Title:Catch up with David Edelstein, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

On July 1, David Edelstein began serving as the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Georgetown’s oldest school. Since joining Georgetown in 2002 as a faculty member in the Department of Government and SFS, he has also served as the vice provost for education, and the vice dean for faculty affairs in the College. 

What’s kept you at Georgetown after 23 years?

It’s still a great place to study the things I’m passionate about while working with wonderful faculty, staff, and students. It’s been a real privilege to teach here through the years.

As I became more invested in the institution, I started taking on more administrative roles so that I could be a part of Georgetown’s growth and development. Playing a role in strategizing the future of this institution has been deeply fulfilling.

What does your research focus on?

I have always been drawn to issues of war and peace. Questions about war and peace are important not just because of their strategic dimension, but also because they have enormous consequences for people’s lives.

My interests evolved from there to a particular passion for great power politics, which is understanding the relations between the most powerful actors in international politics. My most recent work is thinking about the emergence of China as a great power and its implications for international politics.

For somebody who’s interested in the issues I’m interested in, there’s literally nowhere better in the world to be than Georgetown. We are here at the epicenter of U.S. foreign policy but also global international politics.

What drew you to the role of dean?

This role gives me the opportunity to lead an institution I consider home, and I am eager to explore new opportunities for growth while also working on the development of a more robust and meaningful College identity.

The liberal arts, what we do in the College, this is the heart and soul of Georgetown. I am eager to work with our entire community—faculty, students, and staff—to build a College of Arts & Sciences that only further realizes its enormous potential.

How do you unwind?

I’ve always said that I do my best thinking when I’m walking or running or moving in some way. I started by running 5ks and worked my way up to a full Ironman. There’s a lot of strategizing in the triathlon. You’re racing against other people, but, in many ways, you’re racing against yourself, and thinking about how to make your way through the three different disciplines.

It is important to have something other than your work. A more well-rounded person is a healthier person.