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Professor Diven Researches and Teaches in Sri Lanka
July 18, 2016
Professor Diven, Political Science and International Relations, researches and teaches in Sri Lanka
As part of her winter 2016 sabbatical project, Professor Polly Diven, Professor of Political Science and IR Program Director, spent the month of February teaching and researching in Sri Lanka. She delivered lectures to Master’s level students in International Relations at the University of Colombo. Most of the students were mid-career professionals who work for the Sri Lankan government, military, business or humanitarian organizations. Class discussions were lively and Professor Diven learned a great deal about Sri Lanka perceptions of U.S. foreign policy and U.S. elections. During her stay, Professor Diven also conducted research into the politics of U.S. foreign aid policy in the region. She interviewed a number of Sri Lankan and U.S. officials and is currently writing a paper entitled, “Superpowers and Small States: U.S., China, and India Vie for Influence in Sri Lanka.”