Graig Klein

Graig Klein is an Assistant Professor at Leiden University's Institute of Security and Global Affairs, part of the Governance and Global Affairs faculty. His research focuses on political violence dynamics, including terrorism and protests, examining how dissident-government interactions influence tactical evolution and security strategies. Klein leads the European Research Council-funded TERGAP project, analyzing terrorist group adaptation to counterterrorism measures. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Binghamton University and an MA from American University.

Key positions include former Assistant Professor at New Jersey City University (2016-2020) and adjunct roles at Borough of Manhattan Community College. His work bridges academia and policy, including World Bank analysis on Nicaragua's 2018 protests and collaboration with NORAD/USNORTHCOM. He is a prolific author in journals like International Organization and Terrorism and Political Violence, and contributes to policy discussions via outlets like The Conversation and Political Violence @ a Glance.

Research interests include counterterrorism strategies, protest dynamics, and hybrid threats. Awards include the 2024 Google Trust & Safety Grant and ERC Starter Grant (TERGAP). He teaches courses on counterterrorism governance and advises on security leadership programs. His recent focus includes analyzing government repression's impact on domestic terrorism and the strategic role of vengeance in extremist violence.