Rani D. Mullen

Rani D. Mullen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Government at William & Mary. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School and an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

Her research explores democratization, development, and state-building in South Asia, with concentrated expertise on India and Afghanistan. Key themes include:

• Linkages between democracy, economic growth, and poverty reduction
• Local governance impacts on social well-being
• Political dynamics of center-periphery relations in South Asia

Prior professional roles include positions at the World Bank's Poverty and Social Policy Department, consultancy for USAID, and legislative assistance in the German parliament.