Dr. Michael Kryzanek and (below) his book

Talking Points

Posted on September 22, 2010 - Permalink
Audiences: Alumni Current Students Faculty and Staff HomePage Parents and Visitors Prospective Students Research Trustees

A new book by Dr. Michael Kryzanek, director of global studies and executive director of international engagement, offers a comprehensive look at the "hot-button" issues central to our country's current political discourse.

Debates, Differences and Divisions: The 25 Issues that Shaped American Politics, is published by Pearson Longman Publishing Co. Examples of the topics Dr. Kryzanek tackles include the war on terror, illegal immigration, gay marriage, health care, global warming and gun control. For each issue, Dr. Kryzanek provides a historical overview and outlines the current arguments posed by Democrats and Republicans.

Dr. Kryzanek chose these issues to examine, because they have incited major disagreements that have contributed to the country's current political atmosphere.

"It is important that everyone have a better understanding of how we came to this point in time," he said.

Although the book's issues are hotly-debated across the political spectrum, Dr. Kryzanek said he presents an objective overview.

"I lay it all out so people can decide for themselves what the best solutions are," he said.

Professors may wish to use the book for their classrooms, said Dr. Kryzanek, while students may find it useful when brushing up on political science coursework. Ultimately, he said, the book will attract anyone looking to discover "what is at the center of American politics today."

Dr. Kryzanek's previous books include: "Comparative Politics: A Policy Approach" (2004), "Angry, Bored, and Confused: A Citizen Guide to American Politics" (1999), "U.S. Latin American Relations" (1996), and "Latin America: Change and Challenge" (1995). (Story and photo by Rob Matheson, Office of Institutional Communications)