Thomas Rotnem

Dr. Thomas Rotnem is a Professor of Political Science at Kennesaw State University's Department of Political Science & International Affairs since 2015. He specializes in comparative politics, international political economy, and Russian studies. His research focuses on democratization, resource curse dynamics, social welfare policies, and Sino-Russian engagement in Northeast Asia.

Education: Dual B.A. in Political Science & International Studies (Ohio University), M.A. Political Science (Ohio University), Ph.D. Political Science (Ohio State University) with a Russian Area Studies Certificate, and an M.B.A. in Finance (Georgia State University).

Research interests include Russian domestic/foreign politics, resource-rich economies, and Arctic geopolitics. Recent work explores Russia’s Arctic interests under Putin and Sino-Russian relations.

Key grants/fellowships: U.S. Department of State, Social Science Research Council, IREX, and the Kennan Institute. Served as a Fulbright Lecturer in Latvia (2010).

Awards: Multiple teaching accolades including SPSU Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Faculty Award (2001, 2010). Currently serves as President of the Georgia Political Science Association (GPSA) and Editor-in-Chief of Questions in Politics.