Professor of Political Science Robert Kraynak has been named an academic fellow by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), a non-partisan policy institute based in Washington, D. C. He will travel with a group of 30 American professors to Israel in June 2013 for an intensive study of terrorism and the challenges faced by Western democracies in defeating the international terrorist threat.
The FDD academic fellows program sponsors a 10-day learning experience for U.S. professors and research professionals to provide them with the latest knowledge about strategies for dealing with terrorism.
The 2013 program will be conducted June 15-26 at Tel Aviv University. It features lectures by academic specialists, military and intelligence officials, as well as diplomats from Israel, Jordan, India, and the United States.
It also includes “hands-on experience” through visits to police, customs, and immigration facilities, military bases, and border zones to learn the practical challenges of deterring and defeating terrorism.
Kraynak has taught courses in political theory and American government for more than 30 years at IJʿ and directs the Center for Freedom and Western Civilization. He recently led the IJʿ Washington D.C. Study Group.
“I am excited about this unique opportunity to participate in courses and field excursions in Israel and to learn lessons about the challenges that all democracies face in dealing with international terrorism,” said Kraynak. “Certainly, we have been reminded of the importance of these subjects by recent events in the United States and around the world, and we need to learn the special challenges that democratic societies face in dealing with threats to their security.
“I hope to share the knowledge I gain with my students and colleagues when I return home and when I plan courses and events at IJʿ. It will be an invaluable learning experience.”
For more information on the academic fellows program, contact Kraynak at rkraynak@colgate.edu or Dana Murphy, of the FDD, at 202-207-0190.