Boaz Atzili

Dr. Boaz Atzili is a political scientist at American University's School of International Service (SIS), specializing in international security with a focus on border politics, asymmetric deterrence, and state weakness. His research spans the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

• Affiliations: Faculty at American University, Center for Israel Studies
• Degrees: PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BA in International Relations from Hebrew University in Jerusalem

His research explores how fixed borders exacerbate conflicts in weak states, analyzing cases from Lebanon to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has authored books including Good Fences Bad Neighbors: Border Fixity and International Conflict (2012) and co-edited works on triadic deterrence and territorial designs.

Dr. Atzili's recent publications examine buffer zones, territorial rivalries, and the social construction of Northeast Asian disputes. His work combines theoretical analysis with empirical studies of state fragility and geopolitical dynamics.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Post-Doctoral Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (Harvard University)
  • Kenneth N. Waltz Prize for Best International Security Dissertation (2006)

He teaches courses on territorial conflicts, international relations theory, security studies, and Arab-Israeli relations, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding global conflicts and state behavior.