Peter Stacey

Peter Stacey is Associate Professor and Peter Reill Chair in European History (1450 to Modern) at UCLA's Department of History. His research examines European intellectual history from the medieval to early modern periods, with emphasis on Renaissance political thought. He teaches graduate seminars on theories of empire and state formation, alongside undergraduate courses on Renaissance cultural history and political thought from classical Athens to revolutionary France.

Stacey's research investigates the revival of classical ideas in Italian intellectual life and governance between 1200-1600, specializing in Seneca's influence on Renaissance monarchy theories and Machiavelli's state philosophy. His publications analyze political philosophy through the lenses of Roman theory, Machiavellian statecraft, and republican liberty.

Recent articles trace evolving themes in Renaissance political philosophy, including sovereignty definitions, constitutional rhetoric, and the reinterpretation of classical figures like Nero. These reflect sustained engagement with Stoic ethics, humanist statecraft, and the tension between republican ideals and princely authority in early modern Europe.

He advises PhD students working on empire theory and representation, serving on doctoral committees across History, Classics, Political Science, and Art History departments.