The TCNJ Department of Political Science’s Politics Forum presents analytical and/or empirical research concerning political power, institutions and choices. Students and faculty from diverse departments join to learn and comment on the presenter’s current research projects, which may be in completed or just in beginning phases. Projects that cross disciplinary boundaries are particularly welcome. Contact Dr. Sarah Chartock (chartock@tcnj.edu) with questions or if you are interested in presenting your work.
Click here to see past presentations.
Spring 2026 Presentations
Politics Forum presents “From Monroe Doctrine to “Don-roe” Doctrine: The Precedents, Politics, and Prospects of the US Intervention in Venezuela” on February 6, 2026 at 12:30 pm in ED 115.
Why did the United States intervene in Venezuela, and why at this moment? Dr. Sarah Chartock (Political Science), Dr. Miriam Shakow (), and Dr. Rob McGreevey (History) will examine the recent U.S. military action in Venezuela in historical context, the conditions inside the country leading up to the intervention, and the political dynamics shaping U.S. decision-making.
Politics Forum presents the NJ Civility Tour with NJ Senators Cryan and Bramnick on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm in Physics 101. Join the conversation with two political veterans, NJ State Senator Joe Cryan (D) and NJ State Senator Jon Bramnick (R), as they vehemently disagree over hot-button topics while remaining friends.
Politics Forum and the International Studies Program are proud to host TCNJ Emeritus Professor Miriam Lowi for a presentation on her new book “Refining the Common Good: Oil, Islam and Politics in Gulf Monarchies” on March 3, 2026 at 3:30 pm in SSB 226.
How has Islam as a set of beliefs and practices shaped the allocation of oil revenues in Arab Gulf monarchies? In turn, how has oil wealth impacted the role of Islamic doctrine in politics? “Refining the Common Good” explores the relationship between Islamic norms and the circulation of oil wealth in Gulf monarchies. The study demonstrates how both oil (revenues) and Islam (as doctrine) are manipulated as tools of state power, and how religious norms are refined for the sake of achieving narrow secular interests. Miriam R. Lowi examines different institutionalized practices financed by hydrocarbon revenues and sanctioned, either implicitly or explicitly, by Islam, and uses evidence from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia to show how these practices are infused with political purpose. The dynamic relationship between oil wealth and Islamic doctrine is exploited to contribute to the management and control of society, and the consolidation of dynastic autocracy.
Fall 2025 Presentations
Celebrate Constitution Day on September 17, 2025 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Social Sciences Building Lawn near Green Hall by handwriting the US Constitution!
Join the TCNJ community to write out the text of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Drop by the SSB Lawn between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to help handwrite the US Constitution and pick up your free pocket Constitution. The final public artwork will be displayed on campus. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in SSB Atrium.
Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The event highlights the importance of civic engagement and the responsibilities we have as citizens.