Nicholas Kuipers

Nicholas Kuipers is an Assistant Professor of Politics at Princeton University. Prior to this role, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore. His research focuses on comparative politics, political economy, and public policy, with a regional specialization in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. He investigates the consequences of bureaucratic and political selection institutions, emphasizing their impact on governance and societal attitudes. Kuipers has secured grants from the Institute for International Studies, National Science Foundation (NSF), Singapore Ministry of Education (AcRF), Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG), and Weiss Family Fund. He is also a non-resident research associate at the Center on the Politics of Development.

Kuipers holds academic credentials including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Oberlin College and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

His research interests prioritize the interplay between bureaucracy and policy outcomes in Southeast Asia. Key themes include the socio-political effects of standardized examinations, the historical foundations of modern governance structures, and the dynamics of electoral integrity and clientelism. He frequently employs mixed-method approaches, integrating historical analysis with contemporary policy evaluations, and collaborates on large-scale surveys such as the Indonesian DPRD-II Candidate Study. His work addresses pressing issues like climate policy inaction and the implications of pandemic-era governance measures in Indonesia.

Recent articles highlight his exploration of bureaucratic reform's representational consequences, the gendered backlash from civil service exams, and the long-term impacts of colonial policies. His research also examines municipal governance, electoral behavior, and the nuances of印尼 (Indonesian) political systems.

Though no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, his grants and collaborations underscore sustained recognition. Kuipers has secured funding from notable institutions, including:

• Institute for International Studies
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Singapore Ministry of Education (AcRF)
• Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG)
• Weiss Family Fund

In advising and grants, he has led research projects supported by the listed institutions but does not have explicitly stated advisees. His courses include Bureaucratic Politics (Fall 2025), CP Graduate Research Seminar (Fall 2025), and Politics of Southeast Asia (Spring 2025), reflecting his expertise in governance and regional studies. No specific labs or teams are documented, though his non-resident role at the Center on the Politics of Development indicates active involvement in cross-institutional research networks.