Political Science Professor Daniel Deudney is a man of two worlds. Internationally renowned for his research, he is equally popular on campus for his enlightening courses. Deudney, a 1975 Yale University graduate who received his doctorate from Princeton University in 1989, has had an exceptional amount of hands-on experience. He spent three years as legislative director for former Sen. John Durkin (D-N.H.) and another three years at the Worldwatch Institute, a public policy institution in Washington, D.C. that, according to its mission statement, is "dedicated to fostering the evolution of an environmentally sustainable society." He has also done consulting for such federal government organizations as the State and Defense departments, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency. During his junior year at Yale, Deudney, who double majored in Philosophy and Political Science, began taking a great interest in "world political theory," one of the two research areas he now pursues. Specializing in international relations and environmental politics, Deudney currently teaches such popular political science courses as Political Science 150: "International Relations Theory" and Political Science 154: "Politics of the Global Environment," both of which draw several hundred students. This semester he is also teaching a seminar on republicanism. Bill Grimaldi, a College sophomore enrolled in the international relations course, praised Deudney's daily outlines and articulate speech. "The class is very clear to understand," he said. "Everything is in outline form so there is no confusion in the class whatsoever." In recognition of his teaching talents, Deudney, the Bers Assistant Professor of the Social Sciences, received the Lindback Award in April 1996. And the popularity of his courses continues to grow. There are 374 students registered this semester for Political Science 150, compared to 325 in last year's class, he said, adding that his spring-semester lecture, "Politics of the Global Environment," will be "capped at 250 students." The courses allow Deudney to share and advance his knowledge of world political theory, which he believes is both important and practical in dealing with the major problems of global governance and governance of science and technology. "The issues of weapons of mass destruction and the global environment are particularly important because they call into question our fundamental survival," Deudney said. "And this is the traditional distinction between international and domestic politics." Such issues have greatly influenced Deudney's numerous research endeavors. In his article, "The Philadelphian System," published in 1995 in International Organization, Deudney re-interprets the American founding by applying it to international politics. The piece earned him the American Political Science Association's Best Article in History and Politics award for that year. Deudney also currently has six books in progress. One of them, American System, is being co-authored with Political Science Professor John Ikenberry. Commenting on Deudney's political talents, Ikenberry said, "He has one of the most original and powerful minds in the field."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
