Krishan Kumar

Krishan Kumar is a University Professor and William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia, specializing in political sociology, historical sociology, and social theory. His research spans nationalism, global history, and comparative-historical sociology, with a focus on empires and societal transformations.

Research Interests:

• Stratification and social inequality
• Political sociology and social thought
• Cultural and comparative-historical analysis
• Dynamics of nationalism and national identity

Publications: His works include groundbreaking books on empires, revolutions, and societal transitions, reflecting a thematic arc from industrial/post-industrial societies to contemporary global challenges. Key trends include the interplay between utopian ideals and realpolitik, and historical comparative analysis of state structures.