Micah Harris

Micah Harris is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Political Science Department at Duke University. He holds a PhD in Political Theory from the Catholic University of America, focusing on Martin Luther King Jr.'s political philosophy, and an MA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, with a thesis on Friedrich Nietzsche. His research explores the role of emotions like fear, anger, and shame in politics, alongside the intersection of art and American culture. He has authored academic articles on Rousseau and the American founding, and his novel Only Small Things Are Good delves into bureaucratic life and ethical dilemmas in national security. Previously, Harris worked in the U.S. Senate, White House, Department of Defense, and Pentagon. He resides in Carrboro, North Carolina.

Education:

• PhD in Political Theory, Catholic University of America (dissertation: “How Political Action Shapes the Actor: The Political Theory of Martin Luther King Jr.”)
• MA in Liberal Arts, St. John’s College (thesis: Friedrich Nietzsche)

Research Interests: Micah’s work bridges political theory and practice, emphasizing MLK Jr.’s legacy, the ethical dimensions of political action, and the influence of emotions in governance. He critiques and reconstructs the role of strong emotions in fostering or hindering democratic participation. His interdisciplinary approach integrates historical analysis with contemporary social justice movements.

Awards & Recognition: None explicitly listed, though his novel has garnered praise from academics and former policymakers.

Grants & Advising: No grants listed; no formal advisees identified. However, he actively mentors writers and scholars through collaborations and public talks.

Labs/Teams: Not explicitly affiliated with a lab, though his research engages with Duke’s political science and ethics initiatives.