The Political Realm: Journal of Undergraduate Research in Political Science and International Relations
About This Journal
The Political Realm, the journal of SUNY Geneseo’s Department of Political Science and International Relations, was first published in print during the 1991-1992 academic year. The journal was pioneered by the department chair at the time, Alan Shank, and student Michael Cairo ’92, and was established to recognize outstanding student work. Each article was nominated by a professor, and the articles represent the best efforts of undergraduate students to produce exemplary scholarship. The articles cover a broad range of subjects and take up a number of important political questions in American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Occasionally, the journal is produced with editorial support from student members of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honors society for political science majors. By all accounts, the journal has been a great success, providing students with an opportunity to include a published paper on their resumes, gain an understanding of some of the challenges of the publishing world, and learn about the process of peer review.
As the available technologies for word processing and cover design changed and advanced, the journal itself took on a more professional, sharper appearance. For several volumes, the department commissioned Geneseo art students to develop covers for the journal, giving the journal a more dramatic, artistic appearance. In the academic year 2025-2026, with the support of Geneseo’s Milne Library, the journal transitioned from being published in print to being published online, providing greater visibility and access to the content of the journal.