Jane Curry

Jane Curry is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Santa Clara University's College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University (1979) and maintains a permanent position at the University of Warsaw, Poland, where she teaches democracy and political science. Her research focuses on comparative politics, post-communist states, democratization, media studies, and political activism, including mass protests and electoral processes.

Curry has authored 11 books and 60 articles, including editions of Central and East European Politics. Notable awards include the Faculty Senate Professor Award (2012) and the Award for Excellence in Career Scholarship (2015). Her current projects include a book on Ukraine and Georgia's protest movements (supported by the U.S. Institute of Peace) and leading the Cold War Communications Project with student collaboration.

She has served as Faculty Senate President (2019–20) and held leadership roles in university governance. Curry’s accolades include five Fulbright Awards, including the Inaugural Fulbright Chair in East European Studies, alongside four major research grants. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary political dynamics in Eastern Europe.

Her research emphasizes media’s role in democratization and authoritarian resistance, as seen in works on Polish media policy and the impact of Solidarity-era protests. Curry’s courses include Introduction to Comparative Politics and Politics of Former Communist States, reflecting her commitment to educating future scholars on transitional societies.