Seonhee Kim

Seonhee Kim is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the Harriman Institute, Columbia University. Previously, she completed her Ph.D. in 2019 at the Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, where her research focused on state repression under authoritarian regimes in Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Her academic work intersects with comparative politics, political economy, and the study of electoral authoritarianism, human rights, and social movements.

• Education: B.A., Incheon University; M.A., Seoul National University; Ph.D., University of Washington (2019).

Kim's research investigates judicial repression, regime legitimacy, and the dynamics of social movements in authoritarian contexts. She has presented her findings at prestigious conferences, including APSA, MPSA, and REECAS NW, and contributed to publications on topics ranging from gubernatorial appointments in Russia to post-socialist political economy.

Her recent articles highlight the strategic use of legal mechanisms by authoritarian regimes, electoral manipulation, and the interplay between state and societal actors. These works emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, blending political science with insights from security studies and comparative analysis.

• Grants & Fellowships: SSI Junior Fellow (2015-2016), Merit Scholarships at Seoul National University (2010, 2011).

Kim's research has been supported by the Space Security Initiative and Jackson School of International Studies. She continues to explore authoritarian governance and state-society interactions in her current role at Columbia University.