Thomas Ambrosio, professor of political science, has been selected to present the 57th Faculty Lecture, which is considered one of NDSU’s most prestigious honors. The talk, titled “A New, New World Order: America’s Challenges in a Post-American International System,” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union’s Plains room.
“The award is a great honor because it recognizes achievements in all three areas of a faculty member’s job: teaching, research and service. I have made a strong commitment to excellence in both teaching and research,” Ambrosio said. “I also have sought to inform our local community through numerous media interviews and talks on international topics – including a weekly, half-hour guest spot on the Mike McFeely show. Being recognized in this way is indicative of the fact that faculty members cannot focus on just one activity, but must endeavor to integrate these together whenever possible.”
In his lecture, Ambrosio will examine the changes in the international system caused by the relative decline of the United States and the rise of Russia and China. He suggests that will make the world more chaotic and American foreign policy increasingly complicated and difficult.
"My topic is taken directly from one of my favorite courses to teach, International Politics, and focuses the transition we are now witnessing in the international system," Ambrosio explained. "I grew up during the Cold War and saw the world fundamentally change as I was going to college when the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union collapsed. It was supposed to be a 'new world order'. My students are now living in a similar period of profound change as the world again transforms itself into one which is far more complicated, complex and increasingly difficult for America to achieve its goals – a new, new world order, if you will. I love helping students understand the how and why this is happening, and figure out where it might be going."
Nominator Jeffrey Bumgarner, head of criminal justice and political science, praised Ambrosio’s outstanding contributions as a teacher and researcher. He also noted Ambrosio frequent interviews for print media, radio and television throughout the region, across the country and around the world.
Ambrosio’s research interests include international relations, Russian foreign policy and the stability of authoritarian regimes. During his career, he has presented or been a panel chair or respondent more than 50 times both in the United States and abroad. He has written three books, edited two volumes, and published 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and four book chapters.
In addition, Ambrosio has served on more than 30 system, university, college and department committees. He also was the faculty adviser for NDSU’s award-winning Model United Nations Club.
“Dr. Ambrosio embodies the ideal NDSU teacher-scholar,” concluded Bumgarner. “His distinguished record across all three areas of faculty life make him a most fitting candidate for the Faculty Lectureship Award.”
Ambrosio joined the NDSU faculty in 2000. In 2007, he received the Outstanding Research Award for the NDSU College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Blue Key’s Distinguished Educator Award, and was named the college’s Outstanding Educator in 2011. He also was honored with the college’s 2016 Outstanding Service Award.
He earned his bachelor’s degree at Trenton State College, New Jersey; and master’s degree and doctorate in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia.
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