Research Interests

My research straddles the subfields of international relations and comparative politics, or more specifically the fields of political economy and security studies. I am most interested in the ways global capital influences and reacts to instances of political violence. Using quantitative methods, I primarily investigate questions focused on the political economy of the repression-dissent nexus, in particular questions relating to the effectiveness of human rights organization naming and shaming campaigns, the consequences of electoral violence, and how revenue shocks impact respect for human rights. In short, I am most interested in the economic causes and consequences of government misbehaviour.

Additionally, as an undergrad at the time of the Great Recession, I have an enduring interest in sovereign credit rating, debt, and default, and I maintain a few ongoing research projects investigating the relationship between institutions and sovereign default.

Peer Reviewed Publications:

“Risky Business: Foreign Direct Investment and the Economic Consequences of Electoral Violence” with Austin Doctor, Journal of Global Security Studies (RiskyBusiness2019JoGSS)

“Worth the Risk? HRO Shaming and Sovereign Credit Rating” with Shelby Hall, Journal of Human Rights
(Publicity and Perceptions of Risk)

Submitted Manuscripts:

“Women’s Rights and Sovereign Credit Rating” (with K. Anne Watson)

“Sovereign Credit & the Economic Consequences of Electoral Violence”

“Heavy Lifting: Union Strength and Inequality” (with Skip Mark)

Working Projects:

“Distinguishing Debt Type Makes a Difference” (manuscript)

“Dictators in Default” (manuscript)

“Multinationals and the Conflict Trap” (with Austin Doctor)

“ISHHED: The Index of Sustainable, Health, Human Capital, and Economic Development” (manuscript)