Jacques Bertrand

Jacques Bertrand is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto and holds the Dr. David Chu Chair in Asia-Pacific Studies. He directs the Collaborative Master’s Specialization in Contemporary East and Southeast Asian Studies through the Asian Institute (within the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy) and co-founded the Postcor Lab, a research hub focused on civil wars and post-conflict transitions.

• Academic Leadership: Founding director of the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies (Asian Institute) and executive member of the SSHRC Major Collaborative Research Initiative on Ethnicity and Democratic Governance.

Research Focus: Bertrand's work centers on ethnic conflict, nationalism, and democratization in Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on Myanmar. His research explores how state institutions manage ethnic diversity, the role of education in conflict zones, and the interplay between natural resource politics and inequality. He has contributed to debates on democratic backsliding and emancipation trends in the region.

Publication Trends: Recent works highlight institutional strategies for ethnic minority neutralization (2022), post-conflict transitions (2021), and evolving challenges in Southeast Asian democratization (2010–2024). His scholarship bridges comparative politics, conflict studies, and public policy.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Dean’s Excellence Award, Arts and Sciences, University of Toronto (2013)
  • William L. Holland Prize for Outstanding Article (2003)
  • Dr. David Chu Professorship (Chair) in Asia-Pacific Studies (2025)
  • 2024 Dean’s Research Excellence Award

Grants & Collaborations: Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). He served as co-investigator for a SSHRC Major Collaborative Research Initiative on Ethnicity and Democratic Governance.

Labs & Teams: Co-founder of the Postcor Lab at the University of Toronto, a multidisciplinary research group analyzing civil wars and peace transitions.