Faculty Feature: Politics

Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in the Politics Department, discusses the issues of immigration and American exceptionalism. He explains the reasons for his belief that the United States of America is an exceptional nation, from the principles around which we have constituted ourselves as a people to the shared experience that U.S. immigrants can truly become Americans in addition to United States citizens. Presented as part of Alumni Day 2012.

R. Sean Wilentz, George Henry Davis 1886 Professor of American History in the History Department, explains the history of “post-partisanship” in U.S. politics, from George Washington’s presidency up through today. He argues that acts or claims to transcend partisanship have been met by ultimate political defeat for the politicians espousing them, given that political parties have historically served as the chief vehicles for democratic, social, and political reform since the creation of our government. Presented as part of Alumni Day 2012.

Evan Thomas, Lecturer in The Council of the Humanities and Ferris Professor of Journalism, suggests strategies to increase President Obama's effectiveness as a national leader amidst a polarized legislature and proposes solutions to immediate national problems. Presented during the 2010 Fall Football Lectures series.

Provost Christopher Eisgruber, Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Public Affairs in the Woodrow Wilson School and the University Center for Human Values, explains what the nation should look for in its Supreme Court Justice nominations, along with Princeton University's recent involvement in the Supreme Court's appointment process. Presented as part of Alumni Day 2010.

Imani Perry, Professor in the Center for African American Studies, presents data about the contemporary racial landscape and the simultaneous existence of exclusion and opportunity. Presented on the occasion of the Coming Back & Moving Forward conference.

Anne A. Cheng '85, Professor of English and African American Studies, discusses the Asian American experience throughout U.S. history and how it relates to the concept of American pluralism. Presented during the 2007 Fall Football Lectures series.

Brandice Canes-Wrone '93, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School, explains the practice through which U.S. Presidents try to shape the political process by influencing public opinion. Presented during the 2006 Fall Football Lectures series.