Leah E. Gilbert
Associate Professor of Political Science and Department Chair
In-person Monday 9:30-10:30, Zoom Thursday 4:00-5:30, or by appointment
Leah Gilbert is an Associate Professor in Political Science at Lewis & Clark College. Her research and teaching interests include civil society, democratization, authoritarianism, post-communist politics (with an emphasis on Russia), and European politics (with an emphasis on Germany). She speaks German and Russian and has conducted intensive fieldwork in both languages.
Gilbert, along with Payam Mohseni, is the author of an article that introduces a new conceptual map and taxonomy for hybrid regimes published by Studies in Comparative International Development (September 2011). She has also published several articles about the legal regulation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in nondemocratic regimes. This research includes the development of a unique system of measurement of legal regulatory barriers for NGOs. These measures are available for download at: https://payammohseni.com/papers/.
In addition, Gilbert has published multiple articles on the development and impact of civil society on democracy in Russia and Europe. Currently her research explores the use of protest within the contemporary environmental movement in Germany to spur greater action to address climate change.
Specialty
Comparative PoliticsAcademic Credentials
PhD, Political Science, Georgetown University (2012)
BA, Political Science and German, St. Olaf College (2002)
Teaching
Fall 2023:
POLS 102: Intro to Comparative Politics
MWF 11:30AM - 12:30PM
Introduction to the central questions in comparative politics. Fundamental differences in the organization of states, democratic political institutions (presidentialism versus parliamentarianism, for example), and domestic social forces (for example, social capital, ethnic versus nonethnic identities). The impact of political organization on economic performance and social peace.
Prerequisites: None.
POLS 250: Transitions to Democracy
MWF 1:50PM - 02:50PM
Why do some countries transition to democratic forms of rule while others do not? We will investigate this question by examining not only the rise of democracy, but also the origins and persistence of authoritarianism. While the course will consider historical processes of democratization and authoritarianism, emphasis will be placed on developments in the past 30 years. This course will draw on country examples from multiple world regions to illuminate why some autocrats have fallen and others have not - even in the current “age of democratization.”
Prerequisites: POLS 102 or permission of instructor.