Schar School of Policy and Government

What does it mean to the United States when Xi, Putin, and Kim strengthen their ties? What can the U.S. do about it? See the op-ed by Schar School’s Bradley Olson, the first of a series of opinion columns from the university’s branch of the Sycamore Institute.

We turn our attention to Ukraine, a nation still fighting for survival nearly three years into a brutal, grinding war. Joining me as co-host for this episode is my colleague, Professor Ellen Laipson, Director of the International Security Program and the Center for Security Policy Studies here at the Schar School.

A roundup of recent media appearances by Schar School faculty, students, and staff for Schar School in the News: November 3rd to 7th, 2025.

A course teaching graduate students how to successfully manage large-scale crises prepares them for even more prominent public-facing roles. Read about the class and the professor teaching from experience, James Olds.

A new study by the Schar School’s Center for Regional Analysis shows that home prices are higher the closer they are to data centers. It may sound counterintuitive, but it makes sense. See the report.

Graduate students at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government participated in a high-stakes South China Sea crisis simulation hosted by the Center for Security Policy Studies. Led by U.S. Army Strategic Intelligence Officer and Adjunct Professor Lee Roberts, the exercise challenged students to navigate diplomatic, military, and economic decisions in a rapidly escalating regional conflict. Through strategic role-play and collaborative problem-solving, participants gained firsthand insight into international security, great-power competition, and the delicate balance of crisis management.

MPA graduate and adjunct Craig Fifer heads an agency striving to bring the region’s governments together. See how his degree helps him in this important mission.

More than 60 Master of Public Administration students attended the 28th Local Government Night to listen to county leaders—many of them graduates from the same MPA program—discuss their careers. Read what they said.

I was joined by Mark Halperin, a renowned American journalist, political commentator, author, and Founder of the interactive media platform, 2WAY. It was a fascinating discussion on the state of modern media, the tension between independent and legacy outlets, but also the recognition that both are essential. We explored the persistent challenge of media bias and the classic Man Bites Dog dynamic when it comes to covering President Donald Trump.

First-year student Apoorva Navale plans to attend law school with the help of the Schar School and the Honors College. See how she’s making the most of her college experience.