Research Statement

I study international politics. My research is largely of the "Peace Science" variety, meaning I use quantitative analysis to study international security. Though data collection and statistical methods are core features of my research, my research is also informed by (and draws from) diplomatic history.

My work primarily explores the political economy of security and alliance politics. Concretely, this means I investigate two basic questions that all leaders face when seeking security in the international system:

(1) Guns or butter?

(2) Arms or allies?

Click on a link below to read about my research on a topic related to these questions. You can also read about my research on methods for quantitatively exploring international relations.

Political Economy of War Finance

Political Economy of Border Walls

Tradeoff Between Military Spending and Military Allies

Trade Cooperation and Military Alliances

NATO and How International Organizations Assist Democracies

NATO and the Negotiation of Alliance Treaties

Quantitative Methods in IR