2026 Robert G. Bone Distinguished Lecture

The Origins of Elected Strongmen: How Personalist Parties Destroy Democracy From Within

Dr. Erica Frantz, Associate Professor of Comparative Politics at Michigan State University

The Robert G. Bone Distinguished Lecture Series was established by the late Illinois State University President Robert G. Bone. Shared by the department of History, Politics and Government, and Sociology and Anthropology, it brings distinguished scholars to Illinois State University to deliver a series of public lectures and to meet with faculty and students.