Political science is the study of constitutions, law, and government, at the local, national, and international levels, and of those things that influence the exercise of political power, such as individual interests and attitudes, norms, institutions, and culture.
On Wednesday, March 11, faculty, staff, and graduate students attended the second Inklings gathering of the Spring 2026 semester. At it, the department’s Dr. Franziska Newell gave a presentation titled “Politics of Restitution: How European States Atone for Colonial Plunder” for over 15 attendees. The presentation examined how European governments are responding to growing calls from formerly colonized countries to return cultural, spiritual, and historical artifacts held in Western museums.
Dr. Newell explored the political challenges surrounding restitution and why it has only recently begun to appear on the policy agendas of many European states. Rather than being driven by binding international rules, she explained, restitution efforts often emerge through policy convergence as governments respond to actions taken by other states.
Following the presentation, discussion focused on the economic incentives that museums and Western states may have to maintain heritage collections from colonized states and how geography/political stability contributed to the likelihood a state will request the return of cultural artifacts.
Dr. Franziska Boehme Newell joined Texas State University in Fall 2019 and became an associate professor in 2025. Her research and teaching concentrate on international law and human rights with a substantive focus on international criminal law, international courts, and memory politics. Her book, State Behavior and the International Criminal Court: Between Resistance and Cooperation, was published by Routledge in 2022.
The original Inklings consisted of a small group of intellectuals (whose ranks included J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis) who met weekly at Oxford University to read aloud and discuss their works in a spirit of fellowship and civil conversation. In the spirit of these Inklings, the Department of Political Science at Texas State University has held similar gatherings for more than two decades. Meeting monthly, TXST Inklings participants discuss research, exchange ideas, and address a wide variety of issues reflecting diverse interests.
For more information on the series, please contact Dr. Arnold Leder at al04@txstate.edu.
On Tuesday, March 10, Discourse in Democracy sponsored a talk by Dr. Tom Doyle, a professor in the Department of Political Science, on “The Expiration of the New START Agreement: From Nuclear Arms Control to Competitive Risk Taking in the Global Nuclear Order.” Around 70 students, faculty, and staff attended the presentation.
Dr. Doyle opened by establishing that the original motivations for arms control included the experience of WWII, the cost of continuing arms races, and the effects of extensive nuclear testing during the Cold War Era. He then asserted that history has shown nuclear deterrence does not incentivize restraint in arms racing. Unlike deterrence, nuclear arms controls are effective in improving conditions because they make scenarios clear and contractual. They incentivize de-escalation and build trust between countries, even if they are enemies.
The expiration of the New START treaty, according to Dr. Doyle, may be marked by increased efforts for nuclear states to modernize, for non-nuclear states to develop nuclear weapons, and for a return to nuclear testing. The end of this treaty makes “future restraint via treaty very unlikely.”
The interactive presentation included the use of NukeMap to model nuclear attacks on San Antonio, TX. Dr. Doyle also showed videos that depicted the history of nuclear testing across the globe and the most likely scenario for Russian/American nuclear conflict. Discussion questions centered around the location of nuclear testing, the role of trust in nuclear arms control, the existence of laws/regulations related to nuclear arms testing, and the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Discourse in Democracy hosts an annual series of lectures, panels, film showings, and other events featuring prominent scholars, government officials, and community leaders. The events are designed to foster a lively and wide-ranging conversation among students, faculty, and the local community about the nature, foundation, and future of liberal democracy and the practices that sustain it, as well as involvement in public affairs.
On Tuesday, March 10, Supporting Women in Political Science (SWIPS) hosted a meeting celebrating Women’s History Month.
The meeting opened with officers announcing upcoming opportunities and events including scholarships, The University Stars 115th anniversary, the department’s midterm student check-in, and the Bobcat Build event.
Guest speaker Kathryn Thompson then introduced members to Across the Aisle, an organization that provides participants with opportunities to learn, lead, and collaborate on bipartisan solutions to some of the country’s challenges. She also answered student questions and helped outline the timeline for the application process.
The meeting concluded with refreshments and a Herstory trivia game celebrating the contributions of women throughout history.
SWIPS is a nonpartisan women’s organization at Texas State University. This professional education and development organization is dedicated to helping political science majors and other students explore the various aspects of political science, enabling them to pursue their professional and academic interests. SWIPS meets every other Tuesday at 6:00PM in THH 406.
If you’d like to learn more information about this organization, please contact SWIPS President Ashlee Chrisman at edh84@txstate.edu.
On Tuesday, March 3, Pi Sigma Alpha and Supporting Women in Political Science (SWIPS) hosted the Life on Capitol Hill Q&A Panel to give students a chance to learn about internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. The panel featured Fall 2025 D.C. interns Mikaela Kram, Adrian Cornejo, and Ethan Gravis, who shared firsthand insights from their experiences on Capitol Hill.
Kram and Cornejo participated in the U.S. Chancellor’s Capitol Program. Kram interned with a lobbying group working closely with the Texas State University System, while Cornejo served in the office of Congressman Joaquin Castro. Gravis, who received a housing scholarship from the Open Horizon Foundation, interned in the office of Congressman Lloyd Doggett.
The panelists outlined eligibility requirements and application materials before discussing their day-to-day responsibilities. Intern duties ranged from policy research and attending hearings to constituent communication and conducting Capitol tours — one of which led Cornejo to guide an ambassador from Argentina. While responsibilities varied by office, each panelist emphasized the professional growth and unique opportunities the experience provided.
Students asked about competitiveness, standing out in the application process, and safety in Washington, D.C. Gravis encouraged applicants to use interviews to showcase their individuality rather than simply restate their résumés. Panelists also advised students to remain grounded, practice self-advocacy, and maintain perspective in a fast-paced political environment. Despite challenges such as a government shutdown and National Guard presence during their term, all three noted they felt safe, emphasizing common-sense awareness in any major city.
The panel concluded with a powerful reminder: interns belong in the spaces they earn. Kram highlighted the importance of self-respect and confidence, noting that overcoming imposter syndrome was key to fully embracing the opportunity. Overall, the discussion left students encouraged and better prepared to pursue Capitol Hill internships through both the U.S. Chancellor’s Capitol Program and the Open Horizon Foundation.
Please find more information about the U.S. Chancellor’s Capitol Internship here or about the Open Horizon Foundation here.
On Tuesday, February 24, Supporting Women in Political Science (SWIPS) welcomed 17 members for a professional panel featuring six leaders from across the region.
After brief introductions, panelists shared insights into their career paths and the challenges they faced, as well as offering advice for students pursuing public service and legal careers. Officers then facilitated a Q&A session, followed by time for individual networking.
The panelists were:
Dr. Helen Lowman, Professor of Practice in the Department of Political Science
Anthony Hipolito, Sheriff of Hays County
Jane Hughson, Mayor of San Marcos
Dr. David Levy, Assistant Professor in the Graduate Legal Studies Program at Texas State
Amanda Rodriguez, San Marcos City Council Member
Michelle Cohen, Hays County Commissioner
Afterwards, SWIPS’ Secretary Benedict Kazi described the meeting as “an absolute success. Our officers are looking forward to hosting more engaging meetings and events throughout the semester.”
SWIPS is a nonpartisan women’s organization at Texas State University. This professional education and development organization is dedicated to helping political science majors and other students explore the various aspects of political science, enabling them to pursue their professional and academic interests. SWIPS meets every other Tuesday at 6:00PM in THH 406.
If you’d like to learn more information about this organization, please contact SWIPS President Ashlee Chrisman at edh84@txstate.edu.
On the morning of Wednesday, February 25, Laura Rice of The Texas Standard interviewed the department’s Dr. Lauren Rowlands and Joseph Morton, D.C. Bureau reporter for the Dallas Morning News, to discuss President Trump’s State of the Union (SOTU) delivered the night before.
Dr. Rowlands framed the SOTU not just as a policy speech but as a political narrative meant to shape public perception. “This State of the Union was less about laying out new policy ideas… [and more about] the same themes resurfacing in different keys.” She shared that the speech is carefully crafted messaging, not just an annual report, and it reaches several audiences simultaneously: members of Congress in the chamber, the American public watching nationally, political opponents, and international audiences.
The group also discussed how the spectacle of the speech helps reinforce the president’s political message, with visuals that bolster political narratives and create memorable media moments. Applause, standing ovations, invited guests in the gallery, and party reactions all shape the audience’s perception of the event.
The State of the Union can also signal which issues the president plans to prioritize moving forward. However, Rowlands said the speech does not necessarily translate directly into legislative action but instead helps set the tone for policy debates in Washington. She added that visible partisan reactions during the address are now a common feature of the event, reflecting the broader polarization in Congress and in national politics that exists today.
You can listen to the interview through The Texas Standardhere.
The Department of Political Science houses two academic journals, an international mediation newsletter, and two program magazines - Political Science's Alumni NewsWire and Public Administration's Public Matters.
