Jeff Spinner-Halev

Jeff Spinner-Halev is the Kenan Eminent Professor of Political Ethics in the Department of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the same institution. Prior to his current position, he served at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as the Schlesinger Professor of Social Justice before joining UNC in 2005. His research explores tensions in liberal democratic theory, focusing on multiculturalism, justice, and citizenship. Notable books include Enduring Injustice (2012), Surviving Diversity (2000), and the co-edited volume Minorities within Minorities (2005). His latest work, Respect and Loathing in American Democracy (2024), examines polarization and equality in democratic contexts.

• Education: B.A., University of Michigan (1985); Ph.D., University of Michigan (1992)

His research interests bridge political theory, ethics, and policy, addressing topics like historical injustice, democratic solidarity, and the limits of liberalism. He has held prestigious fellowships at Princeton, Hebrew University, and Stanford. Recent articles explore robust political philosophy, multicultural integration, and market responsibility.

• Awards: Laurance S. Rockefeller Fellow (Princeton), Lady Davis Fellow (Hebrew U), Stanford CASBS Fellow (2025-26)

Spinner-Halev’s work emphasizes practical applications of theory, advocating for inclusive democratic frameworks. His interdisciplinary approach addresses issues of identity, citizenship, and justice in pluralistic societies.