Michael Butler

Michael J. Butler is an Associate Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Clark University. His expertise includes security studies, conflict management, and foreign policy. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut (2004), an M.S. in Public Policy from the University of Maryland (1996), and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut (1994).

Research Interests: Butler specializes in international security, humanitarian intervention, and peace mediation. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy analysis, focusing on global challenges like the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the evolution of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) norm. His recent projects include analyzing China and Turkey’s mediation roles and rethinking accountability mechanisms in humanitarian crises.

Grants & Awards: He received the Fulbright Scholarship (2014-15) and secured grants from institutions like the National Council for Eurasian and Eastern European Research and the International Studies Association. His research appointments include the Folke Bernadotte Academy’s International Research Working Group and the Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect.

Professional Contributions: Butler has authored/co-authored six books, including Reconstructing the Responsibility to Protect (2024) and Global Politics (2020). He serves on editorial boards, advises governments on foreign affairs, and contributes to media outlets like Foreign Policy and Reuters.

International Engagement: His affiliations include ETH Zurich’s mediation programs and the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study. He frequently lectures on conflict resolution strategies and the intersection of security and diplomacy.