Emma Saunders-Hastings

Emma Saunders-Hastings is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in political theory with a focus on political, economic, and social inequality. Her work examines the role of private power in democratic systems, particularly through the lens of philanthropy. Previously, she held a Harper Fellowship at the University of Chicago and a postdoctoral position at Stanford’s Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society. She earned a PhD from Harvard University’s Department of Government and an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.

Her research interests include normative political theory, democratic theory, feminist theories, and 19th-century political thought. Her book *Private Virtues, Public Vices: Philanthropy and Democratic Equality* (2022) critically analyzes philanthropy’s impact on democratic equality, addressing issues like plutocracy and paternalism. Her articles have appeared in journals such as the *American Political Science Review* and *Journal of Politics*, alongside contributions to outlets like the *Boston Review*.

Her publications consistently engage with themes of power dynamics, wealth distribution, and institutional reform, reflecting her commitment to bridging theoretical scholarship with real-world policy critiques. While no specific grants or advising roles are detailed, her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding systemic inequalities.