CGE Staff Spotlight: Bryant Harden, Ph.D.

Bryant Harden, Ph.D., Program Director of the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) and Instructional Specialist in the Center for Global Engagement, joined the team in the summer of 2023 and has made great contributions both to the program as well as to his profession. In addition to teaching two sections of Global Perspectives per semester, facilitating intercultural training workshops throughout campus, and increasing enrollment in the GCC, he has also authored and co-authored several book chapters as well as published a book review.  

From June 18-21, Harden will attend the Central and East European International Studies Association (CEEISA) and The International Studies Association (ISA) Joint International Conference in Rijeka, Croatia. This is a group focused on helping researchers from Central and Eastern Europe share their work and collaborate and this year’s conference theme is Knowing the Global-Local: Imagining Pasts, Debating Futures. Harden will be presenting his paper, Undermining the Mission: An Interpretive Analysis of Counter-Conduct in the United States Peace Corps at the conference. Harden is looking forward to this conference and opportunity and had this to say ahead of it: "The CEEISA-ISA International Conference in Rijeka, Croatia is a great opportunity to engage with scholars from around the world who are actively working on topics such as geopolitical competition, knowledge production in global politics, and the changing dynamics of global governance."

About Harden’s publications: 

“Teaching Feminist Theories”
Co-author with Laura Sjoberg, Ph.D., JD in Jamie Frueh, Jacqui Ala, Michael Murphy, and Paul Diehl, eds. The Handbook on the Pedagogy of International Relations Theory, Palgrave MacMillan (Forthcoming)

The chapter "Teaching Feminist Theories" by Bryant Harden, Ph.D., and Laura Sjoberg, Ph.D., JD addresses the necessity of integrating feminist perspectives into International Relations (IR) education. It discusses the historical oversight of gender in IR and advocates for understanding global political dynamics through the lens of gender. Harden and Sjoberg explore the challenges faced by instructors when incorporating feminist theories into IR curricula, offering insights based on their experiences. They emphasize the diversity within feminist theories and propose pedagogical tactics, such as engaging students in debates among feminist scholars and incorporating films to illustrate gender dynamics. Overall, the chapter advocates for a pluralistic and transformative approach to teaching feminist theories in IR, promoting critical reflection and inquiry in understanding global politics from a feminist perspective.

“Becoming a Global Citizen: The Transformative Power of Study Abroad”
Eimad Houry and Chinekwu Obidoa, eds. Leveraging Study Abroad Experiences: The Journey Continues, Mercer University Press (Forthcoming)

In this chapter, Bryant Harden, Ph.D. recounts a profound journey of self-discovery and growth during a study abroad program in South Africa. Initially conceived as a mere academic pursuit, the experience transcended expectations, leading to personal transformation through interactions with local communities and immersive cultural engagements. Harden emphasizes the pivotal role of cultural immersion, where daily life becomes a classroom and participation fosters a nuanced understanding of societal complexities. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the importance of forced self-reflection, as encounters with diverse cultures provoke introspection and challenge preconceived notions. Through embracing a mindset of openness and active engagement with the world, Harden advocates for the value of intentional and immersive experiences that not only inform but truly transform individuals into informed global citizens.

Review of Enlightenment and the Gasping City: Mongolian Buddhism at a Time of Environmental Disarray by Saskia Abrahms-Kavunenko. Mongolian Studies: The Journal of the Mongolia Society (Forthcoming)

The book review delves into Saskia Abrahms-Kavunenko's work Enlightenment and the Gasping City: Mongolian Buddhism at a Time of Environmental Disarray. Through meticulous ethnographic research spanning nearly two years, Abrahms-Kavunenko examines the intricate relationship between Buddhism and contemporary Mongolian society. The review highlights the author's exploration of Buddhism's response to Mongolia's transition to capitalism, environmental degradation, and cultural shifts. It delves into key themes such as religious hybridity, improvisation, and pragmatism within Mongolian Buddhism, shedding light on the complex interplay between spirituality, socio-economic realities, and environmental challenges. Overall, the review offers a nuanced analysis of Abrahms-Kavunenko's research, providing rich insights into the practice of Buddhism in Mongolia and its relevance to broader societal issues.