Hilary Appel

Hilary Appel is the Podlich Family Professor of Government and George R. Roberts Fellow at Claremont McKenna College, where she directs the Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies. Her research examines political economy, post-communist transitions, and Russian/East European politics. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.A. from Stanford University, and a B.A. from Williams College.

Her work focuses on the interplay of ideology, economic reform, and international influences in shaping postcommunist societies. Key themes include neoliberal policy adoption, EU/NATO enlargement impacts, democratic institution-building, and the politics of corruption.

Her publications consistently analyze economic transformations in Eastern Europe and Russia, with recent work exploring geopolitical narratives of the Russia-Ukraine war and minority rights in EU accession contexts. Thematically, her scholarship connects policy design, global capital flows, and ideological frameworks across 30 years of regional change.

Awards & Fellowships:

• Laura Shannon Prize (2019) for From Triumph to Crisis
• Woodrow Wilson Center Fellowships (1999, 2008)
• ACLS, SSRC, and Harriman Institute postdoctoral grants
• National Council for Eurasian Research funding (2007-10)

As Director of the Keck Center, she oversees research initiatives on global strategic challenges. No student advisees or grant details are specified in available materials.