Neil Narang

Neil Narang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and Director of Research at the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC). He specializes in international security, conflict management, and the role of international institutions in conflict resolution. His research explores signaling in crisis bargaining, nuclear deterrence, and the impact of humanitarian aid on conflict dynamics.

Education: Ph.D. in Political Science from UC San Diego (2012), B.A. in Molecular Cell Biology and Political Science from UC Berkeley. Professional affiliations include the Stanford CISAC, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Council on Foreign Relations. He has held fellowships at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania’s Browne Center and Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation.

Research Interests: International security, nuclear nonproliferation, crisis bargaining, alliance treaties, and the efficacy of humanitarian assistance. His work often bridges theoretical models with empirical case studies, focusing on how states navigate uncertainty in conflict scenarios.

Publications: Over two dozen peer-reviewed articles in top journals like the Journal of Politics, International Studies Quarterly, and Journal of Conflict Resolution. Key themes include nuclear deterrence, peacekeeping effectiveness, and the unintended consequences of humanitarian aid.

• Awards:
  • 2018 Carrie Chapman Catt Prize for Research on Women and Politics
  • 2017 APSA Best Paper Award on Conflict Processes

Advising & Grants: Advisor to Los Alamos National Lab’s Director’s Office; grants and fellowships include the Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship (2015–2016).

Labs/Teams: Leads the IGCC Research Program, collaborates with Stanford CISAC, and contributes to Geneva’s CCDP on peacebuilding strategies.