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Steven Beale '09
Steven Beale '09
Steven Beale '09 (Durham, N.C.) is a world politics major with a long-standing interest in international security and the War on Terror. This summer, he combined these two fields with a newer interest in Russian policies to design research on the Russian reaction to the U.S.-led War on Terror, for which he has a Levitt Fellowship. Beale worked with Lecturer in Government David Rivera.

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Putin's Russian government was publicly supportive of the U.S. and continued its support when the U.S. declared its War on Terror. Since 2003, however, Putin has increasingly distanced himself and his country from the war. Beale has been researching this change in Russian policy, trying to understand why it occurred and the implications of the change.

Beale has concluded that, among the many reasons for a change in Putin's policy, one of the most significant is his goal to increase Russia's power. Before 2003, Putin theorized that support of the U.S. was an effective way to empower Russia but as the war progressed, Putin modified his policies. As Beale explained, "In 2003 Putin and his circle of advisors decided that it was no longer in Russia's best interests to strongly support the War on Terror."

Beale is no stranger to large-scale research. A participant in Hamilton's D.C. Program, Beale interned with the Hudson Institute think tank at the Center for Future Security Strategies. Last summer he spent in his hometown working as a research assistant for Professor David Schanzer at Duke University, the director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security. This is the first time that Beale has been able to select his own research topic, however, and he enjoyed the experience. "The Levitt grant is a wonderful opportunity for me to work closely with a professor and to improve my research and writing skills," he explained.

It's probably a good thing he's used to the research field, because Beale has had a very busy summer. As well as facing major revisions to his topic (he had originally proposed to deal with the changes in Russia's armed services as a result of the two Chechen Wars), Beale spent five weeks of his summer following an intensive immersion program in Spain. "Before the program, I signed a pledge that I would only speak Spanish for my five weeks in Spain," he commented.

During the year, Beale is active in Hamilton's many community projects. A member of HAVOC, Beale also volunteers his time at a Utica community center and a local retirement home. He is a student tutor and enjoys playing IM soccer. He hopes to join the Peace Corps after he graduates and is considering working for the government or pursuing a graduate degree.

Beale's research this summer is funded by the Levitt Research Fellows Program, operated through the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center. The students spend the summer working intensively in collaboration with a faculty member on an issue related to public affairs.

-- by Lisbeth Redfield

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