Scott Straus

Scott Straus is a Professor of Political Science and Department Chair at the University of California-Berkeley. He holds a Ph.D. from Berkeley (2004) and was previously Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on political violence, genocide, human rights, and post-conflict politics in Sub-Saharan Africa. Straus has authored or edited nine books, including award-winning works like Making and Unmaking Nations (2015) and The Order of Genocide (2006). He serves as co-editor of African Affairs and Violence: An International Journal, and chairs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Committee on Conscience. His work addresses genocide prevention, transitional justice, and comparative conflict studies, with field experience in East and Central Africa.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, UC Berkeley (2004)

Research Interests: Straus examines structural and meso-level drivers of mass violence, state responses to conflict, and post-conflict governance. His work bridges comparative politics and international relations, with emphasis on African case studies. Recent projects analyze racial radicalization dynamics and governance by jihadist groups in Mali.

Key Contributions: His 2015 book theorizes genocide as state policy choice, while 2024 works advance multilevel frameworks for understanding racial violence. He collaborates with NGOs and policymakers on atrocity prevention strategies.

Awards:

• Grawemeyer Award for Improving World Order
• Lepgold Prize
• William Kiekhofer Teaching Award
• AAUPSS Gandhi Fellowship

Leadership Roles: Current department chair, former journal editor, and advisor to international institutions including the U.S. Holocaust Museum. Active in policy dialogue about Africa’s governance challenges and democratic transitions.