معرفی
Kieran Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Drake University, where he has taught since 2004. He previously held an associate professorship at University College London’s School of Slavonic and East European Studies, advising the UK Foreign Office. He holds an A.B. from Princeton University and a DPhil from the University of Oxford.
His research focuses on comparative politics, specializing in Central and Eastern Europe with particular expertise in democratization processes, intelligence agencies, and the legacy of Václav Havel. He has authored/co-authored four books, including a prize-winning study of the 1968 Prague Spring and a co-edited volume on Havel’s intellectual legacy. His recent work examines electoral systems, transitional justice, and security policy in post-communist states.
Teaching focuses on comparative politics, European systems, Russian politics, and political theory. Courses include POLS 136: Intelligence Agencies, POLS 146: Politics in Russia and Former Soviet Union, and POLS 167: The US & Iran. He regularly contributes to the Times Literary Supplement and writes on Medium about historical and contemporary political issues.
Recent research includes analysis of Czech electoral constitutionalism, memory politics, and security sector reforms. His writings critically engage with issues like weapon ownership debates in post-communist contexts and the interplay between legal frameworks and dissent movements.
- Current Sabbatical: 2025-2026 academic year
- Office: Meredith Hall 212 | Phone: 515-271-4522
- Professional networks: Member of Drake’s College of Arts & Sciences faculty since 2004
