About
Michael J. Butler is a Professor of International Relations and Department Chair at Clark University. He specializes in foreign policy, international security, and conflict management and resolution. Butler has held prestigious international appointments including Folke Bernadotte Academy Working Group member (Sweden), University of Toronto Senior Fellow, and Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study affiliate. He provides foreign affairs consultation to the governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Connecticut (2004)
- M.S. in Public Policy, University of Maryland (1996)
- B.A. in Political Science, University of Connecticut (1994)
His research focuses on securitization theory, R2P frameworks, and mediation dynamics in conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine War, Sudanese Civil War, and North Macedonia-Greece relations. Recent publications analyze authoritarian state mediation, human security transitions, and diplomatic norm stagnation. Collaborative work examines Canadian R2P strategy, post-2012 US military intervention frameworks, and peace process design.
Key grants include funding from the National Council for Eurasian and Eastern European Research (2024), International Studies Association (2018), and multiple European Union, Leir Foundation, and Whiting Foundation awards (2014-2017). Professional roles include co-editor of International Studies Intensives (Routledge, since 2016) and former editorial board member for International Studies Review, Simulation & Gaming, and International Studies Perspectives.
