Orçun Selçuk Awarded Fulbright to Research Polarization Across Three Countries

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. DECORAH — Orçun Selçuk, associate professor of political science and director of the International Studies Program at Luther College, has been selected for a Fulbright Global Scholar Award for 2026-27. The Fulbright Global Scholar Award supports international collaboration and cross-cultural research. Selçuk plans to study social and political divisions in Colombia, Ecuador and Turkey during his sabbatical in spring 2027. "Colombia, Ecuador and Turkey may seem like an unlikely combination at first. However, all three countries have deeply rooted social divisions that contribute to the rise of polarizing leaders," Selçuk said. Selçuk will collaborate with scholars at Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador; and Özyeğin University in Istanbul, Turkey. "I am proud to represent Luther College through this multi-country and cross-regional sabbatical project," Selçuk said. "I hope it will open new doors for our students and faculty through future partnerships with my host institutions in Bogotá, Quito and Istanbul." Selçuk joined Luther College in 2019. He earned a doctorate in political science from Florida International University and teaches courses in global politics, Latin American politics and comparative politics. He also serves as faculty adviser for Luther's Model United Nations student organization. Orçun Selçuk Courtesy photo In 2025, Selçuk was named the Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professor in International Studies at Luther College. The endowed professorship was established by Rev. John Melin and Barbara Melin to recognize faculty contributions to international studies education. Selçuk's book, The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization, was published in 2024 by the University of Notre Dame Press. The book examines the relationship between populism and political polarization through leaders in Turkey, Venezuela and Ecuador. The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 to support educational and cultural exchange. The program operates in more than 160 countries and provides opportunities for students, scholars and professionals to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fresh stories, delivered! Sign up for the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.