POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSSPRING 2021 FROM THE CHAIR
THIS IS MY FIFTH, AND FINAL, message as Chair of the Political Science department at Dalhousie. IN THIS ISSUE Each one has offered some reflections on the year just past and how it has 2 On Their Shoulders affected the life of our department, its 3 One Year Later members, and our students. This year, 5 Our Faculty the world ‘out there’ has conspired to 9 Graduate Program News provide unprecedented material. 11 Centre for the Study One of the enduring benefits of of Security and teaching and researching in Political Development (CSSD) Science is the never-ending cycle of piv- 12 Jean Monnet European otal events that illuminate both pro- Union Centre of Excellence found changes and deep continuities. 14 Promoting Diversity, There were plenty of both this year: Equity, and Inclusion in electoral dramas, new/old conflicts in Political Science the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, 15 Undergraduate News the apparent recession of democracy 27 Alumni Vignettes and rise of renewed authoritarianism, 29 Notable Poli Faculty and enduring cycles of rights repression Student News Stories and courageous resistance, alongside and Blogs the spectacle of the storming of the US Capitol, the negotiation of Britain’s final withdrawal from the European Union, intensified climate ‘events’ and politics, the postponement of the Tokyo Olym- Stay Connected pics, etc. Two particular developments, however, left what promises to be a last- Department of Political Science / Centre for the Study of Security ing imprint on the department and on and Development Dalhousie. These are, of course, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Henry Hicks Building, Room 301, 6299 South Street, PO Box 15000, Matter movement, highlighting deeply David Black, Political Science Chair Halifax NS B3H 4R2 rooted social, economic, and political in- justices and prompting renewed efforts that played their own part in the tri- 902.494.2396 politicalscience. [email protected] dal.ca and to tackle them. als of Collective Bargaining. In the end, [email protected] dal.ca/sites/ With the rest of the world, our de- however, staff showed remarkable ini- cssdd partment has spent the past year grap- tiative and professionalism in ensuring
Follow us on social media and pling with the deep disruption of the that administrative demands were suc- stay up to date pandemic. With universities across the cessfully navigated; students showed country and beyond it, this meant piv- exceptional resilience and adaptability @Dal_ALUMNI @DalPoli @Dal_FASS @DalPols oting to fully online and remote instruc- in succeeding in their studies and sup- tion. The resulting challenges are a re- porting each other in this strange new Visit alumni.dal.ca to update your contact curring theme in the pages that follow. environment; and department information and stay connected with Dalhousie University. This unprecedented and unanticipated colleagues showed exceptional turn placed exceptional strains on staff, creativity and commitment in adapt- For information on events within the students, and faculty alike. There were Faculty or to plan a reunion, visit dal.ca/fass or email [email protected] dire predictions of enrollment collapse Continued on next page FROM THE CHAIR cont’d
ing their courses and their pedagogy lenges for democracy. Watch for the from its former reliance on core fund- to online delivery. While we don’t ever first of these events featuring two of ing from the Security and Defence Fo- want to repeat this giant pedagogical Canada’s most distinguished political rum, and has sustained a tradition of experiment, many imaginative innova- thinkers – Charles Taylor and Simone timely events, initiatives, and publica- tions were adopted and adapted, some Chambers – this coming September. tions that Peter Arthur will take forward of which will become part of a renewed As I transition out of my term as as the new Director. Katherine Fierlbeck teaching skill set for all of us! Chair, I want to warmly welcome our has sustained the grad program’s tra- Efforts to advance Equity, Diversi- newest member, Rachael Johnstone, dition of excellence through two terms ty, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) who brings to the department her ex- as Coordinator. Her reward is to jump have been building at the university for pertise on the intersections of politics, from the grad studies “frying pan” into several years now, but were decisive- public policy, law, and healthcare as the Department Chair’s “fire”. Thank ly advanced as the Black Lives Matter they relate to gendered bodies. While you Katherine! Kristin Good steps in movement aligned with other historical- Rachael will spend her first year wel- as Graduate Coordinator – a role she ly marginalized groups to raise aware- coming a new member to her family, has ably filled on an Acting basis in the ness of this country’s own long heri- she reinforces an outstanding group of past. And, although they are (fortunate- tage of displacement and exploitation. young scholars who have joined the de- ly) “resting in place,” our administrative The challenge of reckoning with the partment in the last four years (Leah staff – Mary Okwese and Tracy Powell more shameful aspects of our history Sarson, Scott Pruysers, and Kiran Ba- – have continued to provide truly out- and working towards greater equity and nerjee) and promise to renew our long standing support through this difficult justice will be prolonged and arduous, history of teaching and research excel- year. Like previous chairs, I find it hard but the department took some import- lence. to imagine how I could have done this ant initial steps in the course of the past I must also thank those who are mov- job without Tracy Powell’s amazing skills year. These include: a new bursary for ing into new roles and who have provid- and commitment. Black/African Canadian and Indigenous ed tremendous leadership during my Finally to our students, past, gradu- Political Science majors; a new Schol- time as Chair. Brian Bow has ably nav- ating, and continuing, you are why we arship for Women in Politics (thanks igated the Centre for the Study of Se- do this. Thanks for your continuing in- to the efforts of recent POLI graduates curity and Development (previously spiration! Sarah Dobson and Grace Evans); a cur- the Centre for Foreign Policy Studies) riculum review to support a more di- through a difficult transition away David Black, Political Science Chair verse curriculum; and training initiatives to better enable us to support the needs of a more diverse community of stu- WOMEN IN POLITICS SCHOLARSHIP dents – all covered in the pages of this newsletter. My thanks to Ruben Zaiotti, The Women in Politics Scholarship CLAIRE BELLIVEAU, BA Major in Political chair of the curriculum committee, for was established in September 2020 Science and Law, Justice & Society his leadership in these efforts, and to through the Department of Political the students who continue to challenge Science, Faculty of Arts and Social CHARLOTTE BOURKE, BA Major in Politi- us to grow as teachers and scholars in Sciences by Sarah Dobson, a Dalhousie cal Science with a Minor in Environmen- this and other ways. Political Science and Law graduate and tal Studies Both Covid and Black Lives Mat- Grace Evans, then a current Political ter pose, on their own but also in in- Science student. The Women in Politics CLAIRE BELLIVEAU, ter-related ways (see https://www. Scholarship supports the next generation BA Major in Political theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti- of women-identifying students in the Science and Law, cle-the-two-pandemics-of-anti-black-rac- field by encouraging and inspiring their Justice, and Society ism-and-covid-19-are-tied-together/?fb- career aspirations. This award is given (Candidate) clid=IwAR31CL9QuwZqyj3QtkPImgiyI3p- annually to two students who have kNp77D-D20mVJ7liD8vx49uA-GPQ845E) identified as female, declared a major It is an incredible honour to be named renewed challenges to the future of in Political Science, demonstrated as one of two recipients of the inaugural democratic political life. In the coming academic capability, and demonstrated Women in Politics Scholarship. year and in the years ahead, the depart- a commitment to feminist and gender While being a full-time Political Science ment will have an exceptional oppor- issues. We are pleased to announce that and Law, Justice and Society student, tunity to participate in a new series of the first recipients of this scholarship are I have also been working as a Communi- annual events (“The Stanfield Conver- as follows: ty Outreach Coordinator in the office of sations”) probing key themes and chal-
1 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS ON THEIR SHOULDERS: The Women Who Paved the Way in Nova Scotia Politics Sarah Dobson and Grace Evans
SARAH DOBSON, AN ALUM OF The Women* in Politics Scholarship will POLITICAL SCIENCE AND THE see two women* students who aspire SCHULICH SCHOOL OF LAW, AND to a career in politics receive a scholar- GRACE EVANS, A FOURTH-YEAR ship of $1,000 each. Particularly during POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENT such financially challenging times, it launched a project last year to celebrate was very important to both Sarah and women in Nova Scotia politics. Their Grace to launch this scholarship as book, On Their Shoulders: The Women soon as possible to provide relief to stu- Who Paved the Way in Nova Scotia dents who have had to navigate the Politics, tells the stories of the first fif- challenges associated with being a stu- ty women who were elected to the Nova dent during a pandemic. All proceeds Scotia Legislature. Due to COVID-19, the from the book will go towards the publishing process had been stalled, but scholarship fund as well, ensuring that they are hopeful for a release in Sum- its impact will last for years to come. mer 2021. Earlier this spring, Sarah and Grace were pleased to share the book *Applications are welcome from gen- cover – one that symbolizes a woman’s der-diverse students, including agen- rightful place in the legislature. der, genderfluid, and genderqueer. Along with the book, Sarah and Grace established the Women* in Poli- tics Scholarship at Dalhousie Universi- ty. With the help of their friends, fami- ly, and the Dalhousie community, their fundraising efforts were able to start the scholarship fund with over $13,000.
an MLA. Gaining both theoretical knowl- CHARLOTTE and continue researching how social edge and practical experience at the BOURKE, and environmental policies impact same time has allowed me to find my BA Major in Politi- marginalized groups. voice as a young woman in politics. cal Science with a I want to extend my sincere gratitude I have had the opportunities to ad- Minor in Environ- toward Sarah Dobson and Grace Evans vocate for issues that I’m passionate mental Studies for making the Women in Politics Schol- about, such as increasing the represen- (Candidate) arship possible. I feel incredibly grateful tation of women in politics and sexual vi- to have been selected as a recipient of olence against women. Being one of the first recipients of the award—especially considering what I’d like to thank Sarah Dobson and the Women in Politics Scholarship is it represents. It is important to encour- Grace Evans for all their work in making both an honour and a privilege. For age and welcome women in politics, and this scholarship possible. They are both the past three years at Dalhousie, I this scholarship is a key step in doing so incredibly strong and inspiring young have been pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Dalhousie. women who work hard to help dismantle Honours Degree majoring in Political barriers that may prevent other young Science and minoring in Environmental women from pursing an education and/ Studies. I have also been involved in or career in political science. research at the Jean Monnet European Union Centre of Excellence at Dal, where I have worked as a research assistant in the Health Law & Policy Network. After I graduate in Spring 2022, I hope to attend graduate school
2 ONE YEAR LATER: Fass Acting Dean On Surviving And Thriving During A Difficult Year Genevieve MacIntyre - April 7, 2021 – Featured in Dal News
WHEN ROBERTA BARKER ASSUMED the role of acting dean in Dal’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences upon her re- turn from sabbatical last July, she en- countered a very different reality than when she’d left. In-person courses were replaced with virtual, advanced re- search projects disrupted, performanc- es cancelled. But she also saw sparks of ingenuity and inspiration, students per- severing in the face of obstacles, new research projects beginning and staff and others overcoming the day-to-day challenges of remote working. Below, Dr. Barker reflects on what the past 12 months has meant in FASS:
Q How did the upheaval brought on by COVID-19 impact research in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences?
A COVID-19 affected FASS research on every level. Many FASS researchers are engaged in field research or archival research, which depend on the ability to travel. Some of our faculty time this year. At the same time, many Q What do you see as some of the members and graduate students FASS faculty members were inspired to lasting impacts of the pandemic found themselves trapped abroad begin new and very relevant research on education in the Arts and Social when the pandemic was declared projects into the social, political, and Sciences at Dal? and had to shut down their research cultural impacts of the pandemic. To activities in order to get home. Some help support both faculty and students A The pandemic has had some found themselves unable to visit the in their research, FASS offered special positive impacts on education in the archives and libraries where they had RA positions during the pandemic Arts and Social Sciences at Dalhousie. hoped to spend their summer research year that provided employment for We’ve learned a huge amount about time; others—such as our performing undergraduate students while also how to make our public lectures artists — faced cancellation of public supporting the continuance of faculty accessible to a much wider audience via performances and shutdown of the and graduate student research. Despite online platforms, and have been able to theatres, clubs, and concert halls all the challenges of this year, FASS share our work with people all over the where they usually practice their researchers are incredibly resilient world in this way. We’ve also learned craft. Perhaps the most widespread and have continued to show in many, so much about what does and doesn’t impact, though, was the fact that the many ways how crucial their work is to work in online education in the arts and demands of prepping online classes creating a better world. social sciences. Helped by extensive while working from home — often feedback from our students, we’ve while supporting home-schooling for striven to find the best ways to create children or providing care for sick community, encourage active and or aging family members — made it critical learning, and foster creativity extremely difficult for our faculty and through virtual media. graduate students to find research
3 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS Further reading: Rewriting the offer and execute experiential learning Department of Political Science and script on film studies during a global in FASS – not an easy task in the midst Pandemic – The Class by Bob Huish pandemic of social distancing! I’m blown away in the Department of International At the same time, I think one of the and inspired every day by the many Development Studies. most lasting impacts may be a profound ways in which our learning community Further reading: rediscovery of how much we value has managed to survive and even thrive Pandemic politics: Course explores learning together in person. So many through these difficult days. the implications of our moment disciplines in the arts, humanities, Pandemic, the class: Real time and social sciences focus on the Q How has your Faculty contributed simulation based course challenges subtleties of relationships (between to the efforts to combat and raise students to prevent virus outbreaks people, between communities, between awareness about the different We also saw the Fountain School of humans and the natural world, and so impacts of COVID-19? Performing Arts create its first ever dig- on). I hope one of the lasting impacts ital production, which led the way for of the pandemic on education in the A Many of our faculty members have numerous online concerts, plays, and arts, humanities, and social sciences been featured in the media, sharing even operas to follow. will be a permanently deepened their research on the social and cultural Further reading: The (digital) appreciation for how much learning in impacts of the pandemic. To name stage is set: Fountain School these fields depends on the subtleties just a few: Bob Huish’s research on performance season begins online of interpersonal interaction, as well. the stigma associated with COVID with “Concord Floral” Fountain infection has been featured in the School’s Beyond Windows opens Q What has been the most inspiring New York Times. Emma Whelan, too, doors for remote creation aspect of leading the Faculty over the has underlined the ways in which past year? moralizing narratives about who does Q What have you missed the most (and doesn’t) get ill can have harmful about in-person operations and what A By far the most inspiring aspect effects on individuals and populations. are you looking most forward to of serving as acting dean of FASS Katherine Fierlbeck has advocated for getting back to when the pandemic is during this challenging year has been transparent and accessible data around over? the opportunity to experience the the pandemic. And Christina Haldane strength, resilience, and determination has contributed her creative work on A Maybe I’m biased by my own of our community. Our students ICARE, an interdisciplinary workshop discipline (live theatre), but what I miss have persevered through extremely and digital performance project, to most is the exchange of energy that challenging circumstances and have the Royal Society of Canada’s web takes place when people learn together found ways to pursue their passions, installation, Engaging Creativities: Art in the same space. I’ve really missed dreams, and interests despite all the in the Pandemic. All of these and many seeing students respond spontaneously obstacles the year threw in their way. other FASS colleagues have helped us to one another’s insights in the heat Through our open forum on online better to understand how COVID-19 is of in-class exploration, or colleagues learning this fall, students gave us impacting diverse communities and laughing together at a joke that lightens extensive and honest feedback about how those communities might emerge up an otherwise heavy meeting. I can’t the difficulties they were facing. Our stronger from these challenges. wait to be back in the classroom or faculty members have worked incredibly Further reading: the rehearsal room with students and hard to listen, learn from, and respond Ask an expert: Political scientist to have the chance to bounce off one to this feedback, repeatedly adapting Ruben Zaiotti on the pros and cons of another’s discoveries in physicalized and changing their course delivery and the ‘Atlantic bubble’ “real time” again. And, I must admit, assignments to better support students. Ask an expert: Robert Huish on I’m looking forward to giving a hug to a Our staff members have worked pandemic-fuelled stigmas and what number of heroic colleagues once we’re overtime to help make these teaching can be done to prevent them able to do it safely! and learning relationships possible. All three of these communities — students, Q What innovations, adaptations Q Any parting thoughts? faculty, and staff — have come together or creativity have you seen emerge to help with recruitment, outreach, out of your Faculty as a result of the A Thanks for this opportunity! And and retention efforts (for example, pandemic? thank you so much, FASS students, by participating in online interviews staff, and faculty, for everything you’ve and orientation sessions introducing A FASS has been incredibly innovative done to keep our Faculty afloat in a truly their departments, participating in in response to the pandemic. In exceptional year. virtual open fairs, sharing recordings of record time, we saw the creation of https://bit.ly/3vMl6F3 lectures, etc). Our members have also new courses such as The Politics of had to reimagine ways to successfully Pandemic by Larissa Atkinson in the
4 OUR FACULTY
DR. PETER work assesses the various initiatives on the ancient Greek tragic theatre ARTHUR was a that have sought to ensure extractive to make an unconventional argument member of the natural resources contribute to the about individual and collective department’s socioeconomic goals of countries. capacities for practical judgement curriculum In particular, it examines the new when confronted with sustained committee as regulations and approaches that can indeterminacy and crisis. well as the ensure the effective and efficient graduate management of extractive natural During his committee. He also served as the resources among African countries. second year department’s acting undergraduate as a faculty advisor from July 2020 to December Aside from his own research work, he member in the 2020 when Dr. Anders Hayden was on is supervising an MA student who is Department, sabbatical leave. In this role, apart from working on the political economy of DR. KIRAN assisting students with course China’s investments on the African BANERJEE spent selection, he also provided advice continent. This is in addition to serving the past year regarding various academic matters. as the supervisor of a visiting graduate teaching courses online for the first Additionally, he completed his three- student from Brazil (Kelly Oliveiria time, researching and writing, preparing year term as a member of Research Meira), who received a scholarship several grant applications, as well as Ethics Board and will be joining the from the Emerging Leaders in the remotely engaging in a number of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Americas (ELAP) Program. Kelly is collaborative projects. His course (FASS) Research Development researching the influence of the offerings featured a graduate and Committee (RDC) as a new member. segregationist governments of South advanced undergraduate seminar on Finally, he is assuming the position of Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe on the international ethics, as well as an the Director for The Centre for the institutionalization of the Southern upper-level course on the global politics Study of Security and Development African Development Coordination of migration. He also acted as an (CSSD) on 1st July 2021. Conference (SADCC) during the period honours thesis supervisor for the first from 1975 to 1994. time in the Department, and joined two Along with these roles, he worked on dissertation committees. In addition to various research papers. His work, During the receiving the news of his successful “Digitalization for Industrialization in 2020/2021 nomination as Canada Research Chair Africa: Rationale and Influential Forces,” academic year, in Forced Migration and Refugee Policy, is currently under review for publication DR. LARISSA Dr Banerjee has also been involved in by the United Nations Office for South- ATKISON expanded three new grant projects (CIHR Rapid South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and the her teaching Response, SSHRC Connection, and CFI/ United Nations Economic Commission responsibilities in JELF), while the coming months will for Africa (UNECA) in a special edited the Department have him focused on a number of report (South-South Cooperation for of Political Science to include Human initiatives, including a study of the Harnessing Digitalization for Africa’s Rights: Legal Issues (POLI 4505), impact of delayed refugee resettlement Industrialization). This work analyzes Canadian Indigenous Politics (POLI as well as a collaborative project on the how digitalization can unleash the 2215), and Political Thought 1789-1900 role of Canadian foreign policy in forced potential of Africa in industrialization (POLI 2420). She also designed a new migration governance. This has been an and how factors such as investments in POLI offering, the Politics of Pandemics exceptionally challenging time, and so digital infrastructure (data, broadband, (POLI 3510), which was featured last Dr. Banerjee would like to express his and cloud computing), education and fall in the FASS newsletter. Dr. Atkison thanks to the staff and his colleagues in skills development, as well as national supported two of her students in the Department of Political Science, as and regional regulations and trade successfully publishing their research well as his students across all his governance architecture can influence papers in student journals, including in classes. it. Similarly, his work “Extractive Sector the Dalhousie Undergraduate Political Regulations in Africa: Old Practices Science Society (DUPSS) Journal DR. BRIAN BOW & New Models for Change,” in Hany PODIUM; she is currently working with finished up a Besada & Cristina D’alessandro a third student to publish their research number of long- (Editors), Routledge Handbook on paper next year. Dr. Atkison continues term administrative Natural Resources in Africa (Routledge) work on the final stages of her book and service is undergoing a peer review. This project, Tragic Judgement, which draws commitments this
5 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS year, including Director of the Centre law and policy), provide a keynote DR. ROBERT for the Study of Security and address for a conference in BC, join a FINBOW, like his Development (2015-21), editor-in-chief CIGI working group on national health colleagues, devoted of International Journal (2015-21), and security, and serve as an expert much of the year to service on the FASS Academic consultant for the Auditor General’s conversion of class Development Committee (member, report on pandemic preparedness – all materials to online 2017-2020; chair, 2020-21). He is looking without any carbon emissions. The way formats and forward to carrying a full teaching load in which academic life operates has mentoring his in 2021-22, and to starting work on a been profoundly restructured. students virtually. On a timely topic, he number of new research projects in the published “Covid 19 Impacts on trade next few years. New and ongoing The inability to travel has also meant and the economy: Hard Choices for the projects explore: the success and more time to write, and I’ve been EU” in the commentary series on Covid dissolution of the constructivist project fortunate to have articles published for the European Studies Association of in IR theory; recasting of debates over this year in the Journal of Health Canada. His projects with the Center for transgovernmental networks, in the Policy, Politics, and Law; Canadian Studies on Integration and Globalization context of anti-globalization movements Journal of Public Health, Canadian (CEIM), University of Quebec at and the spread of populist Public Administration, and the Journal Montreal (UQÀM) reached press. He authoritarianism; discursive struggles of Law and the Biosciences. I’m published “The necessity of socially over the meaning and salience of “the especially honoured to have been able responsible trade” in M. Rioux and S. West,” as reflected in other states’ to contribute a chapter on pandemic Zini (eds.) Towards a Socially Responsible criticisms of the Bush and Trump management to the seminal volume Trade Policy: A Challenge for Canada and administrations; the legacies of the edited by Colleen Flood, Jane Philpott, its Partners, (University of Quebec at NAFTA ratification debates with respect and others (Vulnerable: The Policy, Law, Montreal (UQÀM) Press 2021); and to US trade policy; and the “export” of and Ethics of COVID-19). The books I “Constitutionalism by Stealth? CETA as police and justice-system models reviewed this year can be found in the an exemplar of Clarkson’s Supra through international conditionalities, Canadian Journal of Political Science national constitutionalism” in Marjorie reform pressures, and training and the Indian Journal of Medical Griffin Cohen, Michèle Rioux and Daniel programs. Ethics, and my latest book (with Drache (eds.) Multiple Governance Janice Graham and Matthew Herder), Dilemmas in the ‘new’ North America: DR. KATHERINE Transparency, Power, and Influence in the A Tribute to Stephen Clarkson (Palgrave FIERLBECK Pharmaceutical Industry, will be released 2021). Under the strictures brought by Marshall McLuhan by the University of Toronto Press in Covid 19, the book from the Erasmus + observed (in the July. project, Unraveling the puzzle: CETA 1960s!) that Implementation and Implications, technological On another front (as if the pandemic continues to inch forward with McGill- advances constrain weren’t enough), faculty at Dalhousie Queen’s University Press. some aspects of our have been obliged this year to fight lives, but substantially facilitate others. against salary rollbacks and pension With the continuing shut down The move to virtual communication has reductions proposed by the Board, and of campus and conferences, his forced us to work within our isolated it has been both an education and an presentations were virtual including little boxes, but it has also given us honour to be able to work on the front “Implementing CETA - a year 3 unprecedented ability to meet in real lines of the DFA to protect the faculty assessment” to a conference on time with colleagues both nationally from potentially serious cutbacks. CETA: Where Are We After More and globally. The last meeting I Than Three Years? organized by the attended had participants from 17 Finally, I’ve been delighted to be able Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, different counties, spanning North to work this year with PhD students Carleton University in March. In the America, Europe, Australia, China, Richard Saillant, Julia Rodgers, and fall he participated in a roundtable at Southeast Asia, and Africa. This is now Steve Machat, as well as MA students Dalhousie as part of its Open Dialogue completely unremarkable. In this way, Noel Guscott, JP Chater, and Filip Live, on “Neighbourly Relations - The I’ve been able this year to attend a Guzina. The ideas, insights, and US Election and How Canada Could Be conference in Toronto (for the thoughtful discussions that these Impacted.” He continued as Honours Association for Public Policy Analysis students bring has been so important Coordinator for the department and Management), participate in panel in keeping the intellectual fires burning discussions in Lancaster UK (on health over the past year. And onwards we go… Continued on next page
6 OUR FACULTY cont’d and helped guide our students to This year, the annual meeting of the Massey College Principal, Nathalie Des completion of their honours projects CPSA will be held independently (of the Rosiers) of a Massey City Summit Event and defenses via numerous MS Teams Congress of the Humanities and Social on “Constitutional Space for Cities” meetings. All the current students Sciences) and, of course, virtually. Dr. that was held online from April 6th to completed excellent projects in time for Good is on the program committee as April 8th. She is an ongoing “supporter” spring graduation. In winter, he served the Section Head for “Local and Urban of the summit goal of creating as Acting Director of the Jean Monnet Politics”. As part of this role, she took constitutional space for Canadian European Union Centre of Excellence, the lead in organizing a workshop called municipalities, with a group of other which organized interesting virtual “Interrogating Racism and Colonialism professors, writers, researchers, speakers on EU borders and Covid and in Canadian Cities and Beyond: Toward senators and advocates. Dr. Good was prospects for EU transatlantic relations New Theories, Questions and Methods invited to present at the summit and under the Biden administration. in the Study of Municipal Politics and produced a paper entitled: “Moving Urban Governance”. The workshop is Beyond the “Creatures of the Provinces” DR. KRISTIN jointly sponsored by the CPSA’s Race, Doctrine: Exploring Pathways to GOOD: In January Ethnicity and Indigenous Peoples Municipal Empowerment in Provincial 2021, Kristin Good and Politics Section, which is co- Constitutions”. Information on the resumed what was headed by Kiera Ladner (University of summit, including her presentation are supposed to be a Manitoba) and David B. MacDonald available online: year-long sabbatical (University of Guelph). Dr. Good’s https://www.masseycitiessummit.ca/ that began in paper on Indigenous engagement in conference-recap January 2020 and local immigration partnerships will be was interrupted by a decision to return presented as part of a series of papers Dr. Good is a founding co-editor (with to teaching in the fall because of the on the workshop themes. Dr. Martin Horak) of the McGill-Queen’s pandemic restrictions. Many of her Studies in Urban Governance book sabbatical plans were postponed and In addition to her research on local series, which is an ongoing project then cancelled including a conference immigration policies, Dr. Good has of reviewing books for the series and in Paris and a workshop in Rotterdam. been developing a research program promoting it to colleagues: This left Dr. Good with the opportunity and advocacy agenda that critically https://www.mqup.ca/browse-books- to focus on completing writing projects examines the constitutional status of pages-46.php?filters=a%3A1-%3A{i%3A2 including a textbook on comparative municipalities in Canada. Early this %3Bs%3A4%3A%224478%22%3B}&do= urban governance (with co-editor Dr. year, she published an essay with the changeFilter Jen Nelles), which she hopes to submit Institute for Research on Public Policy to the University of Toronto Press by the (IRPP) as part of their inaugural series Dr. Good will be stepping into the role end of the summer. She has also been of essays to launch their new Centre of Graduate Coordinator as of July 1. analysing interview and other data of Excellence on the Federation (under She held this role on an interim basis collected as part of a decade-long study the direction of Charles Breton). The when the current Graduate Coordinator of local immigration policies and forms essay is called “Reconsidering the (and soon to be Chair), Katherine of governance in Canada cities. This Constitutional Status of Municipalities: Fierlbeck, was on sabbatical from research focuses on the way local From Creatures of the Provinces to January 2016-December 2016. Dr. Good immigration governance varies in Provincial Constitutionalism”. Building looks forward to working more closely Canadian cities with different upon former department member, Prof. with the department’s highly talented demographic configurations of David Cameron’s work, she argues that graduate students. Francophones in minority settings and we ought to consider municipal systems Indigenous peoples. She is currently as parts of provincial constitutions DR. ANDERS writing a paper for presentation at the and not only as an area of provincial HAYDEN has been annual Canadian Political Science jurisdiction like the others in Section 92 putting the final Association (CPSA) meeting, which will of the Constitution Act, 1867. Here is a touches on an be held from June 7th to 10th this year. link to the paper: edited volume titled The paper is entitled “Decolonizing Reconsidering-the-Constitutional- Towards Sustainable Local Immigration Policymaking in Status-of-Municipalitiess.pdf (irpp.org) Wellbeing: Moving Canada? Assessing Indigenous beyond GDP Engagement in Local Immigration Dr. Good also served as a member of in Canada and the World. The book Partnerships”. an advisory group, providing advice includes chapters he co-authored and support to the organizers (led by on “The Long Road Beyond GDP”
7 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS and “Beyond Dollars and Cents: The government, social media and politics, at the Millennium: Journal of Canadian Index of Wellbeing and Nova and quantitative methods, he also had International Studies and the Scotia Quality of Life Initiative.” His work the opportunity to supervise an IDS International Studies Association in this area also included a chapter, honours thesis regarding Toronto’s annual conferences. One of the minor “From Fantasy to Transformation: Steps public transit system and potential silver linings of the pandemic was that in the Policy Use of ‘Beyond-GDP’ lessons the city could learn from other she could present in London, England, Indicators,” for a book on The Well- countries. During the last year he and at Memorial University in St. being Transition, and an invited online published a number of single and John’s, Newfoundland on the same day presentation for an event on a new co-authored articles in journals such as - albeit online! Like many of her Genuine Progress Indicator for South Contemporary Politics, the Journal of colleagues, Dr. Sarson entered the world Korea. A policy brief that he wrote on Public Opinion, Elections & Parties, of online teaching this year with work-time reduction was published this Political Geography, and the Canadian trepidation, but was delighted and year by the ZOE Institute for Future-Fit Journal of Political Science. In addition to gratified by the enthusiasm and Economies, a Bonn-based think tank. this work he co-edited a special issue dedication of her students in her With energy consultant Ralph Torrie, about the role of personality in political second year World Politics class, her he has been working on a project to behaviour for the journal Frontiers in third year Human Rights class, and her examine the role of sufficiency, i.e., Political Science. He also continued his seminar on Indigenous Global Politics. actions to reduce volumes of production role as an editorial board member of She is looking forward to taking on two or consumption or levels of energy- two journals (Frontiers in Political new courses during the upcoming consuming activity, in a low-carbon Science and Commonwealth & academic year, Canadian Foreign Policy transition in Canada. He has also been Comparative Politics). and Indigenous Politics in Canada. Now participating in an East-West Dialogue that she and her family have settled in on Canadian Climate Change Policy. After completing Halifax permanently, Dr. Sarson is Dr. Hayden has been serving as the her maternity leave excited to continue building her department’s Undergraduate Advisor in April, DR. LEAH academic and personal community here and on a number of departmental, SARSON slowly as we slowly transition out of the faculty, and College of Sustainability adjusted to full-time darkness of the pandemic. committees. He was on sabbatical work with a baby at from July to December 2020. His home during a A year in the original plans for travel to international pandemic. Certainly (pandemic) life: conferences gave way to substantially not an easy time for anyone! Over the DR. RUBEN more time in his home office than he past few months, she has thrown ZAIOTTI. There are had expected. On the positive side, herself into several projects related to many words that and most significant among the past Indigeneity and International Relations, have been used to year’s accomplishments, he was able to including a special issue of a journal describe the times discover many beautiful places to hike and her monograph, which focuses on we are currently and take photos in Nova Scotia, which strategies used by Indigenous nations living in. The one that best applies to my he intends to return to again and again. to accrue authority. She also won a (and I am sure many others’) situation is SSHRC Insight Development Grant with ‘suspended’. While a lot of things have DR. SCOTT her co-applicant to expand her work happened in the last twelve months, PRUYSERS into the Arctic. While travel has the same can be said of what could had a fruitful, albeit obviously been put on hold, Dr. Sarson have happened, but it did not (yet, at bizarre, year. While is eager to head up north to begin this least). Indeed, I had many plans for this online teaching was new research. Over the past year, Dr. academic year (I was on sabbatical after a challenge, he Sarson published a chapter analyzing all!). That included fieldwork in Europe learned a lot of new Indigeneity in the study of Canadian to collect data for a new project on skills, like how to foreign policy and a review of an article border control; attending international record and edit lectures in Panopto, exploring Canada’s feminist foreign conferences; and organizing a summer that he is excited to continue policy, and is awaiting the publication of school on migration and identity here developing even as classes move back a chapter on feminist research in Halifax. Ah well, all that has to wait. to in-person learning. In addition to methods. She presented virtually at Suspended! And yet, I tried to render teaching classes on Canadian several conferences this year, including this time of forced otium (in the sense
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8 OUR FACULTY cont’d that Latins gave to the term, namely to be a traveller for sure, but lots of a time devoted to various leisure opportunities for me to comment on endeavours, including academic how bad the situation is… And last activities) as productive as possible. but not least, like all my colleagues, I I was able to bring to the finish line a faced (and, so far, survived) the perilous publication I had been working on in adventure that is online teaching. the last couple of years (see the book After all, it was not as bad as I feared cover). The edited book examines how (although my students might beg to international organizations have fared differ on this point). But I certainly in the digital age, focusing on their look forward to a time where we can efforts in engaging with social media. I meet and talk about globalization, have also been active providing public international relations, social media commentary on major events. My and European politics in a classroom. expertise on borders has come quite And I mean a real classroom. Academia handy, given that one of the first and was born as an institution where face- most consequential responses that to-face interactions and exchanges of governments around the world have ideas were paramount. And if Greeks taken to contain the pandemic has did it 3000 years ago, we in the 21st been to limit international and domestic century should be able to do it too… cross-border mobility. Not a good time GRADUATE PROGRAM NEWS DESPITE THE INITIAL AWKWARDNESS doubt be able to finish their theses in of switching to an online-only format for record time. I’m happy to be able to in- thesis examinations (as well as for ev- troduce our upcoming cohort of MA erything else), we had a number of suc- students (Bashar Al-Sarraf, Dylan Ben- cessful thesis defences this year, includ- nett, Alice Craft, Joseph Fitkowski, Drew ing Ben Andrews (Does Democracy Die MacEachern, Riley Nielson-Baker, and in Darkness? An Examination of the Rela- Savannah Shaw) as well as our new tionship Between Local Newspaper Health PhD students (Ally Chandler, who won and Municipal Politics), Ksenia Mykula a SSHRC award this year), Xinyu Gong THE DORIS BOYLE (An Analysis of Twitter Responses to the (who has been awarded the Glyn Bar- GRADUATE Kerch Strait Naval Clash between Rus- ry scholarship), and Tobias Schminke PRIZE WINNER sia and Ukraine), Erik Fertsman (Theo- (who nabbed a NS Graduate Scholar- FRANCESCA BRAY, MA rizing Stable Relationships Between the ship). While this is a bright and dynam- Candidate: has been awarded The European Union and Ukraine: A Compar- ic group of students, I am sorry that I Doris Boyle Prize for Best Graduate ative Study), Emily Mason (Establishing will not be able to work with them as Essay. The prize is awarded for the Effective Representation and Protected they develop their research projects this best essay written by a graduate Districts for Anglophones in Brome-Mis- coming year. That honour will go to Kris- student in the area of internation- sisquoi), and Susan Manning (Centring tin Good, our incoming Graduate Coor- al relations. Doris Boyle served Community: New Pathways in Resource dinator, who will be taking over the po- for many years as Administrative Extraction Policy Processes). Well done, sition this summer as I transition into Secretary of the Centre for the Stu- everyone! the Chair. Working with graduate stu- dent of Security and Development Our current cohort was equally un- dents is both a joy and a privilege, and I (formerly Centre for Foreign Policy daunted by the new format and contrib- am sure that Kristin will enjoy the expe- Studies), from its creation in 1971 uted to a lively and engaging graduate rience as much as I did! until her retirement. The prize was seminar this year. Given that there is no created by faculty and research better time to work intensely and with- Katherine Fierlbeck, staff of the Centre to honour her out distraction than during a full lock- Graduate Coordinator contributions to the activities of down, this year’s MA students will no the Centre. 9 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, VIRTUALLY The Practicum Placement in Public Policy Margaret Denike
WHILE COVID RESTRICTIONS The opportunities for placements The virtual form of such experien- seriously curtailed the ability of have been established over the past tial learning has also enabled students students to interact directly with each four years at a wide range of settings to appreciate that nothing replaces the other and with faculty and communi- in local NGOs, research institutes, and value of face-to-face and hands-on con- ty leaders, they did not stop students public services in the community, in- tact when it comes to providing ma- from seizing the invaluable opportuni- cluding for example: the Halifax Refu- terial support and assistance to mem- ty of engaging in experiential learning – gee Clinic; the Romeo Dallaire Institute bers of marginalized groups who rely on virtually. for Children, Peace & Security; the Ca- NGOs for their livelihood. In this way, Among the notable adaptations that nadian Centre for Rights and Freedoms; while the constraints of working virtu- were made to the curriculum this year Dalhousie Legal Aid; the Canadian Cen- ally have been limiting in terms of the are those that enabled 10 fourth year tre for Policy Alternatives; and the Ca- knowledge and experience that one students to pursue placements with- nadian Mental Health Association. This gains on the front lines, they have also in the community through Dr. Denike’s year, Dr. Denike collaborated with super- provided insight on how much more im- course, Practicum Placement in Public visors from several of the host organi- pactful COVID-based restrictions are Policy: NGOs and Government Services. zations to establish remote alternatives to the most marginalized and disad- This course was originally designed to to the otherwise hands-on experiential vantaged individuals who rely so heav- give fourth-year students in Political learning, to design projects that could ily and quite literally on the direct con- Science the opportunity to gain practi- engage students, virtually, in their work tact that has been far less available to cal experience by working eight hours and service delivery. For some organiza- them. Our students rose to the chal- per week at a government or non-gov- tions, this has meant working very dif- lenge of becoming active participants in ernment organization or service, rath- ferently and creatively to meet their the support services of our virtual com- er than spend the time that would be mandates and provide services to cli- munities. otherwise dedicated to a single course ents under seemingly impossibly chal- Also see Dal News Story - EXPERI- in a classroom. The aim of this course lenging circumstances. For others, such ENTIAL LEARNING THROUGH PRACTI- was to enable students to work direct- as research institutes, there has been CUM PLACEMENTS . . . FROM A DIS- ly under a supervisor within a commu- little change. Our students’ experienc- TANCE – Genevieve MacIntyre – April 9, nity organization or at a research insti- es within such settings have perhaps in- 2021 - https://bit.ly/3zMGmxC tute on a specific project or initiative, spired and empowered them to seek out while applying and sharing the knowl- opportunities for research, project co- edge they have gained from their aca- ordination, and support services from demic studies, and becoming familiar wherever they are, and despite the dis- with the day-to-day challenges of work- tance between them and their supervi- ing in the field. sors or colleagues.
POLITICAL SCIENCE TRAVEL FUND For our graduate and honours students, field research travel, to a maximum of $1000 within (whether in Canada or internationally) and the opportunity Canada, and $2000 internationally. This to present their ideas at conferences and workshops are will allow our students to undertake vital vital forms of educational and professional development. interview, archival, and participant ob- Yet supporting these invaluable opportunities for research servation research, and to share their ideas with audiences and conference travel has always been a challenge for the of peers and senior scholars. If you wish to contribute to department and our students, since there are few sources this fund, please go online to alumni.dal.ca/giving. of financial assistance within or beyond the university. Now, thanks to generous alumni contributions, we have ini- tiated a new fund to support graduate and honours student
10 CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT (CSSD)
2020-21 WAS A VERY QUIET YEAR ing exercise with 25 experts looking The Centre community was pleased for the Centre for the Study of Securi- ahead to Canada’s defence and security to welcome Leah Sarson and Kiran Ba- ty and Development (CSSD), with fac- challenges over the next 20 years. Later nerjee as new faculty fellows, and we’re ulty and students focused on adapting in the fall, CSSD fellows joined a couple looking forward to all they will accom- to online teaching, and everyone strug- of panel events on the US elections: on plish in the coming years. gling to get through the stress and un- October 14, I was part of a panel orga- Peter Arthur has agreed to take over certainty of the long pandemic year. nized by the MacEachen Institute, with as Centre director in July 2021, and he We talked about trying to organize on- Maryscott Greenwood, Jennifer Musta- will be ably supported by deputy direc- line events, to try to sustain a sense of pha, and Christopher Sands; and on Oc- tor Grant Curtis and administrative sec- community around the Centre, but it tober 26, I joined a panel organized by retary Mary Okwese. I wish him the best seemed everyone was suffering from Dalhousie’s Open Dialogue series, fea- of luck in guiding the Centre through online-meeting fatigue, and we decid- turing Robert Finbow, Ajay Parasram, the next few years and will be happy to ed to try not to add any new responsibil- and Kayla Preston. On November 16, advise and support him as needed. I’d ities and distractions. CSSD hosted a Zoom panel on world like to take this opportunity to thank A few Centre-sponsored events did politics after the 2020 elections, with the people I worked most closely with at go ahead, despite it all, and some CSSD Aaron Ettinger, Anders Hayden, the Centre over the last few years: An- fellows participated in online events Andrea Lane, and Leah Sarson. And Jen- drea Lane, Adam MacDonald, and Grant elsewhere. Adam Macdonald participat- nifer Baechler and David Black orga- Curtis as deputy directors, and Shannon ed in a CDAI event, “Canada’s Nation- nized a DSFG webinar on “Peace Oper- Langton and Mary Okwese as adminis- al Security After COVID-19,” on May 1, ations and the Future of Mali,” on May trative secretaries. My sincere thanks 2020. Through the fall, Veronica Kitchen 11, and a foresight workshop on “Mali: and best wishes to all. and I—as co-leads for the Defence and Prospects for a Durable Peace” on Security Foresight Group (DSFG) North 18-19 May. Brian Bow, CSSD director, 2015-21 America group—ran an online forecast-
11 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS JEAN MONNET EUROPEAN UNION CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE (JMEUCE) LAST YEAR’S JMEUCE SUBMISSION • Brexit: Breaking the EU, UK, Brit- Many of our more student-focused to this venerable newsletter closed by ish Isles... and the Law? Vincent activities continued to be postponed wondering what might lie ahead “in the Power, Partner, A&L Goodbody, Dub- or cancelled, given the restrictions coming weeks and months” and con- lin. around both gatherings here and trav- cluded that it would be interesting to • Book launch and panel discussion el to Europe. However, planning is al- have a crystal ball. Little did we ex- on Digital Diplomacy and Interna- ready underway to move ahead with pect the crystal ball to show the Cen- tional Organisations with editors them again once the much anticipat- tre standing empty for not just weeks or Corneliu Bjola, Associate Professor ed post-pandemic era finally arrives. In months but a whole year and so many of Diplomatic Studies, University of the meantime, we could at least offer activities continuing to be put on hold. Oxford, and Ruben Zaiotti, Director, the JMEUCE Essay Prize and received Difficult times… JMEUCE & Associate Professor of a number of strong entries. The 2021 One activity which could continue, al- Political Science, Dalhousie Universi- prize was awarded to Patricia Porto de beit remotely, was the Speaker Series. ty, joined by five of the contributors. Barros Ayaz, a first year PhD student in The online model did at least enable us • A New Beginning with President Political Science for her paper on “The to beam in interesting academics and Biden: European Priorities for European Union’s Migration Manage- practitioners from around the world, the Transatlantic Agenda. Markus ment: Border Externalization and the even if Zoom fatigue made it challeng- Kaim, Senior Fellow, International Negligence to Human Rights”, which ing to sustain high levels of attendance. Security Research Division, German you can check out in the Publications (How many hours can one reasonably Institute for International and Secu- section of our website. expect students to spend staring at lec- rity Affairs (SWP), Berlin. In addition to its own events, the tures on a screen?!) The following pub- • Internal Borders and Health Cri- JMEUCE is pleased to report on three lic events were held online, with most sis in the EU: Is Covid a Threat affiliated Jean Monnet Activities based available for watching afterwards via to Schengen? Ngo Chun Luk, Re- at Dalhousie which focus on important the News and Events section of the searcher, Justice and Home Affairs EU-related topics. Research from the JMEUCE website: Section, Centre for European Policy recently concluded CETA Implementa- Studies, Brussels. tion and Implications Project was edit- ed into a book by Deputy Director Rob-
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12 ert Finbow. Unraveling the Puzzle: CETA views with plant scientists and program scenes a team of graduate and under- Implementation and Implications is now officials to investigate how new technol- graduate Research Assistants in Canada under peer review for McGill-Queen’s ogies like CRISPR are likely to impact and the UK have also compiled a helpful University Press. Dr Finbow also par- the African continent. In addition, the library of class syllabi in health policy, ticipated in a third anniversary con- Public Perceptions Hub is in the process global health and pharmaceutical pol- ference for CETA. Plans for a network of gathering data on how the debate icy, as well as a full directory of health based on the project were delayed as surrounding gene editing is unfolding law researchers based across Europe Erasmus+ no longer funds such proj- on social media. With help from its stu- and North America, both of which can ects or networks. However, alternative dents, the Network has also published a be found on the Network’s website. funding is being sought for a transatlan- series of blog posts on the implications On the personnel front, Ruben Zaiot- tic research network including some of of new breeding technologies. Next year ti has been on a six month sabbatical the project partners, reflecting on EU it hopes to host an event at Dalhousie since January, so Bob Finbow is current- progressive trade agreements as an in- and launch a new podcast series. ly Acting Director and represented the strument for inclusive and equitable Finally, Katherine Fierlbeck’s Health Centre at a briefing on future Erasmus+ post-pandemic recovery. Law and Policy Network continued to ventures. Research Administrator Alan- Another JM Activity is the GEAP3 release a variety of outputs for schol- na Taylor has moved back to Newfound- Network, led by Matthew Schnurr of In- ars, policy officials and the wider public. land but continues to be involved in the ternational Development Studies (IDS), In January it launched a virtual discus- Networks so we look forward to her con- which seeks to investigate the poli- sion series with its first installment held tinued participation albeit at a distance cy, practical and public perceptions di- virtually and a second planned for June – not that that is actually noticeable in mensions of genome editing in agri- featuring a panel discussion on regu- the age of WFH! -- and Nafisa Abdulha- culture across Europe and Africa. In latory transparency in the EU, US, and mid’s time as Centre Assistant has now the autumn, the Network’s Policy Hub Canada. In addition, the Network pub- come to an end. We would like to ex- launched a series of policy briefs culmi- lished a volume on transparency and press our thanks to them both for their nating in an online event to debate the the pharmaceutical industry with Uni- help and to wish them well for the fu- policy dynamics and ramifications of versity of Toronto Press as well as a spe- ture. the EU’s approach towards gene edited cial issue of Journal of Health Policy, crops. At the same time, the Practice Politics & Law based on workshop held Madeleine Coffen-Smout, Coordinator Hub began conducting a series of inter- in Copenhagen in 2019. Behind the
REVISITING THE CURRICULUM: THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK ON EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION ADDRESSING QUESTIONS OF department and in other Political Sci- tips and strategies that we can apply in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in ence units in U15 University across our teaching practice. The first of these the classroom and workplace has be- Canada to highlight best practices and sessions is scheduled for June. Final- come a priority for the university. As a gaps when it comes to EDI content and ly, with assistance from faculty mem- department, we have taken on the task teaching pedagogies. The objective is bers, the department plans to introduce of finding concrete ways to incorporate to provide feedback to individual faculty a mentorship support system for Black, EDI into the various aspects of our activ- members so that they can expand the Indigenous, and other People of Colour ities as colleagues, educators, and men- scope of their teaching and offer a more (BIPOC) students. The idea is to help BI- tors. Actively supporting students from diverse range of course material and POC students with their academic and equity deserving groups is one com- strategies to their students. The plan is professional development, as well as ponent of these efforts. The newly in- to turn this annual review into a perma- assist them to make connections, and troduced bursary for Black and Indig- nent feature of the Committee’s work. feel a sense of belonging, which would enous students goes in that direction Creating an inclusive and welcoming hopefully help them to deal with any (see dedicated article in this Newslet- classroom requires a greater awareness challenges that they would like to have ter). Rethinking how we teach and en- on our part of the complexities of teach- addressed in the department. gage with our students is also crucial. ing in a diverse classroom. For this pur- Our attention has therefore turned to pose, the Department has planned to Peter Arthur and Ruben Zaiotti the curriculum. During the 2020/21 ac- organize a series of training sessions ademic year the Curriculum Commit- where experts discuss with us how EDI tee has conducted a review of course of- issues shape class dynamics and our ferings and curricula both within the engagement with students, and share
13 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS PROMOTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN POLITICAL SCIENCE: The Bursary for Black/African Canadian and Indigenous Students AS NOTED IN THE REPORT FROM and Indigenous Students, with ongoing ment to expand the diversity of our pro- the Curriculum Committee on “Revisit- pre-commitments to ensure its sustain- gram and field. The bursary will allow us ing the curriculum,” both the university ability on an annual basis. The bursary to address the need for greater diversity and our department have prioritized eq- aims to help alleviate financial difficul- concretely, alongside our efforts to ad- uity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) for his- ties for Black/African Canadian and In- dress these issues in curriculum and re- torically under-represented and margin- digenous students who have declared search. There is much to be done to ad- alized communities within Dalhousie. themselves as Political Science majors vance these objectives, but I am very Towards this end, the department’s fac- or honours students. In doing so, it also grateful to my colleagues for taking this ulty members and staff have commit- aims to help retention and encourage significant practical step. ted over $5000 thus far to establish a student success in the program, and new Bursary for Black/African Canadian to support the Department’s commit- David Black, Political Science Chair
‘CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?’ – A COFFEE CHAT WITH CELINA CAESAR-CHAVANNES Tari Ajadi (PhD Candidate)
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL on March 2nd. The discussion centred swered insightful questions from stu- of Public Administration and the Dal- around Caesar-Chavannes’ new memoir, dents. You can find the hour-long con- housie Undergraduate Political Science ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’. The pair dis- versation between the pair here. Society, the Department of Political Sci- cussed the durability of anti-Black rac- For more coverage on the event, check ence had the pleasure of hosting former ism in Canadian politics, the intersec- out this article in Dal News. MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes in a cof- tional and feminist leadership needed fee chat with PhD candidate Tari Ajadi to recover from the past year and an-
14 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM NEWS
PERHAPS SURPRISINGLY, IN A YEAR much different format in which facul- taken at other universities and help- when students faced new stresses due ty members from the department did ing students navigate their way through to the pandemic and the challenges of not make their usual presentations to course selection and their degree op- adapting to online learning, the work give students a taste of classes in Polit- tions in Political Science. Indeed, once of the Undergraduate Advisor was qui- ical Science. Instead, students dropped students turn their minds to course se- eter than usual. (At least that was the into virtual chat rooms to ask questions lection for the 2021-22 academic year, case at the time of writing). This out- (a format that was not as effective in al- which will be complicated by the contin- come was due to the fact that a num- lowing engagement with as many stu- ued uncertainties about whether teach- ber of the usual activities that involve dents as in the past). Neither the Pro- ing will take place in person, online, or major time commitments did not take gram and Major Expo, which normally in hybrid form, it can be expected that place or took a different form this year. allows representatives of the depart- the Undergraduate Advisor’s job will be At a time of restricted travel, students ment to meet with current Dalhousie as busy as ever. stopped making plans for a year abroad, students considering their program op- and reviewing their plans and course se- tions, nor the annual advising luncheon Anders Hayden, Undergraduate Advisor lection was no longer required. The an- for King’s College students could take nual Open House for prospective stu- place this year. There was nevertheless dents to learn about the possibilities at still work to do in determining equiva- Dalhousie took place online this year, a lencies for courses that students have
2020-21 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AWARD/PRIZE WINNERS
OLUMAYOWA OLUWASANMI, BA Candidate: Major in Political Science and UG Certif- icate: Computing in Arts and Social Sciences has been awarded the Commonwealth Political Science Prize. This prize is awarded annually to the student who receives the highest grade in Political Science 2410 and 2420. The Commonwealth Prize was estab- lished by John Beveridge, who graduated from Dalhousie University in 1971.
POPPY JACKSON, BA Honours Candidate: Major in Political Science and Economics has been awarded The Eric Dennis Gold Medal. Founded by Senator William Dennis and Mrs. Dennis, this medal is awarded upon graduation to the student who stands first among those taking First Class Honours in Government and Political Science. This is the University Medal in Political Science.
JOE VAN WONDEREN, BA Candidate: Major in Undeclared Arts has been awarded The H.B. McCulloch Memorial Prize. This prize is awarded annually to the student who, among all the first- and second-year students registered in introductory classes in Political Science, is judged to have written the best essay in the second term.
POPPY JACKSON, BA Honours Candidate: Major in Political Science and Economics has been awarded The James H. Aitchison Award. In 1979 Colleagues of Dr. J.H. Aitchison established a fund from which an annual prize would be award- ed in recognition of the best undergraduate Honours essay. The fund was established to honour Professor Aitchison who was instrumental in founding the department.
DAVE HEINTZMAN, BA Candidate: Major in Political Science with a Minor in History has been awarded The Rear Admiral Crickard Essay Prize. This prize will be awarded annually for five years which commenced in May 2020 for the best written Undergraduate Student paper in International Relations.
15 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS THE DALHOUSIE UNDERGRADUATE POLITICAL SCIENCE SOCIETY (DUPSS) Presidential Election, we hosted a Face- thesis. The DUPSS also did our best to book Live event to discuss the final de- preserve our very popular ‘All Party Piz- bate and engage with students who za Party’ event in a virtual format by in- were watching, and during the after- viting representatives from all four ma- math, we collaborated with the Cen- jor political parties to engage in an tre for the Study of Security & Develop- online discussion, where three of the ment for a panel event on the election’s participants were selected to win a free implications. DUPSS was also excited pizza! In March, we launched our fourth to be able to launch the Dalhousie Po- annual Podium Journal, for which we re- litical Networking Initiative (DPNI) for ceived a record number of submissions. the third year in a row. The DPNI gener- Our council members have worked hard ated interest from several political offic- to adapt our events and initiatives to es who were able to provide virtual work these unusual times, and while it might opportunities to political science stu- not be quite the same virtually, we are dents seeking to gain hands-on experi- fortunate to have been able to gather ence in the field. online with students and faculty to cel- THE DALHOUSIE UNDERGRADUATE After wrapping up the fall exam sea- ebrate the launch of The Podium and to Political Science Society went out with son with some study sessions and en- highlight the accomplishments of the a bang last year at our third annual joying a well-deserved holiday break, eight students whose work was select- Gala and Journal Launch – a memora- we began the winter term with our ‘So ed for the journal this year. ble event to mark the end of a memora- You’re Thinking About Grad School?’ This academic year proved to be a ble year. Although there were lots of un- event for the second year in a row. This challenging one for students in many certainties as the academic year came time, we collaborated with the Rowe ways, but I am proud of all the time to a close and our new executive took School of Business, the Schulich School and energy our society members have over, our 2020-2021 team worked hard of Law, and representatives of the MPA dedicated to ensuring our events and to adapt to the virtual learning envi- and MA in Political Science programs initiatives were still possible and ran ronment and to continue providing so- to provide students with lots of infor- smoothly. While we did miss hosting cial, academic, and networking oppor- mation about possible academic paths our annual Political Science Gala, I hope tunities for students. We held a virtual to take after graduation. We also held that makes the celebrations next year ‘Meet & Greet’ event to kick off the fall a session on the honours program – all the more special. Thank you to all term and give students the chance to called ‘Go Fish: Honours Edition!’ – to the DUPSS members for your incredible connect with their professors, meet oth- encourage interested students to learn work this year, and to the Department er political science students, and dis- about this option, scope out potential of Political Science, which has contin- cuss experiences with online cours- supervisors, and ask questions to stu- ued to provide us with so much sup- es. During the build up to the 2020 U.S. dents currently writing their honours port. We wish the best to our incoming executive team and are excited to see what they have planned for the 2021- 2022 year!
Poppy Jackson President, Dalhousie Undergraduate Political Science Society
16 HONOURS PROGRAM REPORT
THE CLOSURE OF CAMPUS due to Covid-19 pandemic this year meant that the honours seminar moved online to MS Teams format. Five stu- dents successfully completed their hon- ours project this year and were able to have online oral defenses now that we are more familiar with online meetings options. Once again, the campus clo- sure limited our ability to help the hon- ours students celebrate their success and plans for an in person, socially dis- tanced meet-up were abruptly cancelled when pandemic conditions worsened, and health restrictions tightened in April. However, we did have a congenial online meetup, pictured here, joined by several of the supervisors who commit- ted their energies to helping the stu- dents to success. A sincere congratu- lations to all and hopefully we can still celebrate in person later this summer.
Dr. Robert Finbow, Honours Coordinator
Honours Program - End of Year Virtual Celebration
ISABELLE FLACK LOGAN HANSON DIVYA THOMAS An Exercise in Futility? “Resource Nationalist Policy and Min- “Exploring Governments The Canadian Position ing in Southern Africa: A State-Level Perceptions towards on NATO Exercises in Comparative Analysis of its Potential Climate-Induced Migra- Canada’s Arctic to Catalyze Economic Diversification” tion and its Impacts on Supervisor: Supervisor: Response Measures in Dr. Leah Sarson Dr. David Black the European Union and Canada” LIAM FRAZER POPPY JACKSON Supervisor: “Global IR and African “Clashing on the Inside, Dr. Kiran Banerjee Regionalism: Applying Aligned on the Outside: (Chinese) Relationalism Norms and Identity in to South Africa and Ni- the Visegrád Group and geria’s Non-Compliance European Union with the ICC Case Approaches to External against Omar Al-Bashir.” Migration Policy” Supervisor: Supervisor: Dr. Brian Bow Dr. Ruben Zaiotti
17 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS 2020-21 JAMES H. AITCHISON AWARD WINNER FOR BEST HONOURS THESIS Poppy Jackson, BA: Honours in Political Science and Economics Q What helped you with your Q Is there a particular area of decision to take Political Science? Political Science that interests Was there anything or anyone who you most? inspired you? A My main area of interest is A I’ve always considered myself international relations because I find to be politically inclined, which is studying the way different actors largely thanks to my parents and their interact with each other at the global engagement in politics and world level fascinating. I’ve developed a events. I’ve been encouraged by my particular interest in studying the mum and dad to learn about what’s political phenomenon of the European going on in the world and to ask Union, migration, and the theories we questions and think critically for as employ to explain these sorts of things. long as I can remember; my parents This past year, my research for my like to joke that it’s a ‘fight to take up honours focused on the intersection air’ at our family dinners because of our of these topics to study how the EU lively debates. So, when I decided to approaches migration policy beyond pursue liberal arts in university, political its borders from a social constructivist Q This award was created in honour science was the first field I thought perspective, and I hope to continue of Professor Aitchison who was of. After enrolling in my first-year examining this topic (or a related one) instrumental in the founding of the government and politics course with Dr. in greater depth going forward. POLI Department and was the head Marcella Firmini, I never looked back. of the Department from 1949-1973. Dr. Firmini brought so much passion Q What are your plans after you How does it feel to be the recipient of to her teaching that I couldn’t help but graduate in May? Any long-term this prestigious POLI award? get excited about the material as well, plans or goals? and my experiences with all my other A I’m honoured to have been selected professors in the department over the A This summer, I am working as a for such a prestigious award, especially next three years of my degree made me research assistant at the University after all of the work and challenges feel the same way. My family sparked of New Brunswick for the Centre that have led up to the completion my interest in political science and the for Research in Integrated Care. I’ve of my project this year. Completing department here has nurtured this by worked with this health research team my honours thesis in the midst of a providing me with all the necessary since 2019, and while not focused on pandemic and while working out of tools to continue pursuing a career in political science, it has been an amazing my apartment has been a challenge this area. I’m especially grateful to my way to discover how widely applicable in many ways, but I’m beyond grateful political science professors this year, the knowledge and skills I have gained for the support and encouragement who have continued to help me grow from my degree can be. However, I I received from my supervisor, Dr. as a scholar and prepare for graduate am also excited to be continuing my Zaiotti, and the honours coordinator, school despite the virtual format of our political education at the graduate level Dr. Finbow. It feels incredibly special to courses. in the Department of Political Studies receive an award that was established at Queen’s University in the fall. I’m in honour of Professor Aitchison, an unsure about where my career will take award which so many other bright me after my MA – perhaps a PhD or scholars have received before me. working abroad – but I will always be taking with me the things I’ve learned throughout my time studying political science at Dalhousie University.
18 GLYN BERRY SCHOLAR Nafisa A. Abdulhamid (PhD Candidate)
IT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST HONOR to be recognized as the Glyn Berry Scholar for the past four years. I am for- ever grateful for the support that the Glyn R. Berry Memorial Scholarship has provided me with throughout my doc- toral studies. In keeping with Dr. Berry’s devotion to improving the conditions for everyday people in conflict zones, my doctoral research, which has undergone several transformations over the course of my program, explores and assesses the extent to which the African Union has adapted humanitarian approach- es to civilian protection in their mission in Somalia (2007 – present). I hope to translate the core findings of my disser- tation into real policy recommendations that can be used by both the African Union and its mission in ways that will actually protect civilians in Somalia. This past year has been challenging on so many levels. The spread of the coronavirus meant that we had to adapt to new public health measures, includ- ing working from home, reducing in- teractions with friends and family, and sheltering in place. While it was difficult for me to reconcile with this new reali- ty, especially at the height on the pan- demic, I felt blessed to be able to shel- ter in place in Halifax. The pandemic would have been a far more isolating ex- perience had it not been for the support from the “Fab Five” – Adam MacDonald, Julia Rodgers, Susan Manning, and Tari Ajadi. Despite not being able to go back to Kenya to visit my own family, I knew tured as one of WIIS-Canada’s Emerging protect civilians in armed conflict. that I could rely on their friendship, Thought Leaders (https://wiiscana- There is still so much uncertainty in and our hilarious group chat, to get me da.org/emerging) and CIC’s “Engaging the world, but I continue to remain eter- through the pandemic. with Emerging Scholars” podcast series. nally grateful for the kindness, support, While trying to be kind to my mind I also got involved with the Defence and and compassion I receive from my su- and body, taking time to rest and re- Security Foresight sub-group on Sub-Sa- pervisor and mentor, Dr. David Black, coup when needed, I managed to priori- haran Africa and Complex Peace Opera- and my committee members, Drs. Peter tize projects that I was most passionate tions as their Project Coordinator. In ad- Arthur and Ruben Zaiotti. I would also about. I co-authored a paper on the im- dition, I managed to write and revise my like to extend a special thank you to Tra- pact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dissertation, which ended up being my cy Powell, who continues to go above externalization of migration in the Euro- ultimate passion project. The process of and beyond to check up on the gradu- pean Union, and presented a paper on going through the data I collected, and ate students and inquire about our men- the social media presence of border mu- consolidating it into prose, solidified my tal and physical wellbeing. seums with Dr. Ruben Zaiotti. I was fea- belief in the need to reduce harm and
19 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS KEENS-MORDEN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Benjamin Ofosu-Atuahene (MA Candidate)
TO BE GREAT BE GRATEFUL! with new undergraduates who had I am honored to be the recipient exciting ideas and questions about of the Keens-Morden scholarship award politics in this dispensation. The re- in Political Science for the 2020/2021 search position also enhanced my academic year. Mr. Morden has led an research skills in data collection, exemplary life of patriotism as he has analysis as well as reporting. served his country Canada in sever- I was able to join my cohort in al ways. Through this patriotism, his the winter term, during which I was contribution to Canadian foreign poli- welcomed with immense kindness cy, defense, and security led to his rec- from faculty, staff, and students of ognition as a member of the Order of the department of political science. Canada. The love for his country and As an individual who has never ex- the quest for a secure global order are perienced the harsh conditions the the steps I seek to follow as a young and winter season comes with, the win- proud African scholar whose passion is ter was not as welcoming as every- to contribute to changing the narrative one else was. However, the concern of the African continent through cut- shown by the department is unfor- ting-edge research. I am grateful to the gettable, and despite the freezing Keens-Morden family for placing me a hands and watery nose for the first step closer to achieving this dream by four weeks, it still felt like home. funding my graduate studies at Dalhou- I have currently completed my sie University. coursework requirement, submit- This academic year has been chal- ted my research proposal, and am lenging as it has pushed many students working towards completing my re- to embrace and adapt to new realities. search thesis. The research focus- But it has also been exciting and fulfill- es on private security in West Afri- ing for me because it was my dream to ca and is co-supervised by Dr. David study at Dalhousie University. Black and Dr. Peter Arthur. In the fall term, I started this journey Insecurity is undoubtedly an is- studying virtually from Ghana on the sue that continues to threaten the other side of the globe. Although the strides made towards development time difference, the unreliability of the by the African continent in the post- executive committee as the communi- power supply, and a poor internet con- 2000s. In parallel, there has been a rise cations and outreach coordinator. The nection were going to be challenging, I in private security services. I therefore ILC is a student society group made of had made my mind up to defeat these seek to make a case that private secu- and for students of African heritage in difficulties by planning strategically. rity - although controversial on the con- the university. The group offers sup- Thankfully, I was able to participate in tinent - is not only unavoidable but also port via peer-mentorship and communi- every class without challenges and met the only alternative to filling the securi- ty-building programs to students in that every deadline. ty gap on the continent. category. I also landed a teaching assistant po- Outside the classroom, I participate I am grateful to the Keens-Morden sition for POLI 1500.06 titled Global Pol- in some volunteer programs and ex- family for this opportunity and also to itics & Society with Drs. Zaiotti and Fit- tra-curricular activities to give back to the Department of Political Science. I al- ting, as well as a research assistant the community in the small way possi- ways assert, if I had to redo my Master’s position with Dr. Finbow. These assis- ble. I am currently working with the Im- program over again, I would choose to tantships were exciting and beneficial hotep Learning Community (ILC) on study with Dalhousie and the depart- as the former allowed me to engage campus and also double as part of its ment of political science.
20 SHAW-PARPART SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Benjamin Ofosu-Atuahene (MA Candidate)
WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS Drs. Shaw and Parpart’s interest in how elated I am to be acknowledged the African Continent, and young schol- as a Shaw-Parpart Scholarship in Po- ars, is not only purposeful and prudent litical Science award recipient for the but also exemplary. We cannot have a 2020/2021 academic year. Throughout globalized understanding without in- this academic year, the African word vesting in facilitating global perspec- -Ubuntu- continues to resonate with tives. me due to the tremendous opportunity I thank the department for their un- granted to me by Drs. Shaw & Parpart wavering support and for making my ex- through their scholarship award. Ubun- perience at Dalhousie a great one. The tu, which means “I am because you are,” administrative staff -Mary and Tracy- is an embodiment of how the Shaw-Par- have been helpful to say the least, and part Scholarship award has been bene- the faculty have been very accommo- ficial towards my graduate study. To Dr. dating. Shaw & Parpart, I say I am because of Furthermore, I am grateful to the your generosity and commitment to in- graduate coordinator Dr. Katherine Fi- ternational perspectives. Through you, erlbeck, for her continuous support and students from the Global South like my- also very thankful to my supervisors, Dr. self have the opportunity not only to David Black and Dr. Peter Arthur. Their pursue higher education, but also to critical evaluations have been construc- contribute through their diverse per- tive towards my ongoing thesis. spectives towards the shaping of a glob- Finally, to my small but mighty al world via research. cohort, I appreciate your cordiality this year.
Patricia Porto de Barros Ayaz (PhD Candidate)
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK scholarship has helped me to make my Jane Parpart & Timothy Shaw for this dream of PhD studies come true. I am scholarship opportunity, which would unable to fully express my gratitude and not be possible without their great gen- happiness for being selected as the re- erosity. I was ecstatic when I heard I cipient of this scholarship. I would like had been selected. Amidst a crisis that to thank my professors María Villarre- has caused education to suffer many al, Beatriz Cunha and Enara Echart for cuts, mainly in the Global South coun- their support in this process. Further- tries, it is a blessing to have people like more, I would like to commend Jane them, who believe in the power of edu- Parpart & Timothy Shaw for their inspi- cation to change lives. Studying has al- rational attitude. ways been a passion of mine, and this
21 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS DALHOUSIE GRADUATE SOCIETY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE (DGSPS) THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS ments and her dedication to service in affected graduate students in diverse the department. We would also like to ways. For some, it meant not being able congratulate Ben Andrews, Erik Ferts- to return home to visit friends and fam- man, Emily Mason, and Ksenia Myku- ily, cancelling important conferences, la on successfully defending their MA adapting to online learning and teach- theses. We wish the new graduates suc- ing, learning new hobbies to cope with cess in all their future endeavours! Last- the uncertainty of the world, and so ly, congratulations to Tari Ajadi, Julia much more. In September, we wel- Rodgers, Adam MacDonald, and Tristan comed one new PhD student and nine Cleveland on passing their PhD propos- MA students who embarked on the new al defences! academic year with online classes. As “Productivity” should not be the first a Society, we were unable to organize word that comes to mind when reflect- in-person events for new and return- ing on the past year. Rather, we need to ing graduate students to connect and be kind to ourselves and prioritize both reconnect. Still, our graduate students personal and mental health and well-be- displayed great resiliency and commit- ing. This has been a challenging year for ment to their studies and their commu- graduate students who, now more than nities while living through a global pan- ever, need continued support from the As you also reflect on the past year, I demic. department. To my fellow graduate stu- hope you will join me in taking pride in DGSPS would like to extend a warm dents, the incredible efforts you put into all your personal and academic achieve- congratulations to several graduate stu- adapting to online learning and teach- ments and look forward with hope that dents on their achievements this year. ing, the masks you continue to wear, one day soon we can all reconnect in First and foremost, a huge congratula- and your commitment to public health person. tions to Dr. Susan Manning on success- regulations all contribute to the great- fully defending her PhD dissertation er communal efforts to curb the spread Nafisa A. Abdulhamid, entitled, “Centring Community: New of COVID-19. DGSPS President Pathways in Resource Extraction Pol- icy Processes.” Susan should be cele- brated for both her academic achieve-
22 POLI GRADUATE STUDENTS
TARI AJADI guidance and care through this storm. in August 2021, as well as disseminating (PhD Candidate) these findings to government by the As I’m sure GRANT CURTIS end of the year. you’ll read about (PhD Candidate) Noel has also been fortunate to elsewhere in As a now-going- contribute his time, energy, and ideas this newsletter, into-third-year to various projects throughout the the past year PhD student, year. For a year and counting, Noel has presented I relish getting has been working with Dr. Catherine incredible challenges to merely existing. my teeth Mah and Dalhousie’s Food Policy Lab The COVID-19 pandemic has completely into research (FPL) on a variety of food policy-related disrupted most of our day-to-day focusing on Afghanistan as a failed projects! Of note, he is first author on a rhythms, and the ongoing movement state, building on some 7 years living forthcoming conference paper based on against anti-Black racism and white and working in Kabul. And, if and when FPL’s SSHRC-funded Grocery Gateways supremacy both within the academy academic life at Dalhousie begins to project along with Emily Jago, Rebecca and in our broader society has taken a return to some degree of normality, Hasdell and Catherine Mah. This will be great degree of my academic, activist I look forward to a more active role presented at ICCP5 – Barcelona in July and emotional energy. as Deputy Director of Dalhousie’s 2021. He has also contributed research Paradoxically, the past year has Centre for the Study of Security and or teaching assistance time with various also been a time of many academic Development (CSSD). In addition to faculty members on subjects related to successes for me: I was fortunate being part of Dalhousie University’s political theory, health policy and global to receive the Killam Predoctoral 2021 OpenThink cohort, I am a Junior migration. Lastly, Noel has authored Scholarship to support my doctoral Fellow with the Defence and Security and co-authored op-eds in the Chronicle research, and I was also named a 2020 Foresight Group (DSFG), a network Herald, the Nova Scotia Advocate, OpenThink Fellow. I have successfully of academics and PhD students Halifax Examiner, and Policy Options. defended my thesis proposal and I am who provide Canada’s Department Noel wants to thank his instructors this at work on my dissertation project. of National Defence with analysis of year for delivering fantastic courses I have also been fortunate enough pivotal defence and security issues. despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and to co-publish two academic pieces: I also serve on Cuso International’s he wishes everyone all the best in the one in International Journal with Board of Directors. coming days. Dr. Heather Smith, and the other in the Healthy Populations Journal with NOEL GUSCOTT ADAM P. my colleague and friend Julia Rodgers. (MA Candidate) MACDONALD I was the co-chair on a panel about Noel is (PhD Candidate) interpretive methods and politics at completing Like many others, the International Research Society for his MA thesis this past year Public Management conference this supervised by has been like no year, and I was a keynote speaker at the Dr. Katherine other in my life. annual general meetings for both the Fierlbeck, and It has led to great Nova Scotia Health Coalition and the supported by the SSHRC Canada introspection about my positionality Canadian Union for Public Employees - Graduate Scholarship – Masters, and and privilege in life, both in the past and Nova Scotia chapter. the SSHRC-DND MINDS Scholarship present. The pandemic has radically I am proud of and thankful for these Initiative. His thesis research is altered our lives, and while we are all ‘in many successes and opportunities, applying a political lens to the the same storm’ we are not all ‘in the and I’m particularly thankful to alumni understudied military health care same boat’. The pandemic has laid bare, who have donated to facilitate some of system in Canada. The objective of and in many cases exacerbated, long- these opportunities. Yet none of these this thesis is to determine the impact standing social inequities. Similarly, the assuage the utter tragedy of the past of the Canadian government’s policy George Floyd murder brought issues of year, and I would be remiss to pretend direction to decrease Canadian Armed structural, anti-black racism and police as if any of these accomplishments Forces funding on the development of brutality into the mainstream, not just overshadow the grief and sadness the Canadian Forces Health System in the US but here also. The avalanche that frame many of our everyday between 1994 to 2020. Noel looks of stories by survivors of sexual experiences. I’m thankful to my friends, forward to completing the written thesis mentors and family for providing in July 2021, orally defending this thesis Continued on next page
23 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS misconduct and assault in the attending that conference. While the and its partners, which were very Canadian Armed Forces, an pandemic has put my usual therapy dog helpful to my academic development. organization I served in for half my life, volunteering on hold, I did continue Something unusual that happened demonstrates how morally, culturally, doing a mix of virtual and in-person in the last term was that, due to the and institutionally broken it remains meetings with my Girl Guide Ranger large time zone difference between despite ‘efforts’ at reform. These group and continued in my role as a Turkey and Canada, some of the classes matters are not my academic focus, but member of Girl Guides of Canada’s were ending after midnight for me. I have tried to make them more central National Programming Committee. However, I also had an amazing cohort, aspects of my life. This includes having which made these moments easier. tough, honest conversations with GRAEME Now, since my mandatory coursework former colleagues, friends, and family PARSONS is over, the next step is getting ready to promote and push for change. These (MA Candidate) for my comprehensive exams and updates are usually about academic 2020/2021 preparing my research project proposal. achievements, which are important and has been an Although my research ideas are still need to be celebrated. And there have incredibly in a metamorphosis process, I can say been successes, but I wanted to share challenging year that it is approaching the international how I felt during this tumultuous year. but I wanted to migration scenario, especially the fluxes University is challenging in the ‘best of reflect on it with the utmost gratitude. towards the European Union’s territory, times’, but the pandemic has imposed I want to recognize the work that as well as the protection of the rights of additional stresses on everyone, albeit everyone in the department has done the people who compose these fluxes. unequally. It has not been business in adjusting to our limitations and Moreover, I am continuing as a member as usual. My advice is to try not to be making the year a thoroughly rewarding of GRISUL, a research group in which I too hard on yourself. Perseverance experience. I graduated from Queen’s have been a volunteer researcher since is success. Thanks to everyone who University in Politics, Philosophy, and 2016. At GRISUL, I have the opportunity has been checking in and ‘hanging Economics last winter unsure of what to debate different matters from the out’ (in accordance with public health the future would hold but have found Global South, including international measures). It’s really appreciated myself at home in the department. It migration. Furthermore, I am also a and means a lot. We are going to get is remarkable how much I have been volunteer content contributor – I help through this. able to grow as a student through the cover the news about international screen of my computer in the past migration for the Graduate Bulletin SUSAN year. From rewarding research with which is written by members of this and MANNING Professor Caron to work that I have other Brazilian research groups. (PhD Candidate been incredibly excited about, this year and Newest has been a complete success. I now JULIA RODGERS Alumni) I had a move on to writing my thesis on China’s (PhD Candidate) very busy fifth influence in the African regional project What an absolute and final year in with further excitement for the litany dumpster fire of the PhD of opportunities and potential that this a year. I want to program! I successfully defended my year has bestowed on me. start by saying dissertation in late April and moved on Black lives to my new position as a Diversity PATRICIA matter. We all Analyst with the Canadian Coast Guard PORTO DE work in the ivory tower and it is our Arctic Region in May. Most of this past BARROS AYAZ responsibility to deconstruct the pillars year has been dedicated to finishing my (PhD Candidate) of systemic racism that run rampant dissertation. I also taught POLI 3206: Although this in academia. That being said, I want Constitutional Law and Politics in past year has to acknowledge and thank my peers Canada in the winter term. I had one been challenging, for all the work they have done this article published in the past year in the it has also year to help make our institution and Journal of Canadian Studies and a been rewarding. I am very delighted communities more equitable. Further, second co-authored article is to be a Dalhousie student, and I am this year has brought to light the issue forthcoming in Impact Assessment and honored to be a recipient of the Jane of mental health within the academy. Project Appraisal later this year. I am Parpart & Timothy Shaw and JMEUCE Whether it is “burn out” or life-long also participating in a roundtable at the scholarships. Since I registered at Dal, I struggles, I want everyone to know that upcoming Canadian Political Science have tried to enjoy as much as possible they are not alone, and we need Association Annual Conference. Thanks from what it offers to the students. For to the alumni and donors to the POLI instance, I have attended a variety of Continued on next page Travel Fund for their financial support in workshops offered by the University
24 POLI GRADUATE STUDENTS cont’d
to normalise prioritising our well-being fund my research, and the alumni who opportunities significantly developed over deadlines. support us through donations. So, a my academic skills and broadened Though 2020 had its challenges (to massive thank you to everyone helped my vision. Now that I have time in say the absolute least), there was still me in any way this year. summer, I will focus solely on my some light. I successfully defended thesis work. It wouldn’t be possible my thesis proposal and have begun BAHAR TUNC without the scholarships I was awarded. interviews to inform my dissertation (MA Candidate) My research is about environmental (a phase of research that was delayed Last year has racism, social mobilization strategies due to COVID-19). I had the ability been hectic but and Indigenous resistance, with special to attend international conferences also enlightening focus on the Boat Harbour Act in Pictou due to the virtual shift and I joined for me. In the Landing, asking how the resistance a health research team based out middle of the became successful in changing the of Queen’s University. An important COVID-19 government’s decision towards shutting professional milestone, I had my first pandemic, I wouldn’t imagine doing down the toxic paper mill. I will be peer-reviewed article published in the my MA degree online. Before my analysing the implications this positive Healthy Populations Journal, written journey at Dalhousie University, I case study has for Canada, especially in collaboration with Tari Ajadi - an received an Undergraduate degree about the importance of implementing extraordinary activist, peer, and friend. from Saint Mary’s University (SMU) UNDRIP and Bill C-230. I can say that Acknowledging my position of in Political Science and Philosophy, being born and raised in Turkey made privilege, I know not everyone can boast with a minor in Sociology; now I’m me a justice nerd. I am planning to do the good parts of 2020. Many people focusing on Political Science and the a 1.5 year program, graduating in May are still mourning loss - personal, environment. Throughout the year, 2022 and moving forward to my PhD, professional, or other. For me, none of I successfully completed 6 courses hopefully. Since 2016, my life in Canada my accomplishments could be achieved and had the honour to be employed has been a journey that has taught me a without the support of my peers and as a Research Assistant, a Teaching lot; I’m looking forward to my education faculty members, the institutions that Assistant and a Marker; these at Dalhousie University.
I felt subject expertise in political sci- GRAD PROFILE: ‘SQUEEZE ACADEMIA ence would help my chances of employ- ment and, once employed, my ability to FOR EVERYTHING IT’S WORTH’ provide better, fairer coverage.” Benjamin Andrews – MA Political Science Expanding expertise (2020), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences This self-awareness resulted in Ben applying to grad school to pursue a Genevieve MacIntyre – October 16, 2020 – Master of Arts degree in political sci- Featured in Dal News ence. He decided that studying political science would be a great stepping-stone WHEN BENJAMIN ANDREWS ism remained, but he had an aversion toward getting the most out of a Mas- was in high school and was first weigh- to sports journalism. He decided that ter of Journalism degree, and whatever ing his post-secondary options, he had studying political science would be a career would follow. He says he decided two disciplines in mind: kinesiology and smart move to better prepare him for a to go to Dalhousie University for his MA journalism. Unsure at the time of which future career in journalism. for several reasons: he was interested in path would suit him best, he made the “At the time, I felt my academic re- living in Halifax, it was possible to com- pragmatic decision to begin by studying cord limited the kinds of reporting jobs plete the program in one year, he was kinesiology at the University of Wind- I qualified for and the kinds of stories I awarded funding by the Social Scienc- sor, as it was in his hometown, he had felt qualified to tell,” explains Ben. “In a es and Humanities Research Council an interest in kinesiology, and his father media environment where journalism (SSHRC), and because of the kind and worked at the university. is .. . . or should be . . . shifting from an informative communication he received When he completed his BA in Kinesi- emphasis on speed to an emphasis on ology, his interest in pursuing journal- accuracy and contextualization, Continued on next page
25 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS from Dalhousie’s Department of Politi- may complicate the delivery of journal- tered with. cal Science. ism courses, but beyond that, it is dras- His advice for students that have de- “David Black, chair of the political sci- tically altering the foundations of jour- cided to pursue a range of studies, as ence department, was far and away the nalism itself. he’s done, is to embrace discomfort most welcoming voice from any school I “That is fundamentally different and accept that you will make mistakes, reached out to,” Ben says. than how it impacted my studies at but to be sure to prioritize your men- Ben’s MA research intertwined his in- Dal, which amounted to a shift out of tal health and meaningful personal rela- terest in politics and journalism. His the classroom and into the home of- tionships. thesis was a quantitative study that ex- fice. Our understanding of politics may “You will often say the wrong thing. amined the relationship between local be irreversibly changed by recent glob- You will often feel lost. Eventually, you newspaper health (the amount and fre- al events, but because political science will become more comfortable, but if quency of newspaper publication per focuses on studying rather than prac- you are sacrificing too much of yourself capita) and voter turnout in Canadian ticing politics, the foundations of politi- to get there, walk. Take care of yourself.” municipal elections. cal science do not seem challenged the He encourages current and future “Turns out healthier local newspa- same way as the foundations of journal- university students to “squeeze aca- pers are . . . at least a little . . . related to ism.” demia for everything it’s worth.” higher municipal turnout,” says Ben. “I Ben’s unique combination of educa- “That means recognizing that uni- chose the topic because I have a vest- tion in kinesiology, political science, and versities are full of talented people who ed interest in the outcome — Don’t tell now journalism is preparing him for a care and have enormous knowledge to ethics…” career where he can knowledgeably re- offer. It also means being realistic about port on health and politics. the basic transactional relationship be- Entering a different “As the pandemic has highlighted, tween a university and its students. Al- era of journalism quality factual reporting on health and ways be aware of that tension. Do not politics is integral to public safety. Done fall victim to path dependence. You al- This fall, Ben began the Master of poorly, it can also be incredibly damag- ways have agency — if not over your sit- Journalism (MJ) program at Carleton ing. I hope that my education will show uation, then over your response.” University in Ottawa. He is realizing that itself indirectly through the stories I pur- https://www.dal.ca/ in this current political climate, study- sue professionally.” news/2020/10/16/grad-profile--- ing journalism poses a unique set of squeeze-academia-for-everything-it-s- challenges to studying political science. It’s okay to get lost worth-.html “Studying and practicing journalism requires constant attention to the news Ben says he learned an enormous cycle, which feels like a special kind of amount at Dal and as he graduates masochism — especially in a fractured from the Political Science department’s media landscape where truth is active- graduate studies program, receiving his ly undermined and fact is as malleable parchment as part of the fall convoca- as opinion.” tion celebration activities, he has a ful- He adds that the COVID-19 pandemic ly different outlook to the one he en-
26 ALUMNI VIGNETTES
DOMINIC local commander had already said that on hiring this foreigner instead of a local, CARDY (BA he knew I was Canadian. Given those year after year. (The permanent Political Science constraints my bravado was less a risk residence processing times was a Liberal with Honours than it appeared, as the guerilla leader, government snafu that the 1991-5), New the inspiringly-named Comrade Hitman, Conservatives actually fixed when they Brunswick’s could not push too far and did not want came to power - credit where credit is Minister of to lose face in front of his subordinates. due). Education and Threading together my education With PR finally acquired in 2004 Early Childhood around party structures, civil war, and I could actually look for other jobs, Development negotiation theory, I had felt prepared, if and move to other cities. In Toronto, I Twelve years after leaving Dalhousie, in not over-confident. had a one-year teaching contract at a late April 2007 I was stuck in a dark room My time at Dalhousie, in the early vocational college, trying to get classes in a run-down hotel in Gamgadhi, Nepal, nineties, gave me the tools I needed to of 200 young people, future tradesmen, in the Himalayas close to occupied Tibet. work on the front lines of democracy paramedics and ECEs, interested in Next to me was my fearless co-worker promotion from Afghanistan to Humanities. Trial by fire! Public speaking and translator Shrishti Rana, and on the South Sudan. Professor Finbow, who after that was easy. Then I volunteered other side of the splintered table two introduced me to political economy as and worked as a constituency assistant Maoist revolutionaries, with a third an explanation of the centre-periphery for a first-time MPP in the Ontario blocking the door. One sat down and conflicts that mark Nepal (no comment legislature for a few months, but that said, “you’ve got two days to leave town” on any applicability to my current job!). contract ended too and there was no job as he swept a homemade pistol, the sort Professor Fierlbeck, who deepened my at the end of that election. (The behind Nepalis had learned to call a ‘country obsession with democracy and who, the scenes drama around staff jobs in gun’ out from his belt. He aimed it briefly not unrelated, showed me that through the third party of a provincial legislature at my head before laying it pointedly on quantitative analysis democracy could deserves its own Armando Iannucci the table. be measured, just like anything else. treatment.) From there ensued a string The Maoist cadres were unhappy Professor Harvey, who taught me of purely administrative jobs in the that the organization I served as Nepal international relations and, in one of culture and non-profit sectors. The thing country director, the US Democratic the first computer-based negotiation I’ve learned about admin jobs is that they Party-linked National Democratic simulation classes at Dal, how political demand a lot of affective labour: many Institute, was organizing election deal-making works in real time. There are in effect Personal Assistant jobs even campaign training for hundreds of were others and, though I was a terrible if they’re described as administrative. activists from democratic political student, whatever useful things I’ve done The admin jobs can be quite complex parties. “Why two days? If you were in the intervening years have been the and juggle-y, but they rarely lead to serious, you’d say 24 hours,” I replied, practical application of what I learned promotion. Long story short: as time though you could easily walk out of at Dal. went on and my job applications for the Gamgadhi after a brisk ten-minute walk civil service on the municipal, provincial in any direction. LYDIA PEROVIĆ and federal level never led to a single All morning I’d thought about how (MA 2001) interview, I began to realize that I may to handle the Maoists’ demand for a Right after I never become a Sir Humphrey. This was meeting. They were a disciplined military graduated, I was one of my top dreams: to be some sort force with ten years’ experience fighting lucky to find a of a humourless, competent mandarin, a civil war that killed 13,000. The war wee job in a preferably in culture or immigration, had ended with the 2006 revolution that Halifax publishing who’d simply progress through the ranks saw the revolutionaries join an alliance house but I and than see ministers proliferating of democratic parties to topple an couldn’t really go anywhere for 3 or 4 before her eyes while she and her team autocratic monarchy. Now the Maoists years as my work visa was for this job actually run the show. were campaigning for an election they only, or else I’d have to leave the country. For the civil service, I expect, you would go on to win, a year later. That day Back in 2001, the processing of have to have specialized in public policy, in April I was confident they wouldn’t kill permanent residence applications was and need to have some connections in me because I knew their local leaders stalled by a massive backlog and took government. I was disadvantaged on owed more to the central leadership years, which for the applicant meant both counts. So after I quit my last full- than to the peasants they were supposed staying put and for the employer going time admin job (at Toronto Arts Council) to serve. That leadership was desperate out of their way to make the case to the I thought, why don’t I start doing this to gain international credibility, and the government for why they were insisting other thing that I really want – what I did
27 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS do before moving to Canada: be a writer about real estate or tech. I’m trying underpinnings of this unique pop culture and journalist. By that time I was settled to sell the idea of literary criticism but staple should be part of any curriculum into English, which was taking over as for podcasts to various Canadian and about this iconic television series.” my first language. I’d occasionally pitch US editors, none of whom is biting yet. Hollywood screenwriter and director and publish things in American or British Naturally, I’ve always kept a part-time Marc Cushman, author of the award- literary magazines or online portals, but job in addition to writing; my two-day- winning These Are The Voyages series, that was maybe once every six months. a-week job in a co-op building kept me wrote: “Congratulations Professor Now that I had more time, and looked working through the pandemic and paid Thompson on becoming Korea’s first for part-time jobs only, I could pitch and the rent when the writing dried up. Star Trek professor. Keep up the good write more seriously. And my third book will be out later this work – I know Gene Roddenberry would And since 2010, that’s what I’ve been year. Oh, did I mention? I’m on my third approve!” doing. I began to specialize in music book. My first two books were fiction, Additionally, the renowned television and literary journalism and criticism – and this one will be my first collection icon Ralph Senensky, director of six Star and this was the last decade of the arts of essays. I’ll be combining personal, Trek episodes, opined “You, Professor journalism in Canadian media, now all political and historical. If you are Thompson, in your Ethics of Star Trek but gone from the dailies, magazines interested in my writing or would Course, have taken a major step to and the CBC. Canadian freelancers do like to get in touch, drop by restore Gene Roddenberry’s vision benefit from the vast US media eco- www.lydiaperovic.com, or find my Long to its original course… Continue your system: most online and print outlets in Play newsletter on Substack. I’m also on pioneering, trailblazing undertaking. US take pitches, and nobody cares where Twitter but trying to quit. For years now. We praise and thank you and I’m sure you’re pitching from. The Canadian Gene Roddenberry is smiling down culture media I found more closed but ROGER on you…” not impermeable. Editors change! And THOMPSON (MA Finally, Thompson’s former supervisor, those who ignored you will be replaced 1994) is being Dr. Lee Hyeran, wrote “I have worked by someone who may be thrilled by your recognized by with Professor Roger Thompson ideas. respected science for several years, and I think he is a Before the pandemic shut down all of fiction VIPs for his remarkable professor. Not only is he a the performing arts, about 80 percent Ethics of Star Trek first-class teacher, with excellent student of my freelance writing income came class at Kyung Hee University in Korea. evaluations, but he is also a world class from writing about performing arts. But According to Mark A. Altman, author of scholar. His books and research papers then two things happened. By the end the bestselling Fifty-Year Mission: The are respected around the world, and he of the decade, by 2020, people who run Complete Uncensored, Unauthorized is a true professor.” Canada’s dailies and magazines decided History of Star Trek books and writer/ Prof. Roger Thompson that Canadians don’t need serious arts producer of the popular movie Free MA FRAS FRSA journalism and criticism. It was phased Enterprise, “Roger Thompson is one of Ethics of the Future: out. Then, to add injury to injury, the the foremost experts on Star Trek in the Analyzing Science Fiction Films pandemic hit. So now I’m writing about world. His class on the ethics of Star Trek Kyung Hee University podcasts, hoping I won’t have to write and insights into the sociological www.startrekprofkorea.com
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? If you wish to share your alumni story in our next issue of the Political Science Annual Newsletter, please reach out to [email protected]
28 NOTABLE POLI FACULTY AND STUDENT NEWS STORIES AND BLOGS
Tari Ajadi, POLI Doctoral Candidate Dr. Kiran Banerjee GRAD PROFILE: MILITARY TO CIVILIAN, ADVOCATE PLEASED HALIFAX COUN- DALHOUSIE TEAM OF CANADA SKEPTIC TO SCHOLAR - Political CIL CHANGED TACK ON ARMOURED RESEARCH CHAIRS CONTINUES Science newest undergraduate Noel VEHICLE Noushin Ziafati - June 10, 2020 TO GROW Guscott https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/ Michele Charlton – August 26, 2020 Genevieve MacIntyre - May 25, 2020 news/provincial/advocate-pleased-hali- https://www.dal.ca/news/2020/08/26/ https://www.dal.ca/news/2020/05/25/ fax-council-reconsidered-purchase-of-ar- dalhousie-team-of-canada-research- grad-profile-.html?utm_source=Today@ moured-vehicle-460167/ chairs-continues-to-grow.html Dal&utm_medium=email&utm_cam- paign=dalnews Tari Ajadi, POLI Doctoral Candidate Dr. Brian Bow THE TWO PANDEMICS OF ANIT-BLACK talks about how the outcome of the Dr. Scott Pruysers RACISM AND COVID-19 ARE TIED TO- US presidential election could impact ASK AN EXPERT: SCOTT PRUYSERS ON GETHER written with Debra Thompson, Canada. NOVA SCOTIA’S NEW PREMIER AND Associate Professor of Political Science Matt Reeder - October 23, 2020 THE CHALLENGES HE’S NAVIGATING and Canada Research Chair in Racial In- https://www.dal.ca/news/2020/10/23/ Stefanie Wilson - March 2, 2021 equality in Democratic Societies at Mc- ask-an-expert--political-scientist-brian- https://www.dal.ca/news/2021/03/02/ Gill University bow-on-how-the-outcome-.html?utm_ ask-an-expert--scott-pruysers-on-nova- Special to the Globe and Mail – source=Today@Dal&utm_medium=e- scotia-s-new-premier-and-t.html?utm_ May 22, 2021 https://www.the- mail&utm_campaign=dalnews source=Today@Dal&utm_medium=e- globeandmail.com/opinion/ mail&utm_campaign=dalnews article-the-two-pandemics-of-an- Grant Curtis, POLI Doctoral Candidate ti-black-racism-and-covid-19-are-tied-to- OpenThink Blog – Empowering PhD Dr. Ruben Zaiotti gether/?fbclid=IwAR31CL9QuwZqy- students to engage the world ASK AN EXPERT: POLITICAL SCIENC- j3QtkPImgiyI3pkNp77D-D20mVJ7liD- https://blogs.dal.ca/openthink/author/ TIST RUBEN ZAIOTTI ON THE PROS 8vx49uA-GPQ845E grant-curtis/ AND CONS OF THE ‘ATLANTIC BUBBLE’ Matt Reeder – September 18, 2020 Ben Andrews, MA (2020) Dr. Katherine Fierbeck https://www.dal.ca/news/2020/09/18/ Nova Scotia’s population is growing, SAFE ASSURED: POSITIONING ask-an-expert--political-scientist-ru- thanks in part to pandemic migrants NOVA SCOTIA AS THE NORTH ben-zaiotti-on-the-pros-and.html?utm_ Ben Andrews - Special to National Post - AMERICAN LEADER IN COMMUNITY source=dalnewsWeekly&utm_medi- March 30, 2021 PHARMACY SAFETY um=email&utm_content=400&utm_ https://nationalpost.com/news/cana- Erin Elaine Casey - April 16, 2020 campaign=dalnewsWeekly da/nova-scotias-population-is-growing- https://www.dal.ca/news/2020/04/16/ thanks-to-pandemic-migrants-and-to-lo- safe-assured--positioning-nova-scotia- cals-staying-put as-the-north-american-lead.html
Dr. Larissa Atkison Dr. Katherine Fierlbeck PANDEMIC POLITICS: COURSE EX- Public Health on life support: PLORES THE IMPLICATIONS OF OUR underfunded and underappreciated MOMENT Yvette D’Entremont - March 2, 2021 - Genevieve MacIntyre – September 17, 2020 https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/prov- https://www.dal.ca/news/2020/09/17/ ince-house/public-health-on-life-sup- pandemic-politics--course-explores-the- port-underfunded-and-underappreciat- implications-of-our-momen.html?utm_ ed/ source=dalnewsWeekly&utm_medi- um=email&utm_content=400&utm_ campaign=dalnewsWeekly
29 | POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS DALHOUSIE POLITICAL SCIENCE (WITH THE CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT) offers an excellent undergraduate program (with Honours option) and graduate programs (MA and PhD) in a collegial, small department. Our professors are known internationally for their outstanding research. We offer a congenial social environment, enhanced by the entertainment and environmental amenities of the City of Halifax. We offer courses and degree programs in four sub-fields:
• Canadian Government and Politics • International Relations and Foreign Policy • Comparative Politics • Political Theory
Financial Aid: Full-time MA and PhD Students are eligible for prestigious prizes, awards, and scholarships. These include the Glyn R. Berry Memorial Scholarship in International Policy Studies, Killam Memorial Scholarship, Margaret Meagher Fellowship in Political Science, Keens-Morden Scholarship, Timothy Shaw and Jane Parpart Scholarship, and other Graduate Scholarships and Teaching Assistantships.
POLI NEWS is published annually by Dalhousie’s Department of Political Science in cooperation with FASS Alumni Relations.
Editors Dr. David Black, Department Chair Tracy Powell, Administrative Assistant 902.494.2396 [email protected]
FASS Alumni and Donor Relations Officer Janet Dyson 902.494.6951 | [email protected]
FASS Manager of Student Recruitment, Communications and Marketing Genevieve MacIntyre 902.494.6288 | [email protected]
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you have an interesting story to share? Know of a former classmate who is doing something exciting and newsworthy? Email us at: [email protected]
photo: Dr. Katherine Fierlbeck
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