Karrie J. Koesel

Karrie J. Koesel is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, specializing in contemporary Chinese and Russian politics, authoritarianism, and religion-politics dynamics. She is a Wilson China Fellow (2025-26), Public Intellectuals Program Fellow, and recipient of the Aaron Wildavsky Award for best religion-politics dissertation. Her research explores how authoritarian regimes cultivate legitimacy through religious management and political education.

• Ph.D. in Government, Cornell University (2009)
• Former faculty member at University of Oregon

Her work examines:

• Authoritarian resilience through religious cooperation/conflict
• Political education strategies for youth loyalty
• State responses to political mobilization
• Comparative China-Russia regime dynamics

Recent publications focus on authoritarian toolkits, political socialization, and religious regulation. She is currently writing a book about political education in authoritarian regimes. Her research has received support from Minerva Research Initiative, Spencer Foundation, and Fulbright program.

Scientific awards include:

• Wilson China Fellowship (2025-26)
• Ted Jelen Best Article Award (2025)
• Minerva Research Initiative grant (2024-26)
• Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation grant (2021)
• Spencer Foundation grant (2016)
• Aaron Wildavsky Award (2010)

Koesel participates in several research networks including the International Diffusion and Cooperation of Authoritarian Regimes (IDCAR) and is affiliated with Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs, Kellogg Institute, and Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion.