AU's Political Theory Institute Encourages Political Thought

Fred Turner achieved both his B.A. and his M.A. in political science from American University in Washington, D.C. Since then, he has cultivated a long political career in Washington, and he currently works as chief of staff to U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. Fred Turner also served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Government at American University.

provides undergraduate and graduate degrees focused on a career in politics. These include bachelor’s degrees in political science and interdisciplinary studies; master’s degrees in political science and political communication; and a doctoral degree in political science. The department also encompasses programs and institutes with specialized focuses, such as the Political Theory Institute.

The Political Theory Institute (PTI) concentrates on the study of current political issues and events through a series of lectures, the Janus Forum debates, and the PTI Annual Conference. In the PTI lecture series, notable political theorists speak on political topics. The Janus Forum debates invite intellectuals with opposing opinions to debate often-controversial topics; past debates have focused on hot-button topics such as the origin of gender roles, gay marriage, capitalism, and the causes of poverty. At the PTI Annual Conference, leading experts address a major societal issue and explore theories and solutions.

The Political Theory Institute was founded by associate professor of political theory Alan M. Levine, who serves as director of the institute.

Bob Menendez and Max Schill Support the OPEN Act

Since graduating with a BA and an MA in political science from American University in Washington, DC, Fred Turner has served as Legislative Director for Congresswoman Karen McCarthy, and Chief of Staff for Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, and for the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. In 2014, Fred Turner was appointed as Chief of Staff to US Senator Bob Menendez. The two recently met with Max Schill, a seven-year-old New Jersey resident with Noonan syndrome, to discuss health care innovation.

Noonan syndrome is a rare genetic disease in the RASopathy family of disorders affecting RAS gene proteins. Lisa Schill, Max’s mom, is the vice president of RASopathies Network USA. The mother and son duo have been working to raise awareness of these rare diseases including in support of the 21st Century Cures Act.

Menendez announced at his meeting with Max that he will co-sponsor Congress’ OPEN Act, an aspect of the 21st Century Cures Act, which will make it easier for pharmaceutical companies to research and develop treatments for the 30 million or so Americans like Max who are living with rare diseases.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Fred Turner is an expert in policy making and legislative work who has managed over 50 employees at a time in departments with annual budgets of more than three million dollars. In addition to his current work as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Fred Turner has prior experience that includes time as Chief of Staff for Congressman Alcee L. Hastings as well as working for the U.S Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

During his time with the commission, Mr. Turner was the principal liaison to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its parliamentary assembly. The largest international organization focused on ensuring global security, human rights, and environmental health, OSCE is made up of 57 member countries that all have equal status. The parliamentary assembly is one mechanism that supports OSCE’s work.

Including 397 members and headquartered in Copenhagen, the parliamentary assembly's chief purpose is to provide a mechanism for diplomatic relations and debate, and to ensure cooperation among member countries. Meeting annually, the assembly regularly delivers recommendations on international policy and other advice to the political and operational arms of OSCE.