Alexander V. Hirsch

Alexander V. Hirsch is a Professor of Political Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). He holds a B.A. from Yale University (2003) and a Ph.D. from Stanford University (2010). Prior to Caltech, he was an Assistant Professor at Princeton University (2011–2014). His research focuses on political institutions, American politics, formal theory, and quantitative methods. He co-founded the Applied Political Theory Lab (APTL) at Caltech in 2018, which emphasizes theory-driven research in political science, including mathematical models of electoral politics, legislative organization, and bureaucratic relations.

Hirsch’s key research interests include policy-making processes, legislative dynamics, and the role of lobbyists in gatekeeping. He has been recognized with the Social Science Fellowship (2012–2013) from the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. His work has been published in top journals such as the American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Politics.

• Education:
  • B.A., Yale University, 2003
  • Ph.D., Stanford University, 2010
• Teaching:
  • Introduction to Political Science (PS12)
  • Political Theory (SS202a)
  • Formal Theories in Political Science (PS132)
• Lab Affiliations:
  • Co-organizer, Caltech Applied Political Theory Lab
  • Member, Southern California Political Institutions and Political Economy working group

His research explores themes such as policy sabotage, voter attention in elections, and the impact of polarization on campaign spending. Recent work includes analyzing judicial hierarchies, legislative gridlock, and the strategic role of lobbyists in policy development. Hirsch’s theoretical models often integrate empirical evidence, offering insights into institutional design and political behavior.