Associate Professor and Chair, Politics and Government
Chris Kendall is an Associate Professor of Politics and Government and serves as Chair of the Politics & Government Department. His research and teaching focus on the intersection of law, politics, and global governance, particularly how political and legal institutions influence justice worldwide. With a background as a practicing attorney in New York City, Professor Kendall also serves as the university’s pre-law advisor.
Professor Kendall’s forthcoming book, Between Possibility and Peril: Domestic Courts and the Selective Enforcement of Human Rights (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2024), explores the critical role of domestic courts in shaping the enforcement of international human rights. Focusing on the courts in Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa, the book examines how these institutions navigate the tension between legal principles and political realities in newly democratized states.
Professor Kendall is dedicated to equipping students with the real-world skills needed to navigate today’s complex and contentious political landscape. He brings his courses to life by incorporating negotiation and crisis scenarios, allowing students to engage directly with challenging topics and hone their practical political abilities. His teaching spans a wide array of subjects, including international relations, comparative judicial politics, and the dynamics of ethnic politics and global governance.
In addition to his teaching, Professor Kendall serves as the faculty advisor to both The Commons, the student-run political science journal, and the university’s newly re-launched Model United Nations program. Professor Kendall is also launching a new Amsterdam study abroad program with Professor Patrick O’Neil in the summer of 2025, titled “Nationalism and Internationalism.” This program offers students an immersive experience in European political systems and international law, with visits to key institutions like the International Court of Justice and EU headquarters.
Students interested in learning more about the Politics & Government major or minor, pre-law opportunities, The Commons, Model UN, or the new Amsterdam program are encouraged to visit Professor Kendall at Wyatt Hall 224 or contact him at ckendall@pugetsound.edu.