Introduction to Political Psychology

Martha L. Cottam is professor emeritus of political science in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at Washington State University, USA. She specializes in political psychology, international politics, and intercommunal confl ict. She has published books and articles on U.S. foreign policy, decision making, nationalism, and Latin American politics. She received her Ph.D. from UCLA. Elena Mastors is a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, USA. She was an academic administrator for over a decade and also served as an associate professor in the National Decision Making Department of the Naval War College. She has held various senior intelligence and policy positions in the Offi ce of Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and the Defense Intelligence Agency. Thomas Preston is a professor of political science in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at Washington State University, USA. He specializes in political psychology, leadership analysis, and international politics. He has written numerous books and articles on presidential leadership, weapons of mass destruction, and American foreign policy. He received his Ph.D. from Th e Ohio State University. Beth Dietz is a Professor of Psychology at Miami University, USA, where she teaches a variety of courses in psychological science. Her research interests include social identity theory, computer- mediated communication, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She also has interests in online teaching and using technology to enhance student learning.