Kathryn Lavelle

Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor in World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University's Department of Political Science. Her research focuses on global governance, US foreign policy, and international political economy, with a strong emphasis on Arctic policy and multilateral institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank. She has held significant roles including Fulbright Visiting Chair at the University of Toronto and global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center.

Dr. Lavelle's work bridges academic scholarship and policy practice, drawing on her experience in the US State Department and as a Congressional Fellow on the House Financial Services Committee. Her research integrates economic, security, and environmental dimensions of US engagement in the Arctic, alongside analysis of financial institutions and legislative dynamics.

Research Interests:

• US foreign policy and Arctic strategy
• Role of international organizations in global finance and development
• Domestic-international policy linkages
• Geopolitical implications of climate change

Her recent publications include Reluctant Conquest: American Wealth, Power, and Security in the Arctic (Yale, 2025) and The Challenges of Multilateralism (Yale, 2020). Awards include grants from NSF, Woodrow Wilson Center, and Danish Maritime Fund.

Professional Activities:

• Global Fellow, Woodrow Wilson Center's Global Europe Program
• Board Member, Cleveland Council on World Affairs
• Former Editor, Transnational Corporations journal
• Founded the Finance Matters book series with Agenda Publishing