Bethany Lacina

Bethany Lacina is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Rochester. Her research focuses on migration, conflict, and ethnic politics, with a focus on how internal migration, ethnic autonomy, and regional dynamics influence political stability and violence. She has authored several books, including the forthcoming Strangers and Settlers: Migration Politics in a Local's World (Oxford University Press), and has extensively published on topics ranging from separatist conflicts in India to the sociocultural impact of popular media like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Her work often intersects disciplines such as international relations, comparative politics, and conflict studies. Key contributions include analyzing the role of fiscal federalism in managing migration-related tensions, the political economy of ethnic territorial autonomy, and the declining severity of modern warfare. Lacina’s research further explores the intersection of popular culture and politics, examining how media representation influences public opinion on issues like diversity and social justice.

Her articles have appeared in leading journals such as World Politics, Journal of Conflict Resolution, and Ethnopolitics. Despite her prolific output, Lacina has no listed awards or grants, and her academic activities are centered at the University of Rochester, where she teaches courses on insurgency, ethnic politics, and migration.