Ed Schatz

Ed Schatz is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto, specializing in identity politics, social transformations, social movements, anti-Americanism, and authoritarianism with a focus on the ex-USSR and Central Asia. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. from Yale University.

His research explores the interplay between state structures and societal dynamics, particularly in post-Soviet Eurasia. Key works include Slow Anti-Americanism (2021), Paradox of Power (2017), and Modern Clan Politics (2004), examining themes like authoritarian governance, symbolic politics, and the impact of global initiatives like China’s Belt & Road. Current projects include analyzing the downstream effects of the Belt & Road Initiative and the rise of 'shamelessness' in global politics.

His articles span journals such as Comparative Politics, Slavic Review, and International Political Science Review, addressing topics like Kazakhstani authoritarianism, anti-American sentiment in Central Asia, and qualitative research transparency. His recent op-eds, including reflections on the Israel-Gaza conflict and Kazakhstan’s economic policies, highlight his engagement with contemporary geopolitical issues.

Scholarly contributions emphasize ethnographic methods and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding power dynamics. His work underscores the importance of contextual analysis in authoritarian regimes and global political phenomena.