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Charles Parker is a Professor in the Department of History at Saint Louis University's College of Arts and Sciences. He specializes in early modern European history, focusing on religious belief, global entanglements, and the Dutch Empire. His recent work examines Calvinism's role in Dutch colonial missions. Parker holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota (1993). Education: Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1993 M.A., Auburn University, 1986 B.A., Auburn University, 1981 His research explores how religious identity shaped global interactions, particularly through Dutch commercial and missionary activities. Current projects include a book on global Calvinism's impact on the Dutch Empire. He has received prestigious fellowships, including the Felix M. Gilbert Membership at the Institute for Advanced Study (2019–2020). Parker's publications span monographs like Global Calvinism (2022) and Faith on the Margins (2008), and edited volumes such as Religious Diaspora in Early Modern Europe (2013). His articles address themes like religious conversion, colonial missions, and early modern governance. Awards: Eugene A. Hotfelder Professor in the Humanities (2010–2016) NEH Summer Institute co-director (2013) Fulbright Fellowship to the Netherlands (1990–1991) Parker advises in the History department and has contributed to grants like the Spencer Foundation Research Grant (2002). He is affiliated with Saint Louis University's interdisciplinary initiatives in global history and religious studies.

• Early Modern European History
• Religious Studies
• Global History
• +4 more

Thomas Banchoff is Director of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and serves as Vice President for Global Engagement at Georgetown University, where he holds a professorship in both the Department of Government and the Walsh School of Foreign Service. His leadership combines academic scholarship with practical global engagement initiatives that address critical contemporary challenges. Georgetown University: Professor, Department of Government and Walsh School of Foreign Service Berkley Center: Director University Administration: Vice President for Global Engagement Banchoff earned his B.A. from Yale University (1986), M.A. from the University of Bonn (1988), and Ph.D. in Politics from Princeton University (1993). His scholarly development was enriched by prestigious fellowships including Harvard's James Bryant Conant Post-Doctoral Fellowship (1997-1998) and a Humboldt Fellowship at the University of Bonn (2000-2001). His research focuses on ethical and religious dimensions of global politics, with particular expertise in Catholic Social Teaching's application to contemporary challenges. Banchoff's scholarly trajectory evolved from European politics (evidenced by early works like The German Problem Transformed ) to contemporary analyses of religion's role in global governance. His current work emphasizes Pope Francis's "culture of encounter" concept across international relations, education, and interfaith dialogue. Recent scholarship increasingly addresses democratic erosion, AI ethics from religious perspectives, and Jesuit higher education's contribution to global citizenship. Analysis of his publication history reveals thematic progression toward practical applications of religious perspectives to global challenges. His recent work demonstrates engagement with urgent issues including democratic backsliding (as seen in his moderation of the 2025 IAJU Assembly panel on Nicaragua and Lebanon), AI ethics, and interfaith collaboration in conflict zones. DAAD Prize for Distinguished Scholarship in German studies (2003) Banchoff directs the IAJU Global Citizenship Fellows Program, which engages over 2,000 students across 60+ institutions in 20+ countries. His leadership extends to significant initiatives including Catholic Social Teaching and the Global Future of Development, Faith and the Global Agenda, and Religious Pluralism in World Affairs. Upcoming engagements include "Nostra Aetate at 60" (September 2025) and "Pope Francis: A Legacy of Human Fraternity" (August 2025), reflecting the continued relevance of his work at the intersection of religion, politics, and global challenges.

• Ethical and religious issues in world politics
• Catholic Social Teaching
• Religious Pluralism
• +7 more

Peter Mandaville serves as Professor of Government and Politics at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, where he directs the AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies. He concurrently holds senior research fellowships at Georgetown University's Berkley Center and the Atlantic Council's Freedom and Prosperity Center. His prior U.S. government roles include Director of USAID's Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships (2024-2025) and Senior Advisor at the U.S. Institute of Peace (2022-2024). His academic foundation includes degrees from the University of St. Andrews and University of Kent, with additional studies at the American University in Cairo. Mandaville's research centers on religion's geopolitical dimensions, particularly Islam's role in international relations. He examines how states weaponize religious narratives for soft power, analyzes transnational Islamic movements, and investigates U.S. policy frameworks for engaging religious actors. His work bridges theoretical political science with actionable diplomatic strategies, emphasizing religion as both a source of conflict and catalyst for peacebuilding. Recent publications reveal a cohesive trajectory analyzing religious soft power mechanisms across multiple geopolitical contexts. Key patterns include comparative studies of state-sponsored religious export (Russia, India, Saudi Arabia), contestation over religious authority in foreign policy, and the domestic-international nexus in religious diplomacy. His scholarship consistently addresses how religious narratives reshape global power structures beyond traditional civilizational conflict models. Mandaville leads the Strategic Religious Engagement Hub, which operates The Missing Dimension blog analyzing U.S. religious engagement in diplomacy, development, and defense. Through the AbuSulayman Center, he directs research on Muslim societies and global Islamic networks, fostering collaboration between academics, policymakers, and religious actors.

• Religion and International Affairs
• Islam and the Muslim World
• Religious Soft Power
• +4 more

Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and founding director of the Center for Governance and Markets. She also serves as a nonresident scholar in the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Her academic career bridges rigorous scholarly research with practical policy engagement across multiple international institutions. Dr. Murtazashvili's research focuses on self-governance, security, political economy, and public sector reform in the developing world, with particular expertise in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Her work examines the intersection of formal state institutions and customary governance structures, challenging conventional approaches to state-building and democracy promotion. She argues that top-down imposition of centralized governance models often undermines local legitimacy and creates unintended consequences, as documented in her award-winning book Informal Order and the State in Afghanistan . Her recent publications and media commentary analyze evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. She has identified significant shifts in regional power dynamics, with Central Asian states increasingly asserting strategic autonomy while navigating complex relationships with both Russia and China. Best Book Award in Social Sciences by the Central Eurasian Studies Society Honorable mention from the International Development Section of the International Studies Association As president-elect of the Central Eurasian Studies Society and an elected board member of the Section for International and Comparative Public Administration of the American Society of Public Administration, Dr. Murtazashvili has advised numerous international organizations including USAID, the World Bank, the U.S. Department of Defense, UNDP, and UNICEF. Her policy work bridges academic research with practical governance challenges, particularly in post-conflict settings where state capacity intersects with local governance traditions.

• Self-governance
• Security Studies
• Political Economy
• +7 more

Lan T. Chu serves as Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs at Occidental College, where she has held faculty position since 2005. Her office is located in Johnson 205 with regular availability on Tuesdays (11:30 AM-12:45 PM in person/Zoom) and Fridays (9:00-10:00 AM). Her academic credentials include: B.A. and M.A. from New York University Ph.D. from George Washington University Chu's research centers on religion's political dimensions, particularly the Catholic Church's global influence through faith diplomacy and norm entrepreneurship. She examines inter-religious dialogue, ideological frameworks, and democratization processes in communist regimes, with recent work analyzing religious responses to climate change and migration. Her scholarship applies constructivist theory to position religious institutions as transformative actors in international relations. Analysis of her publication history reveals evolving scholarly priorities: early work (2005-2015) focused on church-state dynamics in Vietnam and China, while current research (2022-2025) emphasizes environmental stewardship and citizenship. This trajectory demonstrates increasing engagement with contemporary global crises through religious institutional lenses. Her scholarly recognition includes: Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship Visiting Fellowship at University of Southern California Linda & Tod White Teaching Prize (2022) As Faculty Director for Equity and Justice, Chu leads campus-wide inclusion initiatives while advancing three major book projects: Catholic Church's global policy influence (Routledge), religion and citizenship (Routledge), and Vietnamese religious freedom (Brill Press). Her mentorship in DWA 299 (Qualitative Methods) trains students in research design for political analysis. Chu contributes to international scholarship as Country Expert for Gothenburg's Varieties of Democracy Project (2012-present) and editorial board member of Politics, Groups, and Identities , building academic networks that inform her classroom instruction on ideology and international relations theory.

• Religion and International Relations
• Faith Diplomacy
• Catholic Church and Global Politics
• +3 more

Dr. Ken Conca is a Professor of International Relations at American University’s School of International Service , specializing in global environmental governance , environmental peacebuilding , and water policy . His work bridges climate change adaptation , transboundary water management , and post-conflict recovery . Education : PhD (University of California, Berkeley), MS (University of Wisconsin-Madison), ScB (Brown University) Key Research Areas : Global environmental governance frameworks Water politics and conflict-cooperation dynamics Environmental peacebuilding in war-torn societies UN system’s role in climate and environmental security Scientific Recognition : Grawemeyer Prize, Sprout Award, Chadwick Alger Prize, Al-Moumin Environmental Peacebuilding Award Recent Publications : Focus on climate-water-conflict linkages , flexible governance models , and geoengineering ethics Teaching : Courses on global environmental politics, water governance, and doctoral dissertation advising

• Global Environmental Governance
• Environmental Peacebuilding
• United Nations Environmental Policy
• +7 more

Lawrence C. Reardon is a Professor at the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, University of New Hampshire, specializing in China's political economy, foreign policy, and religious governance. He is also affiliated with Harvard University's Fairbank Center (Research Associate), Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Luce Fellow), and Jinan University (Special Researcher). Education: Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University, M.Phil. in Political Science from Columbia University, M.I.A. from Columbia University, and B.A. in International/Global Studies from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on China's economic development strategies, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the intersection of religion and statecraft. He has published extensively in journals like The China Quarterly and China Business Review , and authored or co-edited influential works such as A Third Way: The Origins of China's Current Economic Development Strategy (2020) and The Catholic Church and the Nation-State (2006). Professor Reardon's teaching at UNH includes courses on Asian foreign policy, international political economy, and the Asian studies minor. His work bridges empirical analysis of Chinese policy with broader theoretical debates on crisis-driven reform and state-building, offering critical insights into China's evolving role in global affairs.

• China's foreign economic policy
• China's domestic policy
• China's religious policies
• +7 more

Cortney Hughes Rinker is a Professor of Global Affairs and Director of the program at George Mason University. She earned her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of California, Irvine, with emphases in Feminist Studies and Medicine, Science, and Technology Studies. Current Research: Palliative Care & Pain Management in Morocco Former Postdoctoral Fellow: Arlington Innovation Center for Health Research, Virginia Tech Editorial Role: Former Editor-in-Chief of Anthropology & Aging Research Interests : Her work bridges medical anthropology, Islamic studies, and policy analysis. Key areas include: Aging and End-of-Life Care Reproductive Health in Morocco Neoliberalism and Development Policy Technology's Role in Religion and Healthcare Gender and Middle East/North Africa Studies Publications & Recognition : Author of two monographs— Islam, Development, and Urban Women’s Reproductive Practices (Routledge, 2013) and Actively Dying (Routledge, 2021). Her dissertation was recognized as a Top 40 North American Dissertation in Cultural Anthropology by AnthroWorks (2010). Teaching & Institutional Leadership : Developed open-access Cultural Anthropology textbook (Virtual Library of Virginia grant) Faculty leader of the Diplomacy Lab partnership with the U.S. Department of State Regularly teaches GLOA 101: Introduction to Global Affairs Designed courses on Ethnographic Methods, Globalization, and Middle East Studies

• Medical Anthropology
• Islam
• Aging and End-of-Life Care
• +5 more

Mark Edwards is a Professor of History and Politics and Chair of the Department at Spring Arbor University in Michigan. He specializes in American religious history, Cold War studies, and the intersection of faith and foreign policy. His research explores evangelical movements, Christian nationalism, and the role of religion in shaping political identities. Edwards holds a Ph.D. in History from Purdue University (2006). Education: Ph.D. in History, Purdue University, 2006 Research Interests: Edwards focuses on the historical dynamics of American Protestantism, Cold War religious diplomacy, and the evolution of Christian nationalism. His work bridges religious studies and political history, examining topics like 20th-century evangelicals' global engagements, anticommunist religious networks, and the cultural impact of figures like Walter Lippmann. Recent projects include analyzing the transnational dimensions of American religious movements and their influence on domestic and international policies. Awards: Fulbright Senior Scholar, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul (2018) Teaching Philosophy: Edwards emphasizes whole-life education, integrating classroom learning with extracurricular engagement. He values mentorship through activities like freshmen retreats, cross-cultural trips, and Model Arab League participation, fostering dialogue between students and faculty beyond traditional academic settings.

• American History
• Religious Studies
• Cold War Studies
• +3 more

Robert Royal is a Visiting Professor and Emeritus St. John Henry Newman Chair in Catholic Studies at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. He holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Brown University and the Catholic University of America. Royal has taught at Brown University, Rhode Island College, and the Catholic University of America. He is the founder and president of the Faith & Reason Institute in Washington, D.C., and Editor-in-Chief of The Catholic Thing. His research focuses on ethics, culture, religion, and politics, with notable works including A Deeper Vision and The Catholic Martyrs of the Twentieth Century . He has received fellowships from the Renaissance Society of America and the Fulbright Program. Royal is also a prolific translator of French, Spanish, and Italian texts, including works by Yves Simon and Roberto Papini. His academic contributions span scholarly books, articles in journals like First Things and Communio , and frequent media appearances discussing religion and public life. Royal’s work bridges intellectual history, religious thought, and contemporary cultural issues, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Catholic intellectual traditions. Education: B.A. and M.A., Brown University Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, Catholic University of America Key Roles: Founder and President, Faith & Reason Institute Editor-in-Chief, The Catholic Thing Former Editor-in-Chief, Prospect Magazine Notable Awards: Renaissance Society of America Fellowship (1977) Fulbright Scholar (1978) Research Interests: Catholic intellectual tradition Ethics and culture Political history and theology Cultural intertextuality His articles and books reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship, engaging with topics ranging from medieval philosophy to modern ethical dilemmas. Royal’s lectures and writings emphasize the role of religion in shaping societal values and addressing contemporary challenges.

• Catholic Studies
• Ethics
• Political History
• +5 more

Dr. Charles Carter is a tenured Associate Professor of History at Shorter University within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. His research spans global historical trends, diplomatic strategies, and religious dynamics in Eastern Europe. Contact: ccarter@shorter.edu Office: 315 Shorter Ave., Rome, Georgia 30165 Phone: (706)-233-7651 Educational Background: Ph.D., Ohio State University (2012) M.A., University of Georgia (2007) B.A., University of Georgia (2003) A.A., South Georgia College (2001) Dr. Carter's research focuses on international diplomatic strategies during the Cold War, religious movements in Eastern Europe , and the evolution of global civilizations . His work analyzes geopolitical alliances, U.S. foreign policy, and the intersection of faith and statecraft in post-Soviet contexts. Publication trends highlight Cold War trade relations, religious expansion challenges, and historical atrocities. Notable themes include U.S.-Soviet diplomatic strategies, Armenian Genocide accountability, and Evangelical Christianity's spread in Russia.

• World History
• International Diplomacy
• Modern European History
• +4 more

Claire Gilbert is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Saint Louis University (SLU), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on Late Medieval and Early Modern Spain, with an emphasis on language contact, multilingualism between Arabic and Romance languages, and the social history of translation. She holds a Ph.D. from UCLA (2014), an M.A. from UCLA (2009), and a B.A. from Stanford University (2004). Her work examines the role of translation in state formation, religious conversion, and cross-cultural exchange. Key projects include In Good Faith: Arabic Translation and Translators in Early Modern Spain (2020) and her edited volume “An Age of Translation” (2021). She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the NEH Summer Institute co-Principle Investigator role (2022–2023) and the SLU Student Government Association Faculty Excellence Award (2023). Prof. Gilbert teaches courses such as Graduate Seminar: Empire and Diplomacy in the Early Modern Hispanic World and Politics of Language . Her research explores how linguistic practices shaped power dynamics, cultural identity, and imperial governance in the Mediterranean. Education: Ph.D., UCLA (2014); M.A., UCLA (2009); B.A., Stanford (2004) Key Projects: Over a dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on translation history, multilingualism, and early modern empires. Grants: NEH Fellowships, SSRC Dissertation Fellowship, and multiple SLU research awards.

• Late Medieval/Early Modern Spain
• Language Contact and Multilingualism
• Social History of Language
• +3 more

Damian J. Smith is a Professor of History at Saint Louis University's College of Arts and Sciences, specializing in Medieval Europe. His expertise spans the Iberian Peninsula (particularly the Crown of Aragon), Papacy (Eugenius III to Gregory X), heresy/inquisition practices before the mid-14th century, and cross-cultural interactions in the Mediterranean World. He teaches courses on Medieval Survey 1100-1500, The Pontificate of Innocent III, and The Medieval Idea of the University. Ph.D. in History, University of Birmingham (1997) M.A. in History, University of London (1991) B.A. in History, University of London (1990) Currently writing a history of James I of Aragon (1213-76) and essays on Catalonia-France medieval treaties for the Institut d’Estudis Catalans. As series editor for Church, Faith and Culture in the Medieval West , he promotes interdisciplinary studies of monastic life, Church-State relations, and textual transmission. His research bridges cultural history, law, and ritual across Latin Christendom. Recent publications analyze papal letters to Iberia, Albigensian Crusade dynamics, and heresy prosecution mechanics. Key themes include papal authority limits, cross-cultural negotiations, and ecclesiastical responses to heterodoxy. Carpenter Fellowship (2019) National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship (2015-16) Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (2005) British Academy Research Grant (2004) Batista i Roca Fellowship (2001-03) Leverhulme Study Abroad Fellowship (1999-2001) Advises Ph.D. candidates such as Joel Cerimele (Saracen imagery in Joachimite tradition) and Judith Nelams (Cecco d’Ascoli’s astrology). Past students include Erin Abraham (Irish penitential literature) and Emily Henry (royal female emotion in Castile). His grants supported research in Spain, France, and medieval manuscript studies.

• Medieval History
• Medieval Mediterranean World
• Papacy Studies
• +6 more

David P. King is the Karen Lake Buttrey Director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy . He joined IU Indianapolis in 2014 after serving as Assistant Professor of Christian History at Memphis Theological Seminary. Education Ph.D. in Historical Studies, Graduate Department of Religion, Emory University Master of Divinity, Summa Cum Laude, Duke Divinity School Bachelor of Arts in History, Summa Cum Laude, Samford University As an American religious historian, King examines 20th/21st century faith communities , focusing on how religious identity shapes faith-based nonprofits in areas like humanitarianism , congregational economics , and global philanthropy . His research combines historical analysis with contemporary interdisciplinary collaborations to build the field of religion and philanthropy. King's publications reveal a focus on Christian humanitarian organizations , child sponsorship evolution , and faith-driven financial practices . His work bridges academic rigor with practical applications through executive training and media engagement. Scientific Awards 25 Most Influential Philanthropic Experts (2016) Forty under 40, Indianapolis Business Journal (2018) Young Scholar in American Religion, Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture (2013-2015) Wabash Center’s Pre-Tenure Theological School Faculty Workshop Sydney E. Mead Prize, American Society of Church History King teaches courses on Religion and Philanthropy and Ethical Perspectives on Philanthropy . With nearly $5 million in grant funding, he co-leads the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices and contributes to major outlets like The Washington Post and NPR .

• Religious Studies
• Philanthropy
• Humanitarianism
• +6 more

Thomas Massaro, S.J., is the Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society and Professor of Moral Theology at Fordham University’s Department of Theology. A Jesuit priest of the East Province, he previously held academic roles at Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Boston College, and the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, serving as Dean there. Awarded the McGinley Chair in 2024, his work centers Catholic social teaching’s application to public policy, social justice, and peacebuilding. His research explores Pope Francis’s moral leadership, globalization ethics, environmental concerns, and the role of conscience in religious participation in public life. Education includes a PhD in Christian Social Ethics from Emory University, STL and MDiv from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and BA from Amherst College. He co-founded Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice and served on Cambridge’s Peace Commission. His 11 books and over 100 articles analyze papal social ethics, economic justice, and faith-based activism. Recent works include Pope Francis as Moral Leader (2023) and Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action (2024). Research interests span the ethics of globalization, spirituality of social justice, and Pope Francis’s contributions to social ethics. His articles critically engage Laudato Si’, papal advocacy for the poor, and Ignatian spirituality. Grants and collaborations include work on Medellín conference legacies and Jesuit approaches to peace.

• Catholic Social Teaching
• Social Justice
• Ethics of Globalization
• +5 more