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American University School of Public Affairs

The School of Public Affairs at American University has a storied legacy that informs our values and approach.

In 1934, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt began implementing New Deal programs that sought to increase “practical contacts between the collegiate and educational world, and the operations of government.” He believed that the collaboration of academia and public service would result in better decision-making, not only for Depression-era American, but also for future generations to come. From FDR’s vision, American University’s School of Public Affairs was born.

Over the last 80+ years, SPA has cultivated a culture of excellence. Our personalized teaching and experiential education transform the student experience. We empower those who seek knowledge to conduct and produce research. And we promote engagement to build a bridge between academic thought and policy planning - inspiring change in the world.

Today, with 1,800 current students and 23,000+ alumni, SPA continues to tackle complex issues with thoughtful research that educates, informs, and promotes change across a multitude of fields.

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Displaying 61 - 80 of 81 articles

Adios Raúl, hola Miguel. smael Francisco/Courtesy of Cubadebate/Handout via Reuters

Cuba’s getting a new president

Miguel Díaz-Canel, a 57-year-old engineer and Communist Party loyalist, is expected to succeed Raúl Castro as president of Cuba. Will change bring prosperity or instability to the Cuban people?
What will it take to finish polio off in the last three countries where it persists? AP Photo/B.K. Bangash

Inching closer to a world without polio

Pakistan had only eight new diagnoses of polio in 2017. The virus’ days look numbered – but health workers have their work cut out for them to eradicate the devastating disease once and for all.
Violeta Chamorro President of Nicaragua meets with former President Bush in the Oval Office at the White House in 1992. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Washington has meddled in elections before

Decades ago, the CIA created a secret department dedicated to spreading anti-communist propaganda around the globe. A scholar explains how it is comparable to Russian meddling through social media.
The Capitol is lit up at dawn on Nov. 30, 2017 as Senate Republicans work to pass their sweeping tax bill. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The GOP tax plan, state and local taxes deductions – and you

If you own property and make less than US$200,000, the Republican tax overhaul is likely going to eliminate a tax deduction you use.
Protesters shout their disapproval of the Republican tax bill on Nov. 28, 2017. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The GOP doesn’t care if you like its tax plan. Here’s why

If Republicans don’t cut taxes on the wealthy when they have control of both houses of Congress and the presidency, what do they live for?
A family waves the flag of Chad’s ruling party. Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde

Why would the Trump administration ban travel from Chad?

Evidence doesn’t support the Trump administration’s claims that Chad failed to share information or that its citizens are an identifiable threat.
The US Embassy in Havana is now more crime scene than diplomatic center as both countries look into the mysterious illnesses suffered by Foreign Service officers there. AP Photo/Desmond Boylan

Is Trump using ‘health attacks’ on US diplomats in Havana as an excuse to punish Cuba?

After a baffling, silent attack on US Embassy staff in Havana, the Trump administration is using concern over its diplomats’ health as an excuse to reverse Obama’s rapprochement with Cuba.
States like Ohio could lose billions of dollars in federal funds if the ACA is repealed. AP Photo/Tony Dejak

State budgets hang in the balance as future of ACA uncertain

As states begin to plan budgets, the future of Obamacare is still undecided. A former Ohio state senator explains how budget directors are bracing for billions of dollars in shortfalls.
GOP Senate Judiciary Committee members after voting in favor of sending Gorsuch to the full Senate for confirmation. Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Should Americans fear the ‘nuclear option’ in Congress?

GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have pushed Gorsuch’s nomination onto the full Senate. Both the Republicans and Democrats are getting ready for a fight.

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