Randy Thompson
Dissertation Project
The Exodus from Iraq and the End of Christian Nation-building
Professional Background
Religion and Foreign Policy Research, Academic Program Design, Podcast Development and Production
Skills
Grant management; Curriculum development; Religion and policy analysis
Contact
About
Randy Thompson studies how American religion interacts with U.S. foreign policy. His dissertation examined why the Southern Baptist Convention – the United States’ largest Protestant denomination and the only one to endorse Operation Iraqi Freedom – turned against nation-building following the war.
While writing his dissertation, Thompson also served as the Assistant Director for a Carnegie-funded initiative to promote religious literacy among U.S. policymakers. Through consultation with the State Department, USAID, and the Newseum’s Religious Freedom Center, this initiative created curriculum, tailored for U.S. diplomats, on how religious actors impact policy in countries where they are being posted.
Thompson has taught or co-taught over 25 courses in religion, international politics, history, economics, and intercultural communication. His students have ranged from ESL students at the community college level to mid-career professionals in graduate school. This exceptional track record includes his service as the Academic Coordinator for the Master’s in Applied International Studies program.
Publications
Thompson, Stephen R. 2016. “Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.” In George Kurian Thomas and Mark Lamport, eds. Encyclopedia of the United States. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Thompson, Stephen R. 2016. “Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Worldwide.” George Kurian Thomas and Mark Lamport, eds. Encyclopedia of the United States. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Thompson, Stephen R. 2013. “Global Health” in Exploring Global Issues: Social, Economic, and Environmental Interconnections. Seattle: Facing the Future. http://facingthefuture.org.
Thompson, Stephen R. 2013. “Water” in Exploring Global Issues: Social, Economic, and Environmental Interconnections. Seattle: Facing the Future. http://facingthefuture.org
Thompson, Stephen R. 2013. “Air Quality” in Exploring Global Issues: Social, Economic, and Environmental Interconnections. Seattle: Facing the Future. http://facingthefuture.org
Thompson, Stephen R. 2013. “Governance” in Exploring Global Issues: Social, Economic, and Environmental Interconnections. Seattle: Facing the Future. http://facingthefuture.org
Thompson, Stephen R. 2013. “Community Development” in Exploring Global Issues: Social, Economic, and Environmental Interconnections. Seattle: Facing the Future. http://facingthefuture.org
Thompson, S.R. and James K. Wellman, Jr. 2011. “From the Social Gospel to Neoconservativism: Religion and U.S. Foreign Policy.” Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. Volume 7, Article 6: 1–41.
Essay with James K Wellman. August 25, 2011. “Religious Origins of America’s Interventions.” Sightings. Martin Marty Center, University of Chicago Divinity School. http://divinity.uchicago.edu/martycenter/publications/sightings/archive_2011/0825.shtml
Grants & Fellowships
2016 – Doctoral Fellowship, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Bridging the Gap Initiative
2016 – Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives Research Grant
2015 – Henry M. Jackson Foundation Doctoral Research Grant
2015 – Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism Research Grant
2013 – Graduate School Fellowship: University of Washington
2008 – Eugene Webb Scholarship: University of Washington
2001 – Presidential Scholarship: University of Southern California
2001 – National Merit Scholarship: College Board
