Helen Kinsella

Helen Kinsella is Professor of Political Science and Law at the University of Minnesota, with affiliations in Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Human Rights Center. Her research theorizes gender in armed conflict through international humanitarian law, feminist theory, and political thought.

Education includes:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Minnesota (2004)
• M.A. in Public Policy, University of Minnesota (1996)
• B.A. in Political Science and Gender Studies, Bryn Mawr College (1990)

Her award-winning book The Image Before the Weapon critically examines the combatant-civilian distinction. Current projects analyze sleep in warfare and historical laws of war in US-Native conflicts. Research has been supported by Fulbright, Mellon Foundation, and Council on Foreign Relations fellowships.

Articles investigate gendered dimensions of international law, colonial violence, and security practices. Awards include the Sussex International Theory Prize (2012) for her scholarly contributions.