President Barack Obama's state of the union address provides an opportunity to consider the nation's priorities and how to move ahead during difficult times—and an election year. Experts at Emory University are available to comment on the issues outlined in the president's speech.


Economic Recovery, Fiscal Policy


Jeffrey Rosensweig, associate professor of international business and finance, and director of the Global Perspectives Program. 404.727.6360, email Jeffrey Rosensweig

Job Creation

Thomas Smith, labor economist and assistant professor in the practice of finance. 404.727.3605, email Tom Smith

National Politics


Merle Black is a renowned expert on national politics and the foremost authority on politics in the South. He is the coauthor of "Divided America: The Ferocious Power Struggle in American Politics." 404.727.6570, email Merle Black

Alan Abramowitz is a widely known expert on national politics, polling and elections. He has authored or coauthored four books, including "Voice of the People: Elections and Voting Behavior in the United States." 404.727.0108, email Alan Abramowitz

Federal Tax Policy


Dorothy Brown, professor of tax law and author of “Race, Class and the Obama Tax Plan” (Denver Law Review, 2009). 404.712.8218, email Dorothy Brown

European Union

Thomas D. Lancaster, political science professor, is an expert on comparative politics with a specialization in European politics. 404.727.6568, email Thomas D. Lancaster

Middle East

Kenneth Stein is a Middle Eastern history and Israeli studies professor. He is also the director of the Middle East Research Program and Institute for the Study of Modern Israel. 404.727.4472, email Kenneth Stein

Vincent Cornell, Middle East and Islamic studies professor, is the author of the five-volume book set, “Voices of Islam” and is directing the project, “Toward a Muslim Theology of World Religions.” 404.727.8182, email Vincent Cornell

Environmental Policy

William Buzbee, professor of law and director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program. 404.727.6507, email William Buzbee