Rebecca Best

Dr. Rebecca Best is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). She also serves as the Study Abroad Coordinator for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her research bridges gender dynamics in conflict resolution, veteran reintegration, and counter-terrorism strategies.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of North Carolina (2012)
• M.A., University of North Carolina (2008)
• B.A., East Carolina University (2006)

Dr. Best’s research focuses on three key areas: Women in Peace and Conflict, where she examines how women’s inclusion in peace processes affects outcomes under frameworks like UN Security Council Resolution 1325; Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency, analyzing proscription policies and factionalized insurgent dynamics; and Veteran Reintegration, studying gendered disparities in civic engagement and political representation. Her work has been published in journals such as International Studies Review and Political Research Quarterly.

Leadership & Affiliations:

• Editorial Board, International Interactions
• 2022 President, Midwest Region of the International Studies Association (ISA)
• Faculty Fellow, UMKC CAFE Program
• Contributor, Political Violence at a Glance
• Affiliated Researcher, Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy
• Faculty Affiliate, Race, Ethnic, and Gender Studies Program
• Alumna, International Policy Summer Institute (2020/21)

Dr. Best co-led the NEH-funded Bridging the Civil-Military Gap project with Professors Viviana Grieco and Whitney Terrell, focusing on civil-military dynamics in democratic contexts. Her empirical analyses span datasets on terrorist groups, legislative behavior, and veteran reintegration, emphasizing intersectionality between gender, conflict, and institutional structures.