A bit about me ...
I’m an associate professor of political science and international relations with an interest in the way people form impressions of countries (their own and others), the way national leaders use information and advice, and the way leaders incorporate normative principles into their policy choices. I focus particularly on foreign policymaking in the United States and Japan.
I currently live in Boston, Massachusetts, where I teach at UMass Boston.
It happens that there is at least one other Paul Kowert—a virtuoso double bassist and composer, whose website can be found here. Ironically, my child also plays the bass and guitar. Sadly, I do not.
A bit more about me ...
My research is inspired by an interest in the way we form impressions of countries, in how leaders make foreign policy choices, and in the problem of deciding whether these choices are wise or moral.
Information about my current and past research projects is available in the Research section of my website. My Google Scholar Profile is another convenient way to track down my published research.
I teach undergraduate and graduate courses on foreign policy making, international relations theory, national security, nationalism and national identity, political psychology, U.S.-Japan relations, and research design.
More information about these courses, including some password-protected materials for current students, can be found in the Teaching section of my website.
I serve as the Chair of the Department of Political Science at UMass Boston. I have also directed graduate programs in international relations at Florida International University and UMass Boston, and served as the Associate Chair of the Department of Politics and International Relations at FIU.
Some information for UMass Boston colleagues is available in the password-protected Administration section of my website.