Louis-Alexandre Berg

Louis-Alexandre Berg is an Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department and Global Studies Institute at Georgia State University (GSU), College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on violent conflict, crime in weak states, and foreign aid impacts on state formation. He holds a PhD in Government from Georgetown University, an MPA from Princeton, and a BA from Brown University. His current book project examines security sector restructuring in war-torn countries like Liberia and Bosnia, based on fieldwork in Africa and the Balkans.

Research & Professional Background: Berg’s work bridges academia and policy, with experience at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center, U.S. Institute of Peace, and roles with the World Bank, USAID, and UNDP. His research interests include post-conflict peacebuilding, urban violence, and rule of law institutions in fragile states. He has advised on security programs in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Key Contributions: His articles address security sector reform, civil-military relations, and bilateral/multilateral peacebuilding strategies. Recent work highlights how political contexts shape foreign aid efficacy and explores organized crime’s role in post-war governance. Honors include the Jennings-Randolph Peace Scholarship and Presidential Management Fellowship.

Academic & Policy Engagement: Berg collaborates with international organizations and governments to design evidence-based approaches to statebuilding and security governance. His fieldwork spans multiple continents, emphasizing practical applications of theoretical research.