Visiting Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations
On Faculty since 2007
Phone: (630)752-5495
Fax: (630)752-5731
Email: rachel.vanderhill@wheaton.edu
Education
Ph.D., Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia
M.A., Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia
B.A., Political Science & History, Calvin College
About Rachel Vanderhill
Dr. Vanderhill has long been interested in Central & Eastern Europe, including the post-Soviet states. She is fascinated about the causes of democracy, in other words, what explains why some countries are democratic and others are not. She is especially interested in the role of external or international factors in explaining the development of democracy or authoritarianism. Dr. Vanderhill previously taught at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI.
Dr. Vanderhill, originally from the metro Boston area, loves the ocean (Lake Michigan is great, but is always in second place behind the ocean), traveling, and reading good books.
Courses Taught
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Introduction to International Relations
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Introduction to Comparative Politics
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International Political Economy
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Origins of Democracies and Dictatorships
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The UN, the Mafia, and other Non-State Actors
Membership in Professional Associations
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International Studies Association
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American Political Science Association
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Christians in Political Science
Research
Dr. Vanderhill is currently working on a book manuscript about the external promotion of authoritarianism, such as Venezuela’s support for authoritarian government in Nicaragua. In addition, her areas of research include the politics of post-Soviet States, especially Belarus and Ukraine.
Papers Published and/or Presented
Vanderhill, Rachel. 2008. “The EU and Non-accession States: The Cases of Belarus and Ukraine.” Perspectives: Review of International Affairs 16.2.
Vanderhill, Rachel. (March 2011). "The Ukrainian 2010 Presidential Elections: What Was the Role of Russia? What Do They Mean for the Future of Democracy in Ukraine?" Paper presented at the International Studies Association Annual Conference 2011, Montreal, Canada.
Vanderhill, Rachel. (April 2010). "Promoting Authoritarianism Abroad: Venezuela’s Involvement in Nicaragua and Peru." Paper presented at Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference 2010, Chicago, IL.