Robbin Mellen Jr.

My teaching and research interests revolve around the presidency and the interaction between the executive branch, legislative branch, and the judiciary. I focus most closely on the president and their activities, especially during midterm elections. I have published multiple articles focused on what presidents do during the midterms and how effective their efforts are. I also examine the collaboration and conflict between the branches that either leads to or precludes effective government. I am a big fan of the late Richard Neustadt and his theory of presidential power, which exists in the ability to persuade according to him. The reliance on command authority is a sign of a failure to lead effectively.