John C Torpey

John C Torpey is a Presidential Professor of Sociology and History at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), and serves as the Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and has held significant roles such as President of the Eastern Sociological Society (2016-2017). His research focuses on Social and Critical Theory, Comparative Historical Sociology, Sociology of Religion, and Political Sociology.

Education: PhD in Sociology from UC Berkeley (1992), MA in Sociology from UC Berkeley (1987), BA in Political Science from Amherst College (1981).

Research Interests: Dr. Torpey's work bridges sociology, history, and political theory. His studies on state practices, citizenship, and historical injustices have been pivotal. He has explored topics such as the legal integration of Islam in transatlantic contexts, transformations in warfare, and the post-secular dynamics in contemporary societies.

Key Publications: His notable works include The Invention of the Passport (2000, 2nd ed. 2018), which examines state surveillance and citizenship, and Legal Integration of Islam (2013), analyzing religious integration challenges. More recent contributions include The Three Axial Ages (2017), rethinking societal development frameworks.

Awards and Recognition: He received the Award for Excellence in International Exchange from the DAAD Alumni Association-USA (2023) and served as President of the Eastern Sociological Society.

Leadership and Initiatives: As director of the Ralph Bunche Institute, he oversees interdisciplinary research on global issues. His academic exchanges with Germany have been recognized, and he has organized workshops addressing polarization and compromise in democratic societies.