Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment

College of Humanities and Sciences

Expert Analysis

An image of the Ukrainian president with his hand over his heart standing in formation with soldiers

How the 2024 election will affect the war in Ukraine

Oct. 7, 2024

The outcome of next month’s U.S. presidential election will be pivotal in shaping not only the course of the war in Ukraine, but the future of democracy around the globe.

VCU students have been active with voter outreach efforts. (Contributed photo)

With a growing footprint, VCU Votes makes the case for student civic engagement

Oct. 7, 2024

This week’s National Voter Education Week features several on-campus events designed to increase awareness among student voters.

Vice presidential candidates typically have little impact on the outcome of elections, according to two VCU professors. (Getty Images)

For vice presidential nominees and their debates, interest will likely exceed impact

Sept. 30, 2024

VCU political analysts Amanda Wintersieck and John Aughenbaugh offer insight into what history tells us about presidential running mates.

Elections can be particularly anxiety-inducing for young people, according to a VCU expert. (Getty Images)

Got election anxiety? Here’s what to know about the causes – and how to cope

Sept. 23, 2024

VCU psychology professor Michael Southam-Gerow shares insight about change and managing emotions.

Students, faculty and staff at VCU are leading an array of efforts to help get people to the polls this year. (Getty Images)

This week’s National Voter Registration Day is a rallying point for student engagement

Sept. 17, 2024

VCU promotes student voting in a number of ways, and political science professor Amanda Wintersieck offers insight into how young voters are – and aren’t – engaging in the electoral landscape.

A dry river bed in California

It’s getting hot in here, will either Presidential campaign deliver on climate action?

Sept. 5, 2024

With record heat (yet again) this past year, the next President will play a pivotal rule in either helping or hurting the long-term viability of life on Earth.

US Mexico border crossing apprehension

Demystifying the Border Crisis

Aug. 28, 2024

The flashpoint of today’s immigration debates is the southern border of the US. But immigration is not only – or even mostly – a border phenomenon.

The Chinese flag laying next to the American flag

Presidential decision-making and China

Aug. 14, 2024

In a season of partisan argument, there is at least one policy area where a consensus can be found: The potential rivalry with China is the most serious foreign policy challenge facing the US in the 21st century.

A row of flags from different countries lined up against a wall

How is foreign policy shaping the 2024 presidential campaign?

Aug. 6, 2024

Foreign policy may not be the first issue that most voters think of when casting their ballot, but the president’s role as Commander in Chief is deeply consequential for the United States’ standing in the world.

Text against a black and red background that reads, On the Brink: Political violence. Democracy. Election 24. Discussing the historical and political implications of this moment. Presented by VCU's Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment.

On the Brink: Political Violence and the 2024 Presidential Election

Aug. 1, 2024

A discussion featuring expertise from VCU professors Dr. Emilie Raymond, Dr. Jessica Trisko Darden and Dr. Amanda Wintersieck, and moderated by Dr. Alex Keena.