Department of Political Science

Antecedent Departments

Political Science (1956–1974)
Political Science and Philosophy (1974–1977)
Political Science (1977–Present)

Department Heads 1956–1957 Col John L. Frisbee 1957–1962 Col Wesley W. Posvar 1962–1963 Col William G. McDonald 1963–1964 Maj Brent Scowcroft 1964–1967 Col Posvar 1967–1969 Col Richard F. Rosser 1969–1971 Lt Col Charles R. Coble Jr. 1971–1974 Col Rosser 1974–1977 Col Malham M. Wakin 1977–1980 Col Ervin J. Rokke 1998–1982 Lt Col Curtis Cook 1982–1983 Col Rokke 1983–1984 Lt Col Robert P. Haffa 1984–1990 Col Douglas J. Murray 1990–1992 Col Paul R. Viotti 1992–1994 Col Murray 1994–1996 Col William E. Berry Jr. 1996–2007 Col Murray Fall 2007 Dr Paul J. Bolt 2007–2011 Col Cheryl A. Kearney 2011–2012 Dr Bolt 2012–2016 Col Kearney 2016–2017 Lt Col Joseph Foster 2017– Col Kearney		Permanent Professors Wes Posvar Dick Rosser   Mal Wakin Erv Rokke   Doug Murray Cheryl Kearney

The Department Today:

The department prepares cadets to comprehend domestic and international political events by examining political theories and ideologies, international relations, American politics, international security, defense decision-making, the politics of foreign governments, and political economy. The Political Science major allows cadets to study areas in-depth or to examine a variety of political topics, both domestic and international, that will shape their careers.

Curriculum:

The department offers 33 Political Science courses and supports those in Foreign Area Studies.
    Core Courses: 
         Pol Sci 211. Politics, American Government and National Security
         Pol Sci 302. American Foreign and National Security Policy (Advanced Sociocultural Choice)
         Soc Sci 311. International Security Studies" after Pol Sci 302
    Majors:  Political Science
         Foreign Area Studies (Interdisciplinary)

Noteworthy:

The Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies provides cadets and faculty with unique opportunities to participate in research and policy discussions with senior leaders and experts in the military, civilian government, and private sector from the United States and major space-faring nations. In addition to its founding interest in space policy, the Center examines other frontiers of technology development to include cyber. Its journal, Space and Defense, promotes an ongoing discussion of space and security policy issues. The Academy Assembly and Model UN conferences provide opportunities for cadets to engage with cohorts from around the world. The department sponsors the annual Harry S. Truman lecture series and the Ira C. Eaker Lecture on national defense policy. The department has edited eight editions of the book American Defense Policy and is working on the next edition.