Welcome to the newly launched
ASU Institute of Politics
Empowering ASU students through practical experience, nonpartisan dialogue and career pathways in public service.
Inspiring future leaders
The ASU Institute of Politics is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of public service leaders. Through nonpartisan on-campus programs and off-campus internships, the IOP equips ASU students with the knowledge, skills and networks to pursue careers in public service.
Explore our programs, events and opportunities, and join us in shaping the future of our democracy through informed civic engagement.
Leadership
Ambassador Jeff Flake
Former U.S. senator and U.S. congressman representing the state of Arizona, Flake also served as U.S. ambassador to Türkiye (2021–2024). As ambassador, he was pivotal in securing Sweden’s accession to NATO. For his role in negotiations between Sweden and Türkiye, Flake was knighted by the king of Sweden in January 2025.
A former fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, Flake joins ASU as the founding director of the ASU Institute of Politics.
The ASU Institute of Politics is an initiative of the Office of the Executive Vice President and University Provost.
ASU's IOP is led by Pat Kenney, executive vice provost and foundation professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies. Throughout his career, Kenney has authored and co-authored many books and articles on campaigns, elections and voter behavior in American federal elections, and has received funding from the National Science Foundation.
Student programs
At the Institute of Politics, Washington, D.C., comes to ASU. By participating in IOP programs, ASU students will gain a wide variety of valuable experience that will prepare them for public service.
Politics is for everyone
Students of all majors interested in public service and civic engagement are welcome at the IOP.
Join the ASU IOP Student Listserv
Be sure to join the ASU IOP Student Listserv to stay informed about opportunities to get involved, attend signature events and advance your career plans.
Listserv registration
Please sign in with your ASURITE User ID and password to access the listserv registration form.
ASU Center for Free Speech
ASU believes the Freedom of Speech is at the heart of public education.
To foster our collective understanding about what freedom of speech means within the context of a democratic society and why it must be protected, the ASU Institute of Politics and ASU Center for Free Speech proudly co-host Dialogues for Democracy, an annual forum convening national speakers on free speech across higher education and beyond.
IOP Fellows program
The ASU Institute of Politics Fellows program will welcome its first cohort of distinguished public servants this fall. Each fellowship is tailored to the fellow’s background. IOP students will have direct access to mentorship from visiting fellows during their residency at the university.
ASU is actively recruiting our first cohort and will begin announcing fellows in fall 2025.