معرفی
Brent Nelsen is the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Furman University, where he has taught since 1990. He also serves as the Director of the Tocqueville Center for the Study of Democracy and Society, a position he assumed permanently in February 2024 after serving as interim director starting in April 2023.
His educational background includes:
- B.A., Wheaton College (IL)
- M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nelsen's research primarily focuses on Europe and the European Union, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between religion and politics. He has also made significant contributions to the study of European energy policy, especially regarding petroleum production in the North Sea. More recently, he has turned his attention to the rise of populist parties in Europe. His work often explores how religious identity and confessional culture shape European integration and public attitudes toward the EU.
His recent publications (2020-2023) increasingly address contemporary challenges such as populism, green party politics, and the impact of crises on European integration, while maintaining his foundational interest in religion's role in European politics. This body of work demonstrates a consistent trajectory in European studies, bridging historical analysis with current political developments.
His notable scientific awards include:
- Jane Fishburne Hipp Professorship (2023)
- Knight Mini-Sabbatical from Furman University (1992)
- Fulbright Grant for study in Oslo, Norway (1987)
Nelsen has mentored students through travel-study tours to Europe and has collaborated extensively with colleagues, most notably James L. Guth, on over a dozen co-authored publications. His external service includes leadership roles in professional associations and appointments to public boards, such as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (2013-2016) and the South Carolina Educational Television Commission (2011-2019).
As Director of the Tocqueville Center, he leads initiatives that promote the study of democracy and society, fostering interdisciplinary research and student engagement with democratic principles.
