
Leah E. Gilbert
Associate Professor of Political Science and Department Chair
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
Spring 2023
POLS-102: Intro to Comparative Politics
MWF 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
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
Requirements: None
POLS-314: Russian Politics in Comparative Perspective
TTh 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Comparative perspective of Russian politics. Examination of Russia’s political development in the early 20th century through developments in the postcommunist period. Investigation of the ways Russia is both similar to and different from countries in the “West,” former communist countries, and countries at Russia’s same level of
economic development, culminating in an analysis of how Russia is ruled today. Students will read predominantly scholarly articles, but will also be exposed to various materials from novels, news media, or films.
Prerequisites: POLS-102
Requirements: Sophomore standing required.
Research
Political Science is located in John R. Howard Hall on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 12
email polisci@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7450
Chair Leah Gilbert
Political Science
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road MSC 12
Portland OR 97219