Political Scientists and the War

Abstract

In August, 1942, there was published in this REVIEW a progress report from the Committee on Personnel Service of the American Political Science Association indicating the extent to which the political science profession was, at that time, participating in the war effort. The record then presented was based entirely upon reports from the universities and colleges of the country and included the names and assignments of those who were giving time and effort to either military or civilian tasks connected with the war. Some information was included as to recent graduates as well as permanent staff members. Since that report, much has happened, both in the profession and in the conduct of the war. It w as felt by the officers of the Association that a new inquiry should be made and the report brought up to date. Accordingly, in September, 1944, a letter was sent to the presidents of the institutions of higher education in the United States asking for current information on their staff members in the political science field. They were asked to indicate which persons had been granted leave for military or civilian war service and what the assignments of these persons had been. Data were requested also as to those who had been called upon to render war service locally, or as consultants, without taking leave from their academic duties. This letter brought a gratifying response. While some replies were belated, thus delaying the compilation and analysis of the data, the information which follows represents returns from 122 institutions. In addition, 28 negative replies were received. Additional data were secured from the News and Notes section of the REVIEW for 1941-44. The data which follow do not include all of the information received. For example, since nearly all members of the profession in institutions which have had ASTP, STAR, or Navy pre-flight or officer-training units participated in the training program, mention of such service has been omitted. It has also been necessary, in the interest of economy of space, to abbreviate somewhat the description of duty assignments of some of the more versatile and peripatetic members of the profession. In this inquiry, no request was made for data on recent graduates who were not members of a permanent staff. The list appended includes the names and present and former assignments in the war effort of 341 members of the profession. Of these members, 196 are or have been engaged in civilian pursuits and 145 in military. Of the civilians, 124 are working in or out of Washington as headquarters, 58 more are engaged in civilian war work in the field, outside of Washing-