Alastair Smith

Alastair Smith is the Bernhardt Denmark Professor of International Relations at New York University's Department of Politics, part of the College of Arts & Science. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester (1995) and a B.A. (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Oxford (1990). His research focuses on international relations, electoral politics, and political economy, with notable works including *The Dictator's Handbook* (2011) and *The Logic of Political Survival* (2003, co-authored). His research explores authoritarian regimes, conflict dynamics, and the strategic calculus of leaders in international negotiations.

Recent scholarship addresses topics such as UN Security Council influence on conflict reduction, electoral timing effects on negotiations, and the political economy of climate agreements. He has contributed to debates on punishment strategies in governance (*The Punisher's Dilemma*, 2024) and the role of regime type in coalition warfare efforts (2023). His work bridges theoretical political science with empirical analysis of global governance challenges.

Smith's academic contributions span books, peer-reviewed articles, and policy analyses. He has advised on international relations topics and collaborates across disciplines, occasionally engaging in interdisciplinary studies (e.g., genetics and Alzheimer’s resilience). His contact includes the NYU Politics Department address and email provided.