Lester R. Kurtz

Lester R. Kurtz is a Professor of Sociology at George Mason University, specializing in nonviolent social movements, the sociology of religion, and global social thought. He holds affiliations with the Center for Social Science Research and the Next System Studies initiative. His academic career includes roles as Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, and Conflict and Chair of the Peace Studies Association and the Peace, War, and Social Conflict Section of the American Sociological Association. He has been honored with the Robin Williams Distinguished Career Award and other prestigious recognitions.

Dr. Kurtz's research explores nonviolent resistance, religious influences on conflict, and global social theory. His seminal works include Gods and Bombs, Nonviolent Social Movements, and Gods in the Global Village. He has lectured globally and contributed to initiatives like the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict.

His recent work focuses on decolonizing social thought and addressing systemic violence. Grants and fellowships include NIH funding for moral disengagement research and collaborations with institutions worldwide. He teaches courses on peace studies, comparative religions, and social movements.