News From Watson
News from Watson features research, commentary and analysis from our faculty, staff and students. Learn more about how Watson School scholars confront critical global challenges through their research, teaching and thought leadership.
News From Watson
News from Watson features research, commentary and analysis from our faculty, staff and students. Learn more about how Watson School scholars confront critical global challenges through their research, teaching and thought leadership.
Recent News
In this Q&A, Brown University political scientist and nuclear security expert Reid Pauly shares insights and context on the expanding conflict in the Middle East.
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News from Watson
Celebrating the life and legacy of Mark Garrison
Mark Garrison, the founding director of Brown University's Center for Foreign Policy Development, a precursor to the Watson School, passed away peacefully in Haverford, Pennsylvania, at the age of 95 on January 1, 2026.
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Art at Watson’s exhibition, “Odisha Illuminated: A Celebration of Ritual in a Modern World,” features bold, colorful textiles from the Odisha region of India. It will run through the spring 2026 semester in Stephen Robert '62 Hall.
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As the Watson Policy Mentor Network enters its third year, it has expanded to provide more one-on-one mentoring opportunities for MPA students, as the School continues to facilitate engagement between its students and highly successful public policy practitioners.
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News from Watson
Spring 2026 practitioner-led study groups
These not-for-credit study groups provide an opportunity for students to delve deeply into topics and apply theory and research to real-world challenges. Enrollment in each group is limited to 25 students.
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News from Watson
Watson faculty book contributions in 2025
Watson faculty members published a range of books in 2025 on topics including democratic governance, inflation, global nonprofits, the illicit economy and international security. Their work offers new insight into the political and economic forces shaping today’s world. Explore 2025 titles from Watson scholars below.
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Effective July 1, 2026, Şebnem Kalemli-Özcan will become director of the Watson School’s Rhodes Center for International Economics and Finance, taking over for long-time director Mark Blyth.
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The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Program offers two distinctive programs that enable students to build connections and deepen their MPA experience. The MPA Research Fellows Program emphasizes faculty engagement and hands-on research, while the Equity in Policy Scholars Program stresses interaction with policy practitioners and leadership development.
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In a conversation with Brown President Christina H. Paxson, Rice shared insights on her professional life, the current state of foreign affairs, and the role of universities in American democracy.
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Watson School Military Fellow, Hillery Anderson, a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Air Force, came to the Watson School of International and Public Affairs after serving at the Pentagon to research issues relating to artificial intelligence and education. According to Anderson, the Air Force must prepare now for how AI will impact future recruits to keep pace with China.
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Brown President Christina H. Paxson and Inaugural Dean John N. Friedman joined Milley to celebrate the creation of Brown’s new policy school, affirming its dedication to interdisciplinary scholarship.
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