In an era in which some political scientists are concerned that an emphasis on formalism has weakened the realworld commitment and impact of the discipline, APSA President Robert D. Putnam has led the way in melding research and action. Putnam's research has been driven by attention to the big, basic questions of governance: How do national traditions of ideological style affect political decision making? What determines the success or failure of political institutions? What domestic political factors help or hinder efforts by political leaders to reach cooperative international agreements?