Andrew Barnes, Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Political Science at Kent State University

Dear Colleagues:

The U.S. presidential election is settling into a new phase, with both nominees known but the result extremely uncertain. The French presidential election is coming soon, with the uncertainty that follows from none of the candidates being real popular (which may sound familiar) and a two-stage election process. But the third of the big elections of 2012 has already occurred. Vladimir Putin was elected President of Russia in voting on March 4, with a reported 64% of the vote.

This was not a surprise. For many reasons there was no strong opposition party, or candidate. But there is a lot of dissatisfaction with the current Russian regime, as shown both in December’s parliamentary elections and in local government elections that have taken place over the past month. Putin has ruled as either President or Prime Minister for the past twelve years. What are the prospects for this regime going forward, and for the Russian nation?

Very best regards,
Joe White
Luxenberg Family Professor of Public Policy and Director, Center for Policy Studies

About Our Guest…

Andrew Barnes is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kent State University. He received his Ph.D. from Princeton University and taught courses at Georgetown University and the University of Miami (FL) before moving to Kent. His research interests include post-communist politics and economics, the international political economy of oil, and links between markets and democracy. He has published articles in Comparative Politics, Comparative Political Studies, Post-Soviet Affairs, East European Politics and Societies, and Europe-Asia Studies, among other outlets. His book, Owning Russia: The Struggle over Factories, Farms, and Power, was published in 2006 by Cornell University Press.

Where We Meet

The Friday Public Affairs Lunch convene each Friday when classes are in session in the Dampeer Room of Kelvin Smith Library from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. The Dampeer Room is on the second floor of the library. If you get off the elevators, turn right, pass the first bank of tables, and turn right again. Occasionally we need to use a different room; that will always be announced in the weekly e-mails.

Parking Possibilities

The most convenient parking is the lot underneath Severance Hall. We regret that it is not free. From that lot there is an elevator up to street level (labeled as for the Thwing Center); it is less than 50 yards from that exit to the library entrance. You can get from the Severance garage to the library without going outside. Near the entry gates – just to the right if you were driving out – there is a door into a corridor. Walk down the corridor and there will be another door. Beyond that door you’ll find the entrance to an elevator which goes up to an entrance right inside the doors to Kelvin Smith Library.

Friday Lunch Upcoming Topics and Speakers:

April 20: TBA

April 27: Obama and Alinsky, or: What Happens When a President Thinks Like a Community Organizer. Justin Vaughn, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Cleveland State University