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Professor Antepli on Religion in Academia, American School in Japan

Associate Professor Abdullah Antepli was interviewed by students at the American School in Japan for their newspaper Hanabi about the role religion plays in academia.  Prof. Antepli answers the question "where does religion lie in contemporary academic and political discourse?" in an interview with Nathan Michels of the American School in Japan. After giving his background and conversion story, Prof. Antepli explains the vital importance of discourse in politics and the need for civil discourse in the religious sphere. "Professor Antepli's message is one of tolerance and understanding. Especially for young people, we have the unique opportunity to push ourselves... Continue reading→

“American Democracy at a Crossroads:” Proposals for Democratic Reform and Renewal

During the Spring 2022 semester, Sanford Associate Professor of the Practice Asher D. Hildebrand led a new seminar that examined four major challenges facing American democracy today: (1) polarization and partisanship, (2) money and politics, (3) voting and civic participation, and (4) election integrity and subversion. The seminar challenged students to examine the causes and consequences of these challenges, debate alternative solutions, and then develop their own proposals for reform. The students’ proposals have been published in a new report, “American Democracy at a Crossroads: Proposals for Democratic Reform and Renewal.” Hildebrand, who serves on the Polis Steering Committee, writes... Continue reading→

Professor Asher Hildebrand and Deondra Rose on the impact of Roe vs Wade news on voting turnout, Duke Today & NC Policy Watch

Associate Professor's Asher Hildebrand and Deondra Rose were interviewed by Duke Today and NC Policy Watch on the ramifications of the U.S. Supreme court's potential reversal of Roe vs Wade on voting turnout in the primary and midterm elections.  The leaked news that the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn Roe vs Wade could galvanize Republicans and Democrats to vote in the primary and midterm elections.  “I do think this could be a game-changer,” Hildebrand said. “It raises the perception of the stakes especially among Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters.” “Now, women’s reproductive freedom takes center stage. This could be that issue... Continue reading→

Professor Kristin Goss on policy-oriented philanthropy studies, The Philanthropy Daily

Professor Kristin Goss was interviewed in The Philanthropy Daily about her career and scholarship on policy-oriented philanthropy. She argues that philanthropy is often an underrepresented area of study in journalism and scholarly research. “Any academic would say that whatever they’re studying probably needs more study but I think it’s particularly true with philanthropy.” She also asserts that journalist and academic skepticism often plagues grantmakers. “It’s very easy to stereotype philanthropists as just these out-of-control donors who don’t care, and just stomp on democracy and stomp on the everyday person and their preferences. In my experience as a reporter talking to... Continue reading→

Professor Jentleson on Economic Sanctions Against Russia, Wall Street Journal

This month, Professor Bruce Jentleson wrote an article for The Wall Street Journal. He discussed the impacts of the United States administered economic sanctions towards Russia. As Russia threatens to invade Ukraine, the Biden Administration is using sanctions to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin. This includes blocking Russia from global financial markets and stopping oil and gas exports. Professor Jentleson suggests that imposing these sanctions may be very difficult and not necessarily lead to policy compliance. “My research suggests that a number of factors affect whether economic costs significantly change behavior. For one, the scope of objectives matters. In this... Continue reading→