Dr. Casey Shin, assistant professor of politics and law at Rhodes College, has released his first book titled From Nothing to Nissan: Industrial Policy in Mississippi (University Press of Mississippi, 2026). The book provides an in-depth exploration of the policymaking efforts that convinced a major automaker to establish a presence in Mississippi.
According to the publisher: Extremely thorough yet readable, From Nothing to Nissan gives readers an overarching history of industrial policymaking and development from the state’s foundation through the year 2000. The book also examines the multiyear process to acquire Nissan and build the factory in Canton as well as the human and community costs in building an automobile plant.
On Monday, March 23, Shin will present a book talk to the campus community at 5 p.m. in the Spence Wilson Room. The event will be followed by a reception and book signing.
Shin earned a Ph.D. in political science from West Virginia University in 2022. He served as a visiting assistant professor at Rhodes from 2021 to 2024 before joining as tenure-track faculty member in 2024. His research interests center on policy, populism, and political behavior.