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The History of Hezbollah

Hezbollah, a powerful political and militant group based in Lebanon, has played a significant role in Middle Eastern politics since its formation in the early 1980s. Understanding the group’s origins, its political evolution, and its regional and global implications is critical in analyzing ongoing conflicts and power dynamics in the region. Hezbollah’s influence extends beyond its militant activities, affecting everything from political governance in Lebanon to its role in broader geopolitical struggles. As global attention often focuses on Middle Eastern stability, the history of Hezbollah provides rich context for journalists to explore various angles on its lasting impact. Here are several story angles that highlight Hezbollah's far-reaching influence: Origins and ideological foundations: Investigate Hezbollah's roots during the Lebanese Civil War, its ideological ties to the Iranian Revolution, and its early activities in resistance movements against Israel. Hezbollah’s role in Lebanese politics: Explore how Hezbollah transformed from a militant group into a major political player, examining its impact on Lebanon's government, elections, and power structure. Regional and international influence: Analyze Hezbollah’s relationships with Iran and Syria, its involvement in the Syrian Civil War, and its role in shaping regional alliances and rivalries in the Middle East. Hezbollah’s military evolution and conflicts with Israel: Provide an in-depth look at the group’s military capabilities, its tactics, and its key confrontations with Israel, including the 2006 Lebanon War. Terrorism designations and global reactions: Investigate Hezbollah’s designation as a terrorist organization by various countries, the group's response, and the wider international community's stance on its activities. Connect with an expert about the the  History of Hezbollah: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Council on Foreign Relations

ExpertSpotlight: The History of Haiti

Haiti is prominent in the news cycle - let our experts give you some perspective on the island's history and background Haiti's rich history and its ongoing refugee crisis remain critical topics in global conversations about human rights, migration, and international aid. As the first independent Black republic, Haiti's historical significance is profound, but the nation continues to face complex political, economic, and environmental challenges that have contributed to the displacement of its citizens. For journalists, understanding Haiti's past and present is essential for shedding light on issues such as migration policies, international support, and the lived experiences of Haitian refugees. Here are several story angles that offer deeper insights into Haiti's enduring struggles and global connections: Haiti’s fight for independence and its global impact: Explore how Haiti's revolution shaped the political landscape of the Western Hemisphere and its lasting influence on anti-colonial movements worldwide. The root causes of Haiti's refugee crisis: Investigate the political instability, natural disasters, and economic challenges driving the exodus of Haitian citizens and the broader migration dynamics in the region. International responses to Haitian refugees: Examine the policies of neighboring countries, including the U.S., and international organizations in addressing the influx of Haitian migrants and their treatment in host nations. Diaspora communities and cultural resilience: Highlight the Haitian diaspora’s contributions to culture, economy, and politics in countries where they have resettled, as well as their role in supporting those still in Haiti. Humanitarian aid and development in Haiti: Assess the effectiveness of international aid programs in addressing the country's crises, and explore innovative approaches to sustainable development in the region. Environmental degradation and its link to migration: Analyze how deforestation, climate change, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes are exacerbating Haiti’s humanitarian challenges and forcing people to flee. Connect with an expert about the the History of Haiti: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com

It's neck and neck and our expert is here to help with your election coverage

The tight race for the White House is approaching the home stretch as U.S. Vice President Kamila Harris and former U.S. President Donald Trump appeal to voters across the country. With assassination attempts and U.S. President Joe Biden dropping out of the race, this election has already proven to be a unique historical event in American politics. If you’re covering the race, how do you make sense of the twists and turns? How do you know what issues are driving voters in this tight race? What is going on with the “down ticket” races? Can polls help you predict what’s coming? We have an expert who can help. Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., is Florida Atlantic University’s renowned political science expert and co-executive director of Florida Atlantic University Political Communication and Public Opinion Research Lab (PolCom Lab)—the university’s extensive and nationally covered polling operation. View some of Kevin Wagner's recent media here: Newsweek: "Kevin Wagner, a political science professor at Florida Atlantic University, told Newsweek via email on September 2: "Both Harris and Trump have some potential to attract independents or voters from the opposing party, though this cross-party appeal is likely to be limited given the high levels of partisan polarization in recent elections." Forbes: “If they’re going to hit that 60%, the supporters of the amendment are probably going to have to reach a few more Republicans or have a particularly Democratic-leaning electorate, which sees a challenge in a presidential election year,” said Kevin Wagner, a Florida Atlantic University political scientist, according to a report from the South Florida SunSentinal." New York Post: "On the whole, there does appear to be a solid base of support for Harris in the Democratic Party,” said Kevin Wagner co-director of FAU’s PolCom Lab and professor of political science. “But there is still substantial uncertainty. Some Democratic voters are still looking for another candidate. Harris has time to unify the party before the convention, but she needs to move quickly, or this could potentially spin out of control for the Democrats.” Looking to connect? He is here to answer all your questions and is available for interviews. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

ExpertSpotlight: A Brief History of Espionage

The world was watching with wonder this week as news stories poured in about exploding pagers and how the armed devices made their way around an international supply chain and into the hands (and pockets) of Hezbollah. Espionage, a practice as old as civilization itself, has shaped the course of history by influencing wars, international relations, and technological advancements. From ancient times to the digital age, espionage has played a crucial role in national security and global diplomacy. This topic remains highly relevant today as concerns over cybersecurity, state-sponsored hacking, and corporate espionage dominate public discourse. Journalists covering this topic will find a rich array of story angles, including historical perspectives and modern implications. Key sub-topics that may interest journalists and the public include: Evolution of Espionage Tactics: Examining how espionage methods have developed from traditional spying techniques to modern digital surveillance, cyber-espionage, and the use of AI in intelligence gathering. Espionage and International Relations: Investigating the role of espionage in shaping diplomatic relations and its influence on global politics, alliances, and rivalries. Cybersecurity and Digital Espionage: Exploring how espionage has evolved in the digital age, focusing on cyber threats, hacking incidents, and the growing importance of cybersecurity in national defense. Famous Spies and Spy Agencies: Delving into the history of iconic spies and intelligence agencies, from World War II's codebreakers to Cold War espionage, and how these figures shaped the geopolitical landscape. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Analyzing the ethical dilemmas and legal boundaries surrounding espionage, including the balance between national security and individual privacy. Espionage in Popular Culture: Looking at how espionage has been depicted in literature, film, and media, and how these portrayals reflect and shape public perceptions of intelligence work. As espionage continues to evolve alongside technological advancements, it remains a critical issue in discussions of national security, global power dynamics, and privacy. This historical overview provides journalists with an opportunity to explore the enduring relevance of espionage in shaping both the past and future. Connect with an expert about the History of espionage: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com

The Handshake Seen 'Round The World

More than 50 million viewers were expecting a cold standoff to start last night's debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump. University of Delaware experts say Trump was likely more shocked than they were when Harris walked to his podium for a cordial handshake. "It was a clearly planned move on Harris' part intending to assert some dominance over someone whose entire schtick is about being dominant. And it was successful, and I think it discomforted Trump," said David Redlawsk, professor of political science and international relations. Erin Cassese, professor of political science and international relations, said the move exuded confidence, especially given that President Biden and former-President Trump did not shake hands at the outset of their July debate. "Harris’s pursuit of the handshake showed off the bat that she would engage in this debate on her own terms, Cassese said. "It also had Trump on the back foot, as he seemed not to expect the gesture." Cassese said the handshake also offset any advantage Trump might have gained due to the podium setup, which could have highlighted their height differential. "But the handshake showed that Harris was not intimidated by the difference in stature," Cassese said. Redlawsk is a political psychologist who studies voter behavior and emotion, focusing on how voters process political information to make their decisions. He has written several books on politics, worked behind the scenes on campaigns and ran for local office. Cassese explores the behavior of women as voters and candidates for political office in the United States. Her areas of expertise are gender, abortion, public opinion, campaigns and elections. To set up an interview either either expert, reporters can visit their ExpertFile pages and clicking on the "contact" button.

Covering the Middle East? FAU has a leading expert on the region

Tension in the Middle East has dominated the news cycle since October 07, 2023. Media from across the globe have continuously connected with experts for insight, perspective and opinions about the ongoing chaos in the region.  Florida Atlantic University's political science professor, Robert Rabil Ph. D. is a star expert in political Islam, terrorism, U.S. foreign policy, and U.S.-Arab relations.  His expertise has appeared in major newspapers and academic journals, including the Wall Street Journal, Chicago-Sun Times, Daily Star (Beirut), History News Network, National Interest, CNN, Middle East Journal, Middle East Policy, the Journal of International Security Affairs, Middle East Quarterly, and Middle East Review of International Affairs. He has also contributed several book chapters on political Islam and Middle Eastern politics. Most recently he has been featured on  Al Qahera News and NBC News as well as  The National Interest and  the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Rabil is available to speak with media. Simply click on Rabil’s icon now to arrange an interview today.

Vanderbilt debate director and rhetoric expert on Harris-Trump debate expectations and tips

John Koch, senior lecturer and director of debate at Vanderbilt University, is available for commentary on the Harris-Trump presidential debate. A recognized scholar on presidential communication and rhetoric, John uses a wide range of methods to understand and explain political and policy debates. His research is guided by the question of how we can improve citizenship practices and debates within our political culture. His most recent co-authored scholarly article explored the history of presidential debates and how we can improve them. He has served as chair of the National Communication Association’s Argumentation and Forensics Division and the Committee on International Discussion and Debate. His research has appeared in Contemporary Argumentation and Debate, the National Forensic Journal, Studies in Debate and Oratory and various book chapters on presidential rhetoric. Currently, he serves as the Director of Debate of Vanderbilt’s internationally renowned and award-winning debate program. Topics he can speak to include: What arguments to expect from the candidates What each candidate needs to do and not do in the debate How to determine who wins a debate What to watch for/what issues might come up in the debate History of presidential debates The usefulness of presidential debates and how we might improve them How adults can discuss politics and debates with their children by watching debates together After debate analysis of who may have won and what issues/moments may be salient to voters The debate styles of the candidates and their histories in debates Differences in debate style we can expect between Trump and Harris Differences in how Trump may approach the debate with Harris vs. how he approached Biden

Trending News: Women in Politics

Gender and politics - it's a trending topic these days as Kamala Harris' surging in the polls may put her in the position to be America's first female president. And, when media are covering the topic, it's the experts from University of Mary Washington they're contacting. Rosalyn Cooperman is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Cooperman’s research focuses on the relationship between political parties, PACs, and women candidates, as well as elite attitudes regarding women’s political participation. Recently she has been featured in and the Arizona Mirror, the Centre for American Women in Politics. View profile *** Recent Media Arizona Mirror “I don’t know that there’s any real fidelity to any stance on an issue unless it’s perceived to be useful — abortion being one of a very long list,” said Rosalyn Cooperman, who studies Republican candidates and political leaders at the University of Mary Washington. “If you look at what he has said over time, it is what is politically expedient.” Marketplace "They are a political action committee, but they can raise unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, individuals, but they can’t coordinate directly with the parties or candidates." CAWP "Progressive PACs are continuing to use abortion-related messages in fundraising appeals while conservative women’s PACs are not" - Rosalyn Cooperman Dr. Cooperman is available to speak to media – simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.

The race for the White House is on - and Georgia Southern experts are here to help

The upcoming election has been dominating headlines for months.  With the recent change at the top of the Democratic ticket from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris has reenergized the campaign and put several states like Georgia and North Carolina back 'in-play' for the Democrats. Georgia has been identified as a key battle ground state for any candidate looking to win in November and it's why both Democrats and Republicans are frequent fliers to the Peach State with rallies and visits already. Those visits are also getting a lot of media attention and Georgia Southern University's experts are front and center assisting with the coverage. Joshua Kennedy, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Political Science and International Studies Areas of Expertise :  Political Institutions, Congress, Presidential Power, Federal Bureaucracy, American Politics, American Presidency, Inter-Branch Relations, State Politics. The principal area of study and teaching for Joshua Kennedy, Ph.D., is in American politics, with a more particular focus on the presidency and the federal bureaucracy. Kennedy has presented his work at numerous conferences, including the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association and the Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association. His research has appeared in such outlets as American Politics Research, Research and Politics and Presidential Studies Quarterly. View profile and connect here Recent media: Joshua Kennedy has recently been interviewed by media such as WTOC 11, ABC News and Fox 28 in Savannah, Georgia, as well as various other local and regional media outlets when covering politics in Georgia. *** Kimberly Martin Tecklenberg, Ph.D.  Assistant Professor Department of Political Science and International Studies Areas of Expertise: American Politics, Research Methods, Leadership, Public Policy, Education Policy, State Politics, LGBTQ+ Policy. Kimberly Martin Tecklenberg, Ph.D., teaches courses in American politics, research methods, leadership and public policy. Before pursuing her graduate degree, she worked as the Special Assistant for Secretary of Education Belle Wheelan and former Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia. While at the University of Florida, she worked with former Senator and Gov. Bob Graham to establish the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. After graduation, she moved to Tennessee where she served as Assistant Director of Research at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Her past experiences have influenced her current research interests, which focus on education policy, political leadership, state politics and LGBTQ+ policy. View profile and connect here Recent media: Kimberly Martin Tecklenberg has recently been interviewed by media such as NBC, FOX, Al- Jazeera and Courthouse News Service, in addition to various other local, regional and national outlets when covering politics in Georgia. If you're covering the election - our experts are here to help all the way to Nov. 5 and beyond. Visit our Expert Center for a full directory of Georgia Southern experts. Simply click on any expert's icon now to arrange an interview today.

Covering Tuesday's Debate? Our Experts are Here to Help

The rules are set, the date is locked in and the political world will be watching as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris face off for the first time at the presidential debate taking place in Philadelphia on Tuesday. It's expected millions will tune in, but if you're a reporter covering the lead up to this much hyped event - then let our experts help with your coverage. Tony Smith’s knowledge of politics covers a large spectrum that includes Constitutional Law, the intricate workings and rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court, election law, and the contest over rights in both a domestic and global context. Louis DeSipio examines how democratic nations incorporate new members, including policymaking in the areas of immigration and voting rights. He also studies Latino political behavior. Louis DeSipio and Tony Smith can help with various angles of any political story you're assigned. Both experts are available to speak with media - simply click on either expert's icon now to arrange an interview today.