PLS Associate Professor Erica Frantz named Kettering Research Fellow
June 11, 2025 - Karessa Weir
An MSU Political Science professor is among three new research fellows named to confront the challenges of democracy by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.
Dr. Erica Frantz, Associate Professor, has been selected to help the foundation “advance inclusive democracy by equipping the public, policymakers, and civic leaders with essential knowledge needed to understand the forces destabilizing democracy.”
The research fellows will support the foundation’s efforts to combat the complex forces undermining democracy today. The work of the fellows will help illuminate the erosion of democratic norms, the rise of authoritarianism, and the roles religion and social movements play in shaping democratic futures, according to the Kettering Foundation.
Prof. Frantz, an expert on authoritarian politics, democratic backsliding, and the dynamics of change, is joined by Sociology professor Dr. Andrew L. Whitehead of Indiana University Indianapolis, and Political Science professor Dr. Deva Woodly of Brown University.
“We selected these fellows because their scholarship confronts some of the most dangerous dynamics threatening inclusive democracy today,” said Sharon L. Davis, president and CEO of the Kettering Foundation. “Whether exposing the rise of authoritarian strongmen, mapping the corrosive effects of Christian nationalism, or examining the democratic necessity of social movements, their work brings clarity to the forces eroding democratic norms and helps us chart pathways to resilience, accountability and renewal.”
The fellows will contribute to the Foundation's From Many, We blog, The Context podcast, The Stakes video series, and virtual and in-person conversations during their fellowships.
This opportunity allows Prof. Frantz to pursue her research into authoritarianism, share her expertise, and work toward solving some of the most urgent challenges facing democracy.
“I am thrilled to be joining this esteemed group of fellows and others at the Kettering Foundation and engaging in work that advances and broadens understanding of the critical vulnerabilities of democracies today,” Frantz said.
For MSU Political Science, this fellowship showcases the highly relevant research done by faculty, which can have immediate and real-world impacts.
"Prof. Frantz is one of the world’s leading authorities on authoritarian regimes and democratic backsliding. These are perhaps the most pressing topics facing us today, as democracy is being challenged in unprecedented ways on every continent. As citizens, we’re appreciative of the support the Kettering Foundation is providing for the study of this critical issue. As Spartans, we’re so proud that they have recognized Prof. Frantz with this accolade” Conroy-Krutz said.
Frantz is the author of eight books, including The Origins of Elected Strongmen (Oxford University Press, 2024 with Andrea Kendall Taylor and Joseph Wright) and Authoritarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press, 2018).