Featured Post from University of Delaware

Expert warns: Political violence may escalate to civil war scale during 2024 election season

Aug 2, 2023

1 min

Stuart Kaufman


The violent January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol is not the end of the story of contemporary political violence in the United States. Stuart J. Kaufman, professor of political science and international relations at the University of Delaware, projects that political violence will be worse during the 2024 election campaign season. He has found that there is a significant risk that such violence could reach a scale that qualifies as a civil war.


Professor Kaufman can speak to how political rhetoric, from politicians and the media, is contributing to an atmosphere that makes political violence increasingly probable, and to the impact that legal charges against former President Donald Trump may have on that probability.


Click on his icon to arrange an interview.

Connect with:
Stuart Kaufman

Stuart Kaufman

Professor, Political Science and International Relations

Prof. Kaufman specializes in U.S. national security and foreign policy, Russian foreign policy, the war in Ukraine and nuclear strategy.

U.S. National SecurityU.S. Foreign PolicyEthnic ConflictWar in IraqIsraeli-Palestinian Conflict

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Delaware

1 min

NBA stars' leg injuries loom over the new season. What's the prognosis?

Over the past year, fans in multiple NBA cities watched in horror as their stars went down with major lower leg injuries. And even though players like Tyrese Haliburton (ankle), Jayson Tatum (ankle) and Kyrie Irving (knee) will be back at some point, it’s quite possible they will never return to their prior peak, says the University of Delaware’s Dr. Karin Gravare Silbernagel. Dr. Silbernagel, an associate professor of physical therapy at UD, studies tendon injuries in the ankle and knee in elite athletes, especially Achilles ruptures and ankle function. She was quoted in an ESPN story on this topic at the end of last season and can specifically address the stars' injuries and what it might mean for their careers. Her research shows that even after successful surgery, many players return to the court but not many among them return to peak explosiveness or durability. Dr. Silbernagel, whose research on ankle and knee injuries dates back to the early 2000s, can also talk about the larger pattern of lower leg injuries reshaping the NBA. She consults with professional sports teams relating to tendon injuries and is a consultant to the NFL's Musculoskeletal Committee. To connect with Dr. Silbernagel directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile and click on the "contact" button. Interested reporters can also email MediaRelatons@udel.edu.

1 min

In the news: From jack-o’-lanterns to pumpkin spice lattes, historian Cindy Ott explores how pumpkins became an American cultural icon

Pumpkins have become a ubiquitous part of the autumn landscape. How exactly did that happen? Cindy Ott, associate professor of history at the University of Delaware and author of Pumpkin: The Curious History of an American Icon, has been featured twice on NPR this fall to discuss just that.  On Morning Edition, she explored the evolution of the jack-o’-lantern – from Celtic folklore to the playful, child-friendly Halloween decorations of today – highlighting how pumpkins became symbols of rural life and harvest traditions. On All Things Considered, Ott traced the word “pumpkin” and the plant itself from Indigenous cultivation in the Americas to its status as a beloved autumn icon, showing how pumpkin imagery and nostalgia help sustain small family farms. Journalists covering food history, cultural traditions, seasonal trends or rural life will find Ott’s insights compelling, blending rigorous research with engaging storytelling. She can speak on pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, the cultural power of seasonal foods and how historical symbolism continues to shape modern American practices. Ott can be reached by emailing mediarelations@udel.edu.

1 min

Beneath the bed: The psychology behind America's fascination with monsters and why we love being scared

Have you ever wondered why we just can't get enough of the creatures hiding beneath our beds and lurking in the shadows? Whether it's watching a spine-tingling horror movie or telling ghost stories around the campfire, Americans have a long-standing love affair with all things spooky and scary. But what's driving this fascination? Persephone Braham is a Professor of Spanish & Latin American Studies at the University of Delaware and has those answers.  She can talk about monsters in a variety of ways including the following: Monsters are therapeutic. They act out our fears – and our fantasies. We love to hate monsters. They channel our anxieties and expose our desires. Monsters sneak into our dreams, stalk us in the dark and make us scream. Why do we love them? Have you hugged a monster today? Why do we need monsters? They keep us from crossing the line. Who believes in monsters? Anyone who considers themselves human. What are monsters, and why do we need them? From ghosts to vampires, every culture has its favorite monsters. Halloween scream: Why we like to play vampires. Who decides what a monster is? You do! Why do zombies want your brains? Monsters and eerie tales serve as representations of our internal anxieties and societal fears. They act as metaphors for the complex emotions and situations we encounter. Braham can give this context and more. She can be contacted by emailing mediarelations@udel.edu.

View all posts
Powered by