Sidney R. Jones

Sidney R. Jones is an Adjunct Associate Professor at New York University’s College of Arts & Science. She serves as Senior Adviser to the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) in Jakarta, Indonesia (founded by her in 2013), and consults for the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). Previously, she held leadership roles at the International Crisis Group (2002–2013), Amnesty International (1985–1988), and Human Rights Watch (1989–2002), including Chief of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor’s Human Rights Office. She has been a Visiting Fellow at Australian National University, UC Berkeley, and Central European University.

Education:

• B.A. in Oriental Studies, University of Pennsylvania
• M.A. in International Relations, University of Pennsylvania

Research Focus: Jones specializes in Southeast Asian political dynamics, including Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua. Her work examines ethnic and religious conflicts, violent extremism, democratic transitions, and migrant labor rights. She frequently publishes analyses in outlets like Foreign Affairs, Wall Street Journal, and Asia-Pacific Journal.

Awards & Affiliations:

• 2006 Honorary Doctorate from The New School
• Trustee, American Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF)
• Board member, Lontar Foundation (Indonesian literature translation)
• Associate, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (The Hague)

Grants & Advising: Her career spans over four decades in human rights advocacy and conflict resolution. She advises international bodies and NGOs on counter-terrorism and democratic governance. Her work has influenced policy responses to violent extremism in Southeast Asia.