Patrick earned his bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College where he majored in political science and minored in history. His main focus of study was on the intersection of American politics and international affairs. He followed with a master’s degree from the American University School of International Service where he studied conflict and peace. Patrick published for AU’s academic journal and the International Policy Journal at the Center for International Policy.
Education
BA Political Science with minor in History — Gettysburg College
MA Peace and Conflict Resolution — American University School of International Service
Areas of Expertise
How Carthage’s Maritime Empire Shaped the Mediterranean Long After Its Fall
The Carthaginians, once the masters of North Africa, left a legacy that still impacts life and culture in the Mediterranean to this day.
The 7 Most Influential US Generals Ranked by Historical Legacy
Discover the seven most influential US generals ranked by their historical legacy, from George Washington to the architects of modern global power.
10 Most Skilled Diplomats in History Ranked by Achievement
This article ranks ten of the most effective diplomats in history by their tangible achievements—the treaties signed, the wars averted, and the geopolitical orders established.
The Acadian Expulsion of 1755 and the Deportation That Changed North America
Between 1755 and 1764, the French-speaking inhabitants of the Canadian Maritime Provinces suffered a brutal displacement by the British authorities.
How the Acadian Expulsion Shaped Louisiana’s Cajun Culture
The arrival of Acadian refugees from northeast Canada to Louisiana forever changed the culture of the region.
6 Major Port Cities of the Spanish Empire
Spain’s global empire required a network of ports to transport goods and people between the colonies and the Iberian mainland.
Why the Invasion of Spain Was Napoleon’s Fatal Error
Why was the invasion of Spain Napoleon’s fatal error? Discover how the Peninsular War and the "Spanish Ulcer" drained the French Empire and led to its ultimate collapse.
William I and the Rebirth of the Dutch Monarchy in 1813
In 1813, William I of the House of Orange-Nassau returned to the Netherlands after exile and restored the Dutch monarchy to power.
Why Napoleon Forced His Own Brother to Abdicate the Dutch Throne
In 1810, Emperor Napoleon I ousted his own brother Louis Bonaparte as King of Holland to exert greater control over the country’s resources.
The 1898 Defeat That Undermined the Spanish Monarchy and Led to Civil War
Here’s how the Spanish-American War triggered "El Desastre," undermined the Spanish monarchy, and ignited the internal fractures that led to the 1930s Civil War.
How English and Dutch Privateers Got Rich Raiding Spanish Silver
English and Dutch naval captains exploited religious conflicts with Spain to make themselves and their sovereigns wealthy.
How the Dutch Forged a Maritime Empire While Fighting for Independence
By targeting Spanish and Portuguese colonial possessions, one major side effect of the Dutch War of Independence was the creation of a large maritime empire.