Rodger A. Payne

Rodger A. Payne is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Louisville, affiliated with the College of Arts & Science. His research focuses on American foreign policy, global environmental politics, international security, and the intersection of politics with popular culture. Payne holds a PhD from the University of Maryland (1989), alongside MA and BGS degrees from other institutions.

Research Interests:

• Threat construction in international security
• Narrative analysis in international relations
• Climate change politics and policy
• Critical theory applications in security studies
• U.S. foreign policy under Trump and its global implications

Key Publications Trends: Payne’s recent work critiques the 'America First' agenda’s impact on human rights and international relations. His analyses often combine film studies with political theory, exploring how satire and narrative shape global politics. Notable themes include climate change communication, nuclear strategy critiques, and the erosion of multilateralism.

Awards:

• Founders Award (Sustainability Council, 2023)
• Distinguished Faculty Award for Service (2021)
• Fulbright Canada Research Chair (2018)
• SSRC-MacArthur Dissertation Fellowship (1987-89)

Grants & Leadership: Payne directed the Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order (1994–2011) and chaired the Political Science Department (2009–2017). He has secured grants for projects on climate science communication and environmental security framing. His research extends to international institutions like Harvard’s Belfer Center and Stanford’s CISAC.

Labs/Teams: Involved in interdisciplinary initiatives on fossil fuel governance (SUS-POL program) and global environmental politics. Collaborates with think tanks and policy institutes on climate change and security dynamics.