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University of North Georgia (1688¿ª½±Íø) faculty members received the 2018 McBrayer Award, which is awarded to the best paper presented at the Georgia Political Science Association (GPSA) annual meeting.

Dr. Dlynn Williams, head of the political science and international affairs department, and Dr. Cristian Harris, associate professor of political science, hope their article "Re-valuing Public Diplomacy in the Trump Era" sheds light on an important topic.

"It is a current and relevant issue of U.S. foreign policy," Harris said. "In an era dominated by the manipulation of perceptions for political gain, public diplomacy plays a critical role in the promotion and defense of U.S. interests worldwide."

Williams, who has attended GPSA conferences for 20 years, said it is one of the most robust state organizations in the country.

"It is an honor to be given this award by colleagues that I have worked with throughout the state for the past two decades advancing the importance of civic engagement across the state of Georgia," she said.

This is not the first McBrayer Award for the department. Dr. Dwight Wilson, associate professor of political science, won the award for his paper "The Paradox of State Failure in Mexico" in 2015. Dr. Craig Greathouse, professor and associate department head, also won for his paper "Diverging Theoretical Influences between the United States and the European Union: Comparing Current Grand Strategic Statements" in 2007.