Steven Wilkinson

Steven Wilkinson is the Dean of Yale University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, holding the Nilekani Professorship of India and South Asian Studies, and Professorships in Political Science and International Affairs. He previously served as Director of the MacMillan Center and Vice Provost for Global Strategy. His research focuses on political conflict in India, civil-military relations, and electoral politics. He earned a Ph.D. from MIT, an A.M. in History from Duke, and a B.A. from the University of Edinburgh.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Political Science, MIT
  • A.M. in History, Duke University
  • B.A. in History, University of Edinburgh

His research interests include the political dynamics of India, South Asian democratization, and the role of military institutions in democratic governance. His seminal work, Army and Nation, explores why India’s military remains non-interventionist. He has advised numerous doctoral students, many of whom hold academic positions at leading institutions.

Wilkinson has authored influential books and articles on topics such as electoral violence, political corruption, and post-colonial institutions. He received the Woodrow Wilson Award for his book Votes and Violence and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

His work on India’s defense structure and collaborations with scholars like Saumitra Jha and Sushant Singh highlight ongoing projects on war and political change. His teaching spans comparative politics, South Asian studies, and qualitative research methods.