Thorin Wright

Thorin Wright is an Associate Professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University, where he also serves as Academic Lead for the Security & Defence PLuS initiative. He previously held the position of Associate Director for Graduate Studies at SPGS from 2020-2023. Wright holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012), an M.S. (2007) and B.A. (2005) in Political Science from the University of North Texas.

His research examines international conflict processes with emphasis on:

• The intersection of international conflict and domestic politics
• Territorial conflict participation and state repression
• Effectiveness of defensive alliances and peacekeeping operations
• Human rights reporting methodologies and impacts

Wright's recent publications (2014-2025) consistently focus on conflict dynamics, state repression mechanisms, and human rights documentation, with emerging themes including gender politics in conflict zones and epidemic-related social unrest. Methodologically, his work combines quantitative analysis of conflict datasets with policy evaluation.

Research Funding:

• US-Japan Foundation Grant for 'Micro-Foundations of US-Japan Security Relationship' (2025-2026)
• Security & Defence PLuS Seed Grant for 'Integrated Deterrence in Age of AUKUS' (2024-2025)
• National Science Foundation Award for 'Sub-National Analysis of Repression Project' ($513,434, 2016-2022)

He mentors graduate researchers including Victoria Stratton and Heather M. Kopp as co-authors on publications. His teaching portfolio includes graduate and undergraduate courses on international relations, conflict processes, and human rights.