Irene Ahn

Irene Hyangseon Ahn is an Assistant Professor at American University's School of Public Affairs, Department of Justice, Law, & Criminology. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego (2024), an MA in Government from Georgetown University, and a BA in International Relations from Peking University. Previously, she served as a Predoctoral Fellow at Academia Sinica (2022-2023).

• Education
  • Ph.D. in Sociology, University of California, San Diego (2024)
  • M.A. in Government, Georgetown University
  • B.A. in International Relations, Peking University

Her research examines marginalized communities affected by state violence through sociological frameworks. Key areas include:

• Transitional Justice in East Asia
• Legal Mobilization Dynamics
• Global Justice Mechanisms
• Comparative-Historical Analysis
• Victim Identity Construction
• Historical Redress Processes

Recent publications focus on victimhood in Jeju April 3 Uprising trials, monetary compensation symbolism in war orphan litigation, and comparative reconciliation models in Taiwan/South Korea. Earlier work analyzed border wall impacts on undocumented immigration patterns.

Scientific Recognition:

• Outstanding Article Award (ASA Peace, War, and Social Conflict Section)
• Asia Law and Society Association Honorable Mention
• International Conference on Sociology of Korea Paper Award

Research funded by:

• Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation
• Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica
• Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation
• Joseph Naiman Fellowship
• UC San Diego and American University Internal Fellowships