University of Iowa Department of Political Science

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

Congratulations to William Tucknott and Riley Cronin, who were selected to attend the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA) at West Point in New York!

The conference provided a transformative opportunity to connect with students and military cadets from across the country and around the world, including representatives from more than a dozen international military academies. Throughout the week, William and Riley learned about the inner workings of West Point, gained deeper insight into the U.S. Army, and participated in meaningful discussions on pressing global issues.

One highlight of the experience was a roundtable focused on the potential risks of artificial intelligence, where participants collaborated to develop a National Security Council policy proposal addressing AI regulation. The conference also offered opportunities to hear from distinguished speakers, engage in thought provoking discussions, and build lasting professional connections.

Reflecting on the experience, William shared, “I learned so much that will be invaluable as I head into my final year at Iowa. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

10/26/2026

Earlier last week, Dr Alex Smith was a moderator for a conversation with Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times and former University of Iowa Professor Marilynne Robinson. The conversation was titled "How Can We Hope When It All Feels Hopeless?”

10/22/2026

🍀 Gertie On the Go crossed the pond!

Gertie recently embarked on her first ever transatlantic trip, accompanying Undergraduate Program Coordinator Jackie Coyle on an Irish adventure.

Along the way, she visited Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, the scenic beaches of Waterville in the Ring of Kerry, and the town of Listowel, where she posed with the statue of celebrated author Bryan MacMahon.

Gertie also made a new friend along the way, a Labaabaa, who joined in on the fun and sightseeing adventures! 🐑✨

Her journey even brought her to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. The views were incredible, but the strong winds almost blew Gertie away! 🌬️😂

What an unforgettable first international trip for our favorite traveler! 🌍✈️🍀

10/20/2026

Join the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) for Futureproofing Democracy: Towards Hopeful and Achievable Elections in the US, the final program in its Voices into Votes series!

📅 Friday, October 23, 2026 | Reception: 5 p.m., Program: 6-7:30 p.m
📍 University of Iowa Old Capitol, Senate Chambers

This Friday, nationally recognized election scholar Professor Barry Burden will join University of Iowa Professor Caroline Tolbert and Johnson County Auditor Julie Persons for a timely conversation about strengthening election integrity, building public trust, and making our elections work for everyone.

Learn more and register: https://www.icfrc.org/events-1

10/07/2026

The Political Science Department hosted an Induction Ceremony for new members of Pi Sigma Alpha, a national Political Science honors society, on October 6.

New members of the University of Iowa chapter heard from Enza Chimera, the current president of our chapter.

10/05/2026

THIS WEDNESDAY: Who votes, who does not, and why?

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, join ICFRC this Wednesday, October 7, for a timely, evidence-based look at the forces shaping voter participation in the United States and other democracies.

Political scientist Caroline Tolbert will examine how voting laws, electoral rules, political trust, partisanship, demographic factors, and the structure of our election system influence who participates and who does not.

The conversation will explore questions at the center of American elections today:

• Which policies expand or restrict participation?
• How do early voting, absentee voting, voter registration rules, voter ID requirements, and proof-of-citizenship proposals affect elections?
• What does the two-party system mean for independent voters?
• How do redistricting, campaign finance, and primary systems shape representation?
• What happens when voters lose trust in elections and democratic institutions?

Hosted by ICFRC board member Christine Shea.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
6:00–7:30 PM
Iowa City Public Library
Also streaming online

Presented in partnership with Iowa City Public Library, the University of Iowa Department of Political Science, and Hawk the Vote.

Register and learn more:
https://www.icfrc.org/events-1

Join us this week for a timely conversation about the rules, choices, and institutions that shape participation in democracy.



Iowa City Public Library
University of Iowa International Programs
University of Iowa Honors Program
University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication
FilmScene
Humanities Iowa
City Channel 4
National Endowment for the Humanities
Iowa Public Radio
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
Veterans for Peace Iowa
Community Foundation of Johnson County
University of Iowa Libraries
University of Iowa Department of Political Science
University of Iowa - Division of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures
University of Iowa International Student Advisory Board
Hawk The Vote
League of Women Voters Johnson County Iowa
University of Iowa Department of Political Science
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Humanities Iowa

09/30/2026

🏈 Nothing special here... just selling Poli Sci gear.

Rep your Political Science pride and your Iowa spirit at the next Hawkeye football game. Whether you're cheering from Kinnick or watching with friends, we've got you covered. 🖤💛

Shop the collection: TINYURL.COM/POLIGEAR-ONLINE

09/28/2026

Who votes, who does not, and what shapes that decision?

Next week, join ICFRC and political scientist Caroline Tolbert for an evidence-based look at the forces that influence voter participation in the United States and other democracies.

From voting laws and electoral rules to political trust, partisanship, primary systems, voter registration, redistricting, campaign finance, and election administration, this program will examine how policy choices can affect participation, representation, ballot access, and confidence in election outcomes.

The conversation will explore questions including:

• How does the U.S. two-party system influence whether voters feel they have meaningful choices?
• How do closed primaries affect independent voters?
• Which election policies are associated with greater participation?
• What tradeoffs arise when policymakers seek to balance election integrity and ballot access?
• How does public trust in elections shape participation and confidence in democratic institutions?

Who Votes, Who Does Not, and Why?
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
6:00–7:30 PM
Iowa City Public Library

Presented in partnership with Iowa City Public Library, the University of Iowa Department of Political Science, and Hawk the Vote.

Learn more and see upcoming programs:
https://www.icfrc.org/events-1



Iowa City Public Library
University of Iowa International Programs
University of Iowa Honors Program
University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Humanities Iowa
City Channel 4
National Endowment for the Humanities
Iowa Public Radio
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
Veterans for Peace Iowa
Community Foundation of Johnson County
University of Iowa Libraries
University of Iowa Department of Political Science
University of Iowa - Division of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures
University of Iowa International Student Advisory Board
Hawk The Vote
Johnson County, Iowa
University of Iowa Department of Political Science
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Humanities Iowa
League of Women Voters Johnson County Iowa

09/24/2026

👏 Graduate News!

Congratulations to PhD candidate Timothy Yen on being awarded the 2026 - 2027 Graduate Teaching Fellowship!

🔗 Read full article: https://teaching.center.uiowa.edu/news/2024/11/introducing-center-teachings-2026-27-graduate-teaching-fellows