Roni Kay M. O’Dell is an associate professor of political science at Seton Hill University. Her field of study is international relations (a subdiscipline of political science), specializing in international diplomacy, the United Nations, and sustainable development goals. She recently co-authored a book focusing on political issues from all around the world. Roni Kay took some time to share her experience with us.

What’s one of the most intriguing parts of your field of study?

I’m most concerned with how humans can thrive wherever they live and how governments, civil society and other organizations or corporations can support human thriving. I’m always asking questions like: are humans able to live lives that they enjoy? Do they have access to food, shelter, clothing, books, entertainment and other things that make human lives enjoyable? Are humans able to live without fear wherever they live and no matter who they are? 

Can you tell us a little bit about the most recent book you co-authored?

The book is called “Global Politics: A Toolkit for Learners,” which I wrote with Dr. Sasha Breger Bush from the University of Colorado. The chapters cover information that introduces people to the nuances and challenges of our world. The book covers topics like war, capitalism, communism, intergovernmental organizations, the United Nations, human rights, and more.

How is this book different from others you’ve worked on?

It’s a new and exciting book in that it’s written with a learner-centered approach to individual and classroom learning. That means that the book includes sections on how to study in each chapter. Essentially, the book encourages democratic thinking and dialogue. It does not just tell readers what to think about global politics, rather, it encourages them to ask questions and find answers for themselves.

"It does not just tell readers what to think about global politics, rather, it encourages them to ask questions and find answers for themselves."

What inspired you to write this book?

I hope to expand people’s understanding of the world and other people in it, especially helping people to consider others’ lived experiences and perspectives, including their challenges and fears, and their successes and joys. Global politics is for everyone because it’s a part of our everyday lives. It’s hard to live in our world for more than a few moments without being intimately connected to global political events, relationships and dynamics. 

How do you hope to impact students who use your book for classes?

I hope that it will excite people to learn more about the world around them, challenge their own worldviews and experiences, and empathize with others’ lived experiences. I hope it encourages them to become lifelong learners and have a desire to make the world a better place in whatever way they can.