American University School of Public Affairs

Could the American presidency shift toward strongman rule? Join William Howell, coauthor of “Trajectory of Power,” Asst. Prof. David Miller, and @ccps.bsky.social to hear how presidential power has evolved and what a strongman-style presidency means for America’s future. RSVP: https://bit.ly/4qdyIFi

Join SPA Asst. Prof. @sharangrewal.bsky.social and @discoveringaub.bsky.social as he examines how elite bargains have slowed reform and deepened public frustration. With his expertise on revolutions and democratic transitions, it’s a must‑listen.

Register: https://bit.ly/4bGJUHe

The American Dream and its access to all Americans is dividing the public along party lines. Join SPA Prof. Elizabeth Suhay, @ccps.bsky.social, and other AU and D.C. experts to discuss the roots of this debate and how this partisan gap might be bridged.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4az77Ki

SPA Asst. Prof. David Schwegman's study, "Uplifting Winds" was published in Energy Research and Social Science, revealing that wind projects increased home values district-wide by 3%. He continues to drive the conversation forward around the positive effects of wind energy!

SPA Scholar in Residence Karen Baehler's study, "Federal Workforce Reforms in Trump's Second Term: Two Scenarios" was published in Policy Quarterly. Her insight brings important context to the ongoing conversation around federal workforce governance.

Want a real look inside a federal trial? Come to lunch with SPA's Senior Scholar in Residence Michelle Engert and attorney Michael Romano as they reflect on their careers and lessons from opposite sides of the courtroom.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/4kfVACJ

Day 2 of our new SAMI course, "Emerging Threats in Cybersecurity and Policy," is almost here! Students are diving into AI governance, the latest trends, and the big issues shaping the future of cybersecurity.

What can jobs inside prisons teach us about power and accountability? SPA Assoc. Prof. and former corrections officer TaLisa Carter new book "Corrections at Work" reveals how institutions shape employee behavior and justice.

RSVP for her book talk: https://bit.ly/46jf83u

Join AU's Center for Israel Studies for the Amos Perlmutter Memorial Lecture on Feb. 26! University of Haifa Prof. Eli Salzberger will break down the major threats to Israel's democracy and the public response to the government's "legal reform."

RSVP: https://bit.ly/4r29yen

Sustainability expert and Prof. Nicole Darnall's latest study, "Moving Beyond Circular Utopia and Paralysis" examines why the shift to a circular economy stalls between ambition and real-world progress. Her study helps organizations move toward practical sustainability solutions.

SPA Assoc. Prof. @ClaudiaLPersico's new study, "Can Pollution Cause Poverty?" is forthcoming in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. Her research shows that prenatal exposure to pollution can lower future wages and reduces the likelihood of graduating high school.

SPA Prof. Todd Eisenstadt's new project, "Evaluating Climate Laws, Institutions, Policies and Practices in Nation-States" evaluates the rigor and scope of climate policies in 80 countries. We look forward to the insights his research will bring to global climate policy debates.

We are thrilled to share that SPA Professor Jordan Matsudaira has been elected as the Secretary of the Policy Board of @appam.bsky.social. He will serve a two-year term. Congratulations, Prof. Matsudaira!

Building Democracy in the Arab World: An Insider Perspective from Tunisia Farsi Lectures in Islamic Peace

Join SPA Asst. Prof. Sharan Grewal at the first Farsi Lecture in Islamic Peace this spring! He will lead a conversation with Dr. Youssef Chahed, former Prime Minister of Tunisia, on the path to democracy in the Arab world.

Reserve your spot now 👉: https://bit.ly/4tjqcaD

Could the American presidency shift toward strongman rule? Join William Howell, coauthor of “Trajectory of Power,” Asst. Prof. David Miller, and @ccps.bsky.social to hear how presidential power has evolved and what a strongman-style presidency means for America’s future. RSVP: https://bit.ly/4qdyIFi

Day 2 of our new SAMI course, "Emerging Threats in Cybersecurity and Policy," is coming up! From AI governance to the latest trends, students will dig into the issues shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Distinguished Scholar in Residence Ken Meier’s new research tests the “satisfaction mirror” in 39 countries, showing strong links between student, teacher and parent satisfaction. His work reveals how national events shape outcomes for employee and client satisfaction.

SPA Associate Professor Adrienne LeBas's recent field experiment in Lagos found that tax appeals from state agents were more effective in driving vendor registrations and tax payments. Her work highlights how social intermediaries shape social contracts and their influence across populations.

SPA Associate Professor Kimberly Cowell-Meyers coauthored “Building a Green Wall” (2025), exploring how the Irish American lobby rallied to protect the Good Friday agreement after Brexit. Prof. Meyers is an expert in ethnic politics, and we’re eager to see more of her work this year!

#ICYMI AU alum Prianka Sharma (JD '14) visited campus to share her real-world experience in regulatory advocacy and connect with students. We are grateful to our alumni who come back and invest in our next generation of changemakers. #SPAProud

The American Dream may be a unifying ideal, but access to it is dividing the American public across party lines. SPA's @ccps.bsky.social will host Professor Liz Suhay and other experts for a discussion on the roots of the divide and how we might bridge the gap.

RSVP: https://t.co/uz6Mb7ucfZ

Join us for a discussion with Eva Illouz and Navid Kermani on memory, culture, and politics today. They'll explore public voices in a polarized world, religion's role in conflict, free expression, and much more.

RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/4ayzza9c

SPA Professor Derek Hyra is an expert on neighborhood change, housing, urban politics, and race. He created SPA's Metropolitan Policy Center to advance research-based solutions to urban challenges. We’re excited for his contributions in 2026!

SPA Prof. Derek Hyra, Asst. Prof. David Schwegman, and PhD student Chris Campbell are advancing research in urban policy. Their recent study argues that rent control helps prevent displacement, highlighting how policy decisions impact communities nationwide.

With over a decade of experience in counterterrorism, SPA Professor @triciabacon.bsky.social remains a leading expert in the field.

Her upcoming book "The Counterinsurgency Dilemma" examines the evolving influence of foreign fighters and how it can inform effective counterinsurgency planning.

One of the many reasons why we do what we do! Proud to see SPA changemakers applying their lessons and making a difference. 🦅💪

A leading scholar on political violence, SPA Professor @zeitzoff.bsky.social advances the conversation again with his new book "No Option But Sabotage." His book traces the evolution and resilience of radical environmental activism.

We look forward to more of his work this year.

A leading expert on extremism and radicalization, SPA Prof. @milleridriss.bsky.social continues shaping the conversation on violent extremism, including how gender influences mass violence. SPA also welcomes William Braniff as PERIL’s new Exec. Director, co‑leading the lab with her.

Tomorrow, SPA Assoc. Prof. @zeitzoff.bsky.social will be at Politics and Prose to talk about his new book "No Option But Sabotage." Join Prof. Zeitzoff and hear about the rise and fall of the radical environmental movement and how activists continue their work in the face of state repression.

Events in Minneapolis show how immigration enforcement has changed. What's the impact? Minneapolis is at the center of sweeping, evolving federal immigration push. It demonstrates how different immigration enforcement is under Trump's second administration - and raises questions about the lingering effects on local communities and law enf...

SPA Associate Professor Janice Iwama tells NPR that the aggressive immigration enforcement and increased federal presence in Minneapolis will leave a lasting impact on public safety in the city.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2026/01/17/nx-s1-5676240/minneapolis-immigration-enforcement-tactics