Josh Leon studies international relations at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where he is working toward a Ph.D. in Political Science.  In 2004, he finished his M.A. in International Affairs at Cal State, Sacramento, with a focus on economic development and Middle East studies.  His thesis project explored the causes of anti-Americanism in the Middle East, surveying U.S. foreign policy there since 1945.  His current interests center around international security and U.S. foreign policy. 

 In general, his research tends to focus on the challenges facing U.S. foreign policy in a changing international system.  He has a concurrent interest in party and interest group systems in the US, and has researched the impact of Evangelical church leadership on elections and the power of business interests to impact policy outcomes. 

 A Sacramento native, Josh did his undergraduate work at Cal State, Sacramento in Journalism.  He continues to work as a freelance journalist, writing mainly on contemporary foreign affairs.  His articles have appeared in Z Magazine, Sacramento News and Review and Because People Matter.