Your April 2026 reads
In its April 2026 round-up of new books, the Cornellians website features titles by College of Arts and Sciences alumni, including a mystery novel, a book for kids about loss and a peek into the hidden lives of lab animals.
As a government major, you’ll learn how to think and write rigorously and creatively about issues of public life. You’ll have the choice of courses in four subfields: American politics (the political behavior, policies and institutions of the U.S.), comparative politics (the institutions and political processes of other nations), political theory and philosophy (normative theories of politics and history of political thought) and international relations (transactions between states, international organizations and transnational actors).
Academic Resources
Undergraduate Program
Course offerings reflect the breadth of faculty expertise in this exciting and growing discipline, and the study of Government at Cornell trains students with skills that are in high demand in public service, business, law, the non-profit sector, and many other professions. Our introductory courses in American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations introduce students to the major tools and approaches to the study of politics. From there, students apply these tools to understand the many facets of public life, from contemporary political thought to campaigns and elections, public policy, conflict and peace, and beyond. The Department of Government not only offers a major program, but also an honors program and two minors.
Graduate Program
The graduate program in Government at Cornell prepares students for academic and research careers in political science. All students admitted to the program are expected to earn a doctoral degree. Completion of the Ph.D. program normally requires two-to-three years of full-time course work at Cornell and several additional years of dissertation research and writing.
Government News
April 24 event celebrates 20 years of China and Asia-Pacific studies
The College of Arts & Sciences at Cornell University will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Cornell Levinson Program in China and Asia-Pacific Studies – and a new faculty director for the program — at an April 24 symposium on the Ithaca campus.
Israel–Lebanon talks reflect wider U.S. strategy to manage Iran fallout
As ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel prepare to join U.S.- brokered negotiations in Washington, D.C., Averell Schmidt, professor of government in Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences, says a key is that talks are even happening. The U.S. has a strong interest in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, she says.
Alumnus hopes historical lessons boost civic engagement
Cornell University alumnus Fred Rubinstein ’52, LLB ’55 endowed a government professorship to strengthen civic engagement. The Susan August Rubinstein Professorship honors his late wife while supporting teaching and public participation in the College of Arts & Sciences.
‘Built by alumni, sustained by community, driven by purpose’
An anniversary gala will mark the Cornell Black Alumni Association’s 50th anniversary April 24-26 in Washington, D.C. Hosted by alumni of Cornell University, the event honors leading alumni and launches a $1.5 million legacy fund.
Hungary’s EU rift driven more by Orbán than voters
Hungary’s growing rift with the EU, at issue in April 12 parliamentary elections, reflects Viktor Orbán’s strategy more than voter sentiment, says Cornell University government professor Bryn Rosenfeld. She says Hungarian Euroskepticism followed Orbán’s attacks on Brussels.
Taiwan’s opposition leader visits Nanjing, but US and China call the shots
As Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun visits China urging reconciliation, the U.S. and China dominate real cross-strait decisions, says Cornell University government scholar Allen Carlson. He calls the Kuomintang trip “political theater,” with Washington and Beijing holding Taiwan’s future.
April 23 event explores death penalty in America
Cornell’s College of Arts & Sciences hosts a screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “I Am Ready, Warden” on April 23, 5 p.m. The film’s co-producer, journalist Keri Blakinger ’14, and faculty experts will discuss death penalty impacts.