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Phelan United States Centre

The LSE's Phelan United States Centre is a hub for global expertise, analysis and commentary on America. Our mission is to promote policy-relevant and internationally-oriented scholarship from diverse voices to meet the growing demand for fresh, timely, analysis and critical debate on the United States.

Our research themes

Rethinking America's Role in the World

Understanding international challenges
A hand pointing towards a wall map of North America with pins in the United States

Governing America in the 21st Century

Domestic governance and democratic representation
Director of the Office of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin speaks alongside Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a press briefing, Thursday, May 17, 2024, in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Ol

Globalisation and the Reshaping of America

Developing effective responses to disparities in wealth and opportunity
A large port with blue cranes and cargo containers

Commentary and analysis

Events

Watch event videos and listen to podcast recordings
Panel event

LSE USAPP blog

Read the Phelan US Centre's daily USAPP blog on US politics and policy
Home page of USAPP blog

The Ballpark podcast

Our regular interview podcast series on US politics and policy
Woman being interviewed

US Now

Timely coverage of the United States
The production side of a busy TV newsroom showing cameras and a set

Highlights

Blog highlight

The 2026 Midterms: Trump’s State of the Union marathon of greatest hits is unlikely to influence voters - 25 February 2026
Trump at stage

Latest podcast from the Ballpark

America adrift with Professor Anne-Marie Slaughter - 16 February 2026
Statue of Liberty in mist and cloud

Take our podcast listener survey

Tell us what you think about the Ballpark podcast for your chance to win £250 in vouchers
LSE student sitting in listening to music on his smartphone

US-China podcasts

Exploring the state and future of relations between China and the US in the 21st century
Currency Collection Featuring United States and Chinese Banknotes Spread Across A Flat Surface

Research

Centre Affiliate Publications

Recent publications from Phelan US Centre Affiliates and Visiting Fellows
Student in a lecture theatre reading a book

Latest Research

Latest research and conferences from the US Centre
Panel of four speakers at a conference

Research Themes

The LSE Phelan United States Centre's research areas
Someone drawing on a transparent board

Climate Change: America and the World

Resources on climate change and sustainability from the Phelan US Centre
Art image of COP28 meeting showing protesters and delegates

Students

Undergraduate Research Assistantships

Interdisciplinary research collaborations between academics and undergraduates
A speaker gesturing to a presentation at the front of a classroom

Master's students essay competitions

Publishing outstanding US related work from LSE master's students
Three students in front of the Houses of Parliament

For students

Our programmes for LSE students
Students on the ground floor of the LSE Marshall Building

About the Phelan US Centre