Luke Heselden: Analyzing the Dynamics of International Politics
After a semester of studying Russia as a rising power in international politics and foreign affairs, Luke Heselden, a political science major, has cautionary advice for the United States regarding its position as a dominant international power. “It is imperative that we are aware that a number of states are vying to challenge the American hegemony,” Luke explains.
Luke has always had a strong interest in the field of international relations and, more specifically, Russian politics. It was no surprise that he chose the rise of the modern Russian state as his research topic. As a result of his research, he has become increasingly aware of the complicated nature of great power politics. Luke believes that his work has opened new doors in this field of study. “I believe my ideas will raise interesting and provocative questions about American foreign policy and the way that we deal with potentially hostile states,” he explains.
Luke’s research also has allowed him to raise awareness about the realities and possibilities of great power politics at the beginning of the 21st century. Luke explains, “The issues that are dealt with in international relations are not just important to members of the foreign policy establishment but also will impact the day-to-day lives of people all over the world.”
Project Title: The Rise of Post-Soviet Russia
Date: Scholarship and Creative Arts Day 2008- Tuesday, April 22
Faculty Mentor: Dr. R. William Ayres
Luke is one of several student scholars from Elizabethtown’s Political Science Department who will present during Scholarship and Creative Arts Day 2008. An overview schedule is available on the Scholarship and Creative Arts Day webpage. A more detailed schedule of this and other events featuring the creativity and scholarship of Elizabethtown students will be available in mid-April.
