James Tyner

James Tyner is Professor of Geography at Kent State University and Fellow of the American Association of Geographers. He specializes in political geography, genocide studies, and Marxist theory with regional expertise in Cambodia. With over 22 books and 100+ publications, his award-winning research examines the political economy of violence and historical geographies of 20th century Marxism.

Education includes:

• PhD in Geography from University of Southern California

Research interests focus on the intersection of space, power and violence manifested through:

• Political economy of genocide and mass violence
• Marxist geographical theory
• Biographical landscapes of trauma
• Necropolitics and sovereign power
• Historical geography of Southeast Asia

Publications consistently explore themes of violence, power and resistance across historical contexts. Recent works analyze genocide landscapes in Cambodia, spatial logics of killing, and representations of violence in literature and media. Articles demonstrate methodological innovation combining archival research, critical theory and geographical analysis.

Honors and awards include:

• 2021 Distinguished Scholarship Honors, AAG
• 2019 & 2006 Julian Minghi Book Awards
• 2017 Virginie Mamadouh Research Award
• 2010 Meridian Book Award
• 2010 James Blaut Award
• 2007 Glenda Laws Award
• Multiple mentorship and teaching awards

Mentors graduate students through Kent State's Geography program. Current research continues examining famine, violence and representation in Cambodia through theoretical frameworks of biopolitics and necropolitics.