Yoshiko M. Herrera

Yoshiko M. Herrera is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is affiliated with the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia, where she previously served as Director. Her academic career includes a previous position as the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of Social Sciences in the Government Department at Harvard University (1999-2007).

Dr. Herrera received her educational training from prestigious institutions:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Chicago
• A.B. in Political Science, Dartmouth College

Her research focuses on the complex interplay of identity, politics, and international relations in post-communist contexts. Dr. Herrera's work examines how social identities shape political behavior, with particular attention to nationalism, ethnicity, xenophobia, trust, and diversity in Russian and Eurasian contexts. She also investigates US-Russian relations, international norms, and political economy, with a specific interest in constructivist approaches to economic understanding. Her scholarship bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis of contemporary political phenomena in the region.

Dr. Herrera's recent scholarship demonstrates a consistent focus on Russian and Eurasian politics, with increasing attention to the war in Ukraine. Her publications span top political science journals including the American Political Science Review, Journal of Peace Research, and Post-Soviet Affairs. She has developed expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, applying them to questions of identity formation, conflict dynamics, and international norm diffusion.

Her scholarly achievements have been recognized with notable awards:

• Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award, UW-Madison (2021)
• Honorable Mention for the 2011 Ed A. Hewett Book Prize for "Mirrors of the Economy: National Accounts and International Norms in Russia and Beyond"

At UW-Madison, Dr. Herrera has been an active educator, teaching courses on comparative politics, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, social identities and diversity, and post-communist politics. She has served in significant administrative roles including as former Director of the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia, former Co-Director of the Institute For Regional and International Studies, and former Director of the UW-Madison Partnership with Nazarbayev University. Her commitment to mentorship extends beyond the classroom to guiding students through research opportunities focused on Eurasian politics and identity studies.

Dr. Herrera maintains an active research profile through the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia, where she contributes to interdisciplinary projects examining contemporary developments in the region. Her work often bridges academic research with policy relevance, particularly regarding US-Russia relations and the geopolitical implications of the war in Ukraine.