor
Mason Rowley - WVCW Radio music director
Haley Salmen - Amendment Literary Journal art director

In State Department’s Diplomacy Lab, VCU students reach across the globe

A political science class is making a real-world impact on key U.S. policy areas, including supporting one country on its path to independence.

In State Department’s Diplomacy Lab, VCU students reach across the globe A political science class is making a real-world impact on key U.S. policy areas, including supporting one country on its path to independence.

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE

Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.

EPISODE 17 • SEASON 15:
In the News: TikTok Threatened in Federal Legislation (Aired 05/10/2024)

Dr John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers discuss the federal legislation signed by President Biden that requires TikTok to sell to a different owner. They also discuss the national security implications as well as the Commerce Clause implications of the legislation. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc792752

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE

Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.

EPISODE 16 • SEASON 15:
In the News: College Student Protests (Aired 5/10/2024)

Dr. John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers discuss the college student protests currently taking place in the U.S. They explore time, place and manner restrictions imposed on the protestors. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/89758437

HAPPENING TODAY!

Have you ever met a governor? Join the VCU Lobbying class for the presentation of their final projects (lobbying plans) to Virginia's 71st Governor, Robert F. McDonnell. Governor McDonnell will also talk about his career and answer audience questions! RSVP and submit your questions through the link! https://tinyurl.com/McDonnellRSVP

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 26 • SEASON 14:

Blue Laws (Aired 05/03/2024)
Dr John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers discuss the origin of blue laws, laws that generally prevent some purchases on Sundays. Dr. Aughenbaugh showcases several instances where the SCOTUS has supported the Constitutionality of blue laws.

Link: McGowan v Maryland: U.S. Reports: McGowan v. Maryland, 366 U.S. 420 (1960). | Library of Congress (loc.gov) https://www.loc.gov/item/usrep366420/

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

Have you ever met a governor? Join the VCU Lobbying class for the presentation of their final projects (lobbying plans) to Virginia's 71st Governor, Robert F. McDonnell. Governor McDonnell will also talk about his career and answer audience questions! RSVP and submit your questions through the link! https://tinyurl.com/McDonnellRSVP

Check out Dr. John Aughenbaugh's interview with the Korean Broadcast System about the current Trump trial in NY. (Aughenbaugh at 2:26 and 4:09)

형사재판 받는 트럼프, 이번엔 진짜 위기? (KBS_353회_2024.4.20.방송) ♦︎ 4월 15일, 미국 역사상 처음으로 전직 대통령 트럼프가 형사 재판장에 섰습니다. 이번 성추문 입막음 사건은 트럼프가 대선 전 치르게 될 유일한 형사재판이기도 합니다. 최근 바이든과 트럼프 양 후보가 초접점의 지지율 .....

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 25 • SEASON 14:

Dr John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers welcome back political scientist Dr. Chris Saladino for a discussion of the Monroe Doctrine. The episode eventually covers a few other Presidential doctrines as well as some of the mechanics of foreign policy development.

Link: National Archives Page for the Monroe Doctrine: Monroe Doctrine (1823) | National Archives https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/monroe-doctrine

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 24 • SEASON 14:

Types of International Power (Aired 04/19/2024)

Dr. John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers are glad to have another conversation with political scientist Dr. Judy Twigg. This time, they are covering the different types of international power: hard, soft, smart, and sharp powers.

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE

Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 23 • SEASON 14:

Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 2 (Aired 04/12/2024)

In part 2 of a 2 part series, librarian Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh again host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episode

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 22 • SEASON 14:

Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 1 (Aired 04/05/2024)

In part 1 of a 2 part series, Dr John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers host political science professor Dr. Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **warning, some adult language is used in this episode

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

Congratulations to VCU's 2024 Critical Language Scholarship finalists and alternate, especially POLI student Ryan Jackson! 🎉

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 21 • SEASON 14:

United Kingdom Parliament, part 2 (Aired 3/29/2024)

Dr John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to continue their discussion regarding the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress. ** clarification note: We're referring to the British civil service when discussing ministers.

LINK: United Kingdom Parliament website: https://www.parliament.uk/

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

Student Spotlight: Congratulations to POLI and Business student, Natasha Romero Moskala, on her acceptance to the MIT Summer Research Program! https://oge.mit.edu/msrp/

TODAY! US Department of State Careers information session with state recruiter, Stephanie Hutchison. Join Career Services from 4:15-5:15 PM in MCALC 1104. Make sure to register in Handshake! https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/1505978/share_preview

Today, we have a team from the State Department's Operations Center discussing the State Department's role in addressing crisis overseas! If you're interested in International Relations join us in MCALC 1104 at 3 PM!

TODAY! The Elske v.P. Smith Lecture will be in the STEM building (room 110) at 2 PM, featuring POLI's very own Dr. Bill Newmann! Dr. Newmann will be discussing presidential decision making when it comes to foreign policy. Make sure to register! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhdIBYMKQrnFtcx1ySbYgTi8FE3Cypgj8SzY6LfxNof5QZEw/viewform

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE
Listen to the latest deep dive into U.S. politics with Dr. John Aughenbaugh and VCU Research Librarian Nia Rodgers.
EPISODE 20 • SEASON 14:

British Parliament (Part 1)

Dr John Aughenbaugh and librarian Nia Rodgers welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to discuss the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.

LINK: United Kingdom Parliament website: https://www.parliament.uk/

https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2606d9ee

Dr. Simonelli was quoted in Eos about "What Biden's State of the Union Means for Science." Check it out here:

What Biden’s State of the Union Means for Science - Eos The president briefly mentioned efforts to combat climate change and investments in science as he kicked off his run for a second term.

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE

In the News: SCOTUS Takes The Case: Donald Trump and Presidential Immunity (Aired 3/8/2024)

Dr. John Aughenbaugh explains the reasoning by the Supreme Court in taking United States v Donald Trump, a case regarding Presidential immunity. Dr. Aughenbaugh also explores the potential fallout of the timing of this case.

Episode available here:
https://guides.library.vcu.edu/c.php?g=912790&p=10167969

New episode of CIVIL DISCOURSE

In the News: SCOTUS, Donald Trump and the Colorado Ballot (Aired 3/8/2024)

Dr. John Aughenbaugh explains the recent SCOTUS ruling in the case of Trump v. Anderson. In this 9-0 decision, the SCOTUS decided that Donald Trump could not be struck from the Colorado ballot based on the Insurrection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Episode available here:
https://guides.library.vcu.edu/c.php?g=912790&p=10167969