Burcu Savun

Burcu Savun is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, specializing in International Relations with a focus on civil wars, terrorism, conflict resolution, and forced migration. She holds a PhD from Rice University (2006) and teaches courses such as 'Civil Wars,' 'Peacemaking and Peacekeeping,' and 'World Politics.'

Her research explores refugee rights, election quality, and the linkages between democratization and political violence. Key themes include refugee-related violence, the impact of foreign aid on counterterrorism, and the legacies of military rule in post-authoritarian states. Her work has been published in top journals like the American Journal of Political Science, International Organization, and Journal of Peace Research.

Recent scholarship emphasizes strategic humanitarianism, electoral integrity, and civilian targeting in conflict zones. Savun has pioneered datasets such as POSVAR to track refugee-related violence, advancing methodological rigor in conflict studies. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges political theory with empirical analysis of contemporary global challenges.

Teaching and advising focus on international relations theory and practical applications in conflict zones. She maintains an active presence in academic networks through grants and collaborations, though specific grant details are not detailed in the provided materials.