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Institute of Politics

Inspiring
thought.
Empowering
action.

Civic Engagement

Providing pathways for students to explore public service, the democratic process, journalism, and the challenges that permeate public policy. Through workshops, treks, and student-led leadership programs, students develop the tools to become leaders, advocates, and public servants.

Students standing in front of truck with sign that reads "Vote"

UChiVotes

UChiVotes is a student-led, nonpartisan voter engagement initiative created to boost voter turnout and engagement on the UChicago campus.

Student-Led Programs

Through a diverse slate of student-led programs, students develop the tools to become leaders, advocates, and public servants.

Speaker Series

Each year, the Institute of Politics holds hundreds of events exploring the most pressing issues of our time and providing students and the public direct contact with guests spanning a vast spectrum of ideological, professional, and geographical backgrounds.

Internships and Careers

The Institute of Politics provides 300 fully-funded internships each year across the country and around the world. These opportunities offer our students the chance to do meaningful, often life-changing work in a wide variety of fields related to politics and public service.

Pritzker Fellows

The Pritzker Fellows Program brings to campus practitioners in politics, government, journalism, advocacy, and the nonprofit and policy worlds to share lessons from their distinguished careers. Through weekly seminars and office hours, our Fellows offer students invaluable insights and mentorship.

The Axe Files

IOP Founding Director David Axelrod brings you The Axe Files, a series of revealing interviews with key figures in the political world. Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.

Latest Episode

Ep. 594 —Amb. Roger Carstens

66 mins

At 11 years old, Roger Carstens, already an avid news consumer, was struck by stories of genocide in Cambodia. He resolved that when he grew up, he would work to alleviate human suffering. That mission took him to the Army and jobs in the non-profit sector and government, including his current role as the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. In this job, Amb. Carstens works tirelessly to bring home Americans wrongfully detained across the globe. He talked with David about what keeps him up at night, the importance of entering negotiations with humility, his journey with spirituality, and his focus on the families of the hostages he works to free.

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