Political science roundtable explores what makes for good governance
The University of Maine Alumni Association and the UMaine Department of Political Science will co-host a virtual roundtable discussion with political scientists and policy experts exploring the makings of effective governing at 3:30 p.m. March 15.
The event, “What Makes for Good Governance?” honors political science professor Jim Warhola, who retired in 2020 after 37 years at UMaine.
The first wave of COVID-19 in spring 2020 made a traditional retirement celebration for Warhola impossible. Invited to reflect on how he would like his career to be commemorated, Warhola turned his attention to the recurring questions that animated his illustrious career: What makes for good governance? How is tyranny recognized and avoided? How does democracy flourish? And how can modern governments get along with each other?
Generations of UMaine students know Warhola as an inspiring and caring professor who taught courses on the politics of the Soviet Union and Russia, Eurasia and Africa, as well as Medieval political theory and the role of religion in politics. His research contributed in a significant way to the understanding of these regions.
“We asked Jim how he would like to celebrate his extraordinary career,” says Amy Fried, chair of the UMaine Department of Political Science. “He responded that he wanted to discuss a very important question about good governance, which is such a powerful illustration of his continued commitment to understanding politics and political systems.”
Warhola will be joined for the discussion by colleagues from the Department of Political Science and the School of Policy and International Affairs, including assistant professor Robert Ballingall, associate professor Robert Glover, associate professor Kristin Vekasi, adjunct professor and Libra Professor of international relations Seth Singleton, and Fried. Also joining the conversation will be Thomas Remington, Goodrich C. White Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Emory University and visiting professor on Government at Harvard University.
Visit the UMaine Alumni Association to register for this Zoom event. The session is free, but attendance is limited to 500.