Joel Andreas is a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University since 2003, serving as Program Director of the East Asian Studies Program. His research focuses on political contention, social inequality, and social change in contemporary China. He holds a PhD in Sociology from UCLA and teaches social theory, political sociology, and courses on Chinese society. He has held visiting positions at universities including the University of Sydney, Hong Kong University, and Ningxia University. His work examines labor movements, rural land policies, and class dynamics in China. Recent research includes analyses of staff-worker congresses, rural land dispossession, and the persistence of militarism in U.S. policy. He critiques market reforms and explores the legacy of the Cultural Revolution. Andreas has contributed to debates on China’s transition to capitalism and the decline of socialist systems. His publications span topics from urbanization to state coercion in rural development. He maintains an active role in academic exchanges and policy-relevant research on China’s socio-political landscape.
Emilio Sauri is a Professor in the Department of English at the University of Massachusetts Boston. His expertise spans American literature, Latin American literature, critical theory, and photography, with a focus on literature’s relationship to the global economy from the 19th to 21st centuries. PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago BA, Northwestern University Sauri's research examines literature and visual art in the context of globalization, capitalism, and cultural theory. He is currently working on a monograph titled *Imperial Decay: Literature, Autonomy and the End of Modernization in the Americas* (under contract with Northwestern University Press). His prior editorial work includes co-editing *Literature and the Global Contemporary* (Palgrave, 2017) and *Literary Materialisms* (Palgrave, 2013), alongside a special issue of *nonsite* on Latin American literature and theory. His recent publications explore intersections of literature with global capitalism, materialism, and postmodernism, often analyzing Latin American and U.S. texts. Notable topics include the labor of the novel, economic value in contemporary Mexican fiction, and critiques of modernization in Bolaño’s works. Fulbright Fellow, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2018 Sauri has served on the Executive Committee of the Faculty Staff Union (2018–2020) and co-founded the Literary Theory Reading Group. He has taught courses such as *Post-1945 American Literature*, *Literature and the Political Imagination*, and graduate seminars on literary theory and critical methods.
Gregg M. Garfin is a Professor and Specialist in Climate, Natural Resources, and Policy at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, and Deputy Director for Science Translation and Outreach at the Arizona Institute for Resilience. He holds a Ph.D. in Geosciences from the University of Arizona (2003), an M.S. in Geology and Geography from the University of Massachusetts (1997), and a B.S. in Geology and Geography from the same institution (1993). His work bridges science and societal decision-making, focusing on climate adaptation, drought management, and climate services. He directs the Water, Society, and Policy M.S. Program and has led interdisciplinary projects on climate resilience, including contributions to the Fourth National Climate Assessment. Roles: Professor, Deputy Director, Program Director Affiliations: Arizona Institute for Resilience, School of Natural Resources and the Environment Research Interests His research emphasizes climate adaptation strategies, climate policy, and the co-production of knowledge between scientists and decision-makers. Key areas include: Climate impacts on water resources and ecosystems Extreme heat and drought resilience in urban and border communities Climate change communication and education Awards & Recognition Garfin has received multiple accolades, including AAAS Fellowship (2020), University of Arizona Service Awards (2020, 2015), and the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) Visiting Fellowship (2018). His work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and media outlets, emphasizing actionable science for climate resilience. Grants & Contributions He has led federal and transnational projects, including binational climate resilience initiatives in the U.S.-Mexico border region and flood risk assessments in Seoul, South Korea. His work integrates participatory governance approaches to enhance community preparedness.
David Harvey is a Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Geography at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center and Director of Research at the Center for Place, Culture and Politics. He has been teaching and writing about Karl Marx’s Capital for over 50 years, earning recognition as a leading Marxist scholar and urban theorist. Research Interests Cultural anthropology Political economy Urbanization and capitalist development Environmental justice Geographical theory Advanced capitalist countries Publications & Trends Harvey’s work spans Marxist theory, neoliberalism, and urban studies, with recent focus on Grundrisse and capitalist contradictions. His scholarship connects historical materialism to contemporary crises, emphasizing spatial fixes, environmental limits, and anti-capitalist resistance. Awards & Honors Outstanding Contributor Award (Association of American Geographers) Centenary Medal (Royal Scottish Geographical Society, 2002) Isaac and Tamara Deutscher Book Prize (2010) for The Enigma of Capital Honorary degrees from University of Bristol, Goldsmith College, Kent, Buenos Aires, Roskilde, Uppsala, and Ohio State University
Elizabeth Bernstein is a Professor of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Professor of Sociology at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she has been a faculty member since September 2002. Her work bridges sociological theory with feminist analysis, focusing on the intersections of gender, sexuality, and political economy. Bernstein directs significant research initiatives including the Gender Justice and Neoliberal Transformations Working Group, a transnational collaboration among thirteen scholars examining gender justice in contemporary global contexts. She is currently developing a new book project titled "Imagining Immunity: Precarious Bodies and the Governance of Gendered Dis-ease," which explores immunological metaphors in understanding bodily risk and suffering. B.A., University of California, Berkeley M.A., University of California, Berkeley Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley Professor Bernstein's research focuses on the political economy of the body, gender, and sexuality, with particular attention to sexual commerce, sex trafficking, and neoliberal governance. Her work employs ethnographic methods to examine how intimate relations become sites of economic exchange and political regulation. She investigates how concepts of authenticity, freedom, and rights are mobilized in debates about sexual commerce and trafficking. Bernstein's scholarship critically engages with feminist theory, carceral politics, and transnational governance frameworks, challenging conventional approaches to sex work and trafficking that often reinforce punitive systems rather than advancing gender justice. Analysis of Bernstein's scholarly output reveals a consistent trajectory examining the intersections of gender, sexuality, and political economy within neoliberal frameworks. Her work demonstrates increasing attention to transnational governance mechanisms and their impact on intimate relations and bodily autonomy. A notable trend is her critical examination of how anti-trafficking campaigns often employ carceral logic that undermines feminist goals of gender justice. Her scholarship consistently challenges binary frameworks that position sex work solely as exploitation or liberation, instead analyzing the complex economic, political, and social dynamics that shape sexual commerce globally. Bernstein's research has received significant recognition through prestigious awards including: Distinguished Book Award, American Sociological Association, Sociology of Sexualities Section (2020) for "Brokered Subjects" Honorable Mention, Society for the Study of Social Problems Global Division Book Award (2019) Norbert Elias Prize, Norbert Elias Foundation (2009) Distinguished Book Award, American Sociological Association, Sex and Gender Section (2009) Her work has also been supported by major funding organizations including the Institute for Advanced Study, National Science Foundation, Social Science Research Council, AAUW, and Mellon Foundation. As a principal investigator along with Janet Jakobsen for the Gender Justice and Neoliberal Transformations Working Group, Bernstein leads a significant collaborative research initiative sponsored by the Barnard Center for Research on Women. Her grant portfolio demonstrates sustained support from major research institutions, reflecting the significance of her work in gender studies and sociology. While specific student advisees aren't listed in the available materials, her role as a full professor at Barnard College indicates extensive mentorship of undergraduate and likely graduate students in Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Sociology. Bernstein co-leads the Gender Justice and Neoliberal Transformations Working Group, a collaboration among thirteen scholars working transnationally on questions of gender justice. This initiative represents a significant research collective examining how neoliberal policies reshape gender relations globally. Her work with the Barnard Center for Research on Women provides institutional support for this transnational feminist research network, facilitating scholarly exchange and collaborative publication projects that advance critical perspectives on gender, sexuality, and political economy.
Alexander Manevitz is an Assistant Professor at the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, Baruch College (City University of New York), specializing in African American history, 19th-century U.S. history, and historical memory. His research explores urbanism, race, and capitalism, particularly through the lens of Seneca Village, a free Black community displaced during Central Park’s creation. Education: Ph.D., U.S. History, New York University (2016) B.A., History, Trinity College (Hartford) His research focuses on the intersection of race, property regimes, and urban development in antebellum New York City. He is currently finalizing a book manuscript with Cornell University Press titled The Rise and Fall of Seneca Village: Remaking Race and Space in Nineteenth-Century New York City , analyzing how marginalized communities navigated systemic discrimination and urban transformation. Manevitz’s recent publications and media contributions examine themes like urban capitalism, Reconstruction’s legacy, and archival recovery. His 2022 article in the Journal of Urban History investigates racial and economic inequalities in 19th-century New York City, while his 2020 Washington Post piece connects Reconstruction-era failures to contemporary racial justice issues. Scientific Awards: Robert Friedman Professor of American History (2024) Faculty Fellowship Publication Program (CUNY, 2023) Bernard and Irene Schwartz Postdoctoral Fellow (2019) Junior Faculty Research Fellowship (Trinity College, 2017) Bessie and George Levy Award for Excellence in American History (2014) Manevitz teaches courses in American history, African American history, and urban capitalism, employing interdisciplinary methods to amplify diverse voices. He has collaborated with institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New-York Historical Society, emphasizing public scholarship and community engagement.
Claire Priest is the Simeon E. Baldwin Professor of Law and Professor of History at Yale University, holding dual appointments in the Yale Law School and the History Department. She specializes in legal and economic history, with a focus on property laws, credit systems, and institutional development in early America. Her seminal work Credit Nation (2021) redefines American economic history by examining how colonial credit laws shaped capitalism and slavery. Education: B.A. (Yale, 1994), J.D. (Yale Law School, 2000), Ph.D. in History (Yale, 2003). Roles: Co-director of Yale Law School’s Latin American program (SELA) and Yale’s Council on Latin American and Iberian Studies advisory committee. Her research bridges law, economics, and slavery, appearing in top journals like Harvard Law Review and Law and History Review . She has held visiting posts at Columbia and Harvard Law Schools and clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Recipient of the 2021 Yale Law Women’s Faculty Excellence Award, she teaches courses on property, American legal history, and political economy in the Age of Revolution.
John B. Taylor is the Mary and Robert Raymond Professor of Economics at Stanford University and the George P. Shultz Senior Fellow in Economics at the Hoover Institution. He directs the Stanford Introductory Economics Center and has held leadership roles at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). His academic expertise spans macroeconomics, monetary economics, and international economics, with a focus on policy frameworks and central banking. **Education**: Taylor earned a B.A. in Economics from Princeton University (1968) and a Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University (1973). He previously taught at Princeton, Columbia, and Yale Universities. **Research Interests**: Taylor’s work emphasizes the foundations of monetary policy, including the Taylor Rule and its global applications. He examines policy responses to crises, inflation targeting, and the role of rules in stabilizing economies. His research integrates theoretical models with real-world policy analysis, addressing topics like financial regulation, fiscal activism, and international coordination. **Awards**: Taylor has received prestigious honors such as the Bradley Prize, Adam Smith Award, and Guggenheim Fellowship. Notable awards include the Alexander Hamilton Award for leadership in international finance and the Hoagland Prize for teaching excellence. **Advising & Grants**: Taylor has advised governments and institutions globally, including the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the OECD. His advisory roles include membership in the President’s Council of Economic Advisers and California’s Governor’s Council. His work often focuses on policy design and crisis management. **Labs/Teams**: Taylor leads initiatives at SIEPR and the Hoover Institution, fostering collaborations on economic policy and global finance. His research frequently engages with central banks and policymakers to translate academic insights into actionable frameworks.
G. John Ikenberry is the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University, jointly appointed in the Department of Politics and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. He is Co-Director of the Center for International Security Studies and the Princeton Project on National Security. Ikenberry also holds the title of Global Eminence Scholar at Kyung Hee University and has held visiting fellowships at All Souls College and Balliol College, Oxford. His research centers on international relations, with a focus on the liberal international order, American foreign policy, institutional design, and post-war order building. Ikenberry’s work explores how power, legitimacy, and institutions interact to shape global governance. His scholarship bridges theory and policy, influencing both academic discourse and real-world strategy. The 15 most recent articles and books reflect a deep engagement with themes such as liberal internationalism, U.S. primacy, multilateralism, and the resilience of global institutions. His publications analyze historical patterns of order creation, contemporary challenges to the Western alliance, and the future of democratic governance in a shifting geopolitical landscape. Scientific Awards: Schroeder-Jervis Award (2002) from the American Political Science Association for best book in international history and politics ( After Victory ) Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, Ikenberry has co-directed major research projects including the Princeton Project on National Security and has advised on U.S. foreign policy through roles on the State Department Policy Planning Staff and the Council on Foreign Relations Task Force. His work has been supported by prestigious academic and policy institutions, enabling broad scholarly and practical impact. Labs and Research Centers: Ikenberry is actively involved in leading research centers at Princeton, including the Center for International Security Studies and the Princeton Project on National Security, which bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address pressing global challenges.
Jamella Gow is the Rasuli Lewis Assistant Professor of Sociology at Bowdoin College, where she teaches courses on race and ethnicity, Black culture and activism, migration, policing, borders, and globalization. She is affiliated with the Department of Sociology and actively contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of Black Studies and migration studies. Her research centers on how race, Blackness, and immigration intersect for Black Caribbean migrants in the United States, particularly Haitians, Jamaicans, and Afro-Cubans in South Florida. She investigates the dynamics of racial and ethnic identity, inclusion/exclusion, diasporic politics, and the criminalization of Black migrants under U.S. immigration policy. Her work critically engages anti-Blackness, differential Blackness, and transnational solidarity. Her recent publications include a co-edited volume titled Modern Migrations, Black Interrogations: Revisioning Migrants and Mobilities through the Critique of Anti-Blackness (Temple University Press, 2024), and journal articles in Sociology of Race and Ethnicity , Ethnic and Racial Studies , and Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies . Her publications reflect a consistent focus on racialization, diaspora, and the socio-political marginalization of Black migrants. She frequently presents her research at major academic conferences such as the American Sociological Association and the Society for the Study of Social Problems. Jamella Gow has not been mentioned as receiving specific scientific awards in the provided text. However, her scholarly impact is evident through her publications and invited presentations. She advises and mentors students in sociology and related fields, though no named advisees are listed. Her research is collaborative, involving partnerships with scholars across institutions and community-based projects, such as her work with the Carrefour-Feuilles community in Haiti. She has also contributed to public scholarship through newsletters and book reviews. Her work is grounded in critical sociological theory and qualitative methods, and she is currently developing a book manuscript titled Black Migrants from Black Nations: Race, Blackness, and Immigrant Exclusion , which promises to make a significant contribution to the understanding of how racial, ethnic, and national statuses shape the lived experiences of Black immigrants.
Barry Naughton is the So Kwan Lok Chair of Chinese International Affairs at the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), University of California, San Diego, where he has been a faculty member since 1988 and was appointed to his named professorship in 1998. As a globally recognized authority on China's economic transformation, his work bridges academic rigor and policy relevance through decades of analysis of market reforms, industrial development, and international economic relations. His academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University (1986) M.A. in International Relations from Yale University (1979) B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature from the University of Washington (1975) Naughton's research centers on China's transition from planned to market economy, with emphasis on industrial restructuring, foreign trade dynamics, and regional development disparities. His scholarship uniquely connects historical analysis of reform milestones with contemporary policy challenges, particularly examining how state-market interactions shape technological advancement and global economic integration. This dual focus on institutional evolution and sectoral transformation has established him as a critical interpreter of China's development model for both academic and policy audiences. Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals a decisive shift toward examining China's industrial policy architecture and state capitalism mechanisms. Key thematic clusters include the conceptualization of 'Grand Steerage' in state-economy relations, the restructuring of science-technology systems, and the sectoral implementation of industrial policies. These works collectively document China's evolving governance approach—from market liberalization to targeted state direction—while analyzing implications for global trade and innovation ecosystems. His scholarly recognition includes: Ohira Memorial Prize for 'Growing Out of the Plan: Chinese Economic Reform, 1978-1993' (1996) Administrative leadership has been integral to Naughton's career, serving as Associate Dean of GPS (1992-1995, 2001-2003) and Chair of UCSD's Chinese Studies Program (1998-2000). His policy engagement extends through the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (1998-2003) and U.S. academic committees on Chinese studies. Current research examines regional growth patterns and foreign investment linkages while completing a new edition of his seminal textbook 'The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth,' which remains the field's authoritative reference. Though not leading a formal laboratory, Naughton shapes discourse through China Leadership Monitor's quarterly economic assessments and collaborative networks like the edited volume 'State Capitalism, Institutional Adaptation and the Chinese Miracle' (2015), which mobilized leading scholars to analyze China's institutional innovation within global capitalism.
Reşat Kasaba is a Professor at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, where he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses for over 30 years. He currently directs the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Near and Middle Eastern Studies and served as the director of the Jackson School from 2010 to 2020. His expertise centers on the political and economic history of the Middle East, particularly Turkey. His educational qualifications include: Ph.D. in Sociology, State University of New York at Binghamton, 1986 M.A. in Sociology, State University of New York at Binghamton, 1978 B.S. in Economics and Statistics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, 1976 Professor Kasaba's research interests encompass political economy, economic history, state-society relations, migration and refugee studies, ethnicity and nationalism, urban history, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. His work often focuses on modern Turkey, analyzing the rural-urban divide and the historical trajectory of state formation. His scholarly output features four influential books that explore the dynamics of empire, migration, modernity, and legal systems in the Ottoman and Turkish contexts. Collectively, these works contribute to understanding the complex interplay between social forces, national identity, and political economy in the region. He has been recognized with the UW Distinguished Teaching Award. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in prominent academic associations: President, Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (2017-2019) Board Member, Middle East Studies Association of North America (2015-2018) Professor Kasaba is actively involved in graduate education, currently accepting new MA students for the 2026-2027 academic year and mentoring Ph.D. candidates through the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program. His teaching covers diverse topics including world cities, state-society relations, and the modern Middle East.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Sherry B. Ortner is a Distinguished Research Professor of Anthropology at UCLA, specializing in cultural and social theory, feminist theory, and media studies. She holds degrees from Bryn Mawr College (A.B.), University of Chicago (M.A., Ph.D.). Her research spans Sherpa ethnography in Nepal, U.S. social class dynamics, and independent film critique. She has been awarded the J.I. Staley Prize, Retzius Medal, and MacArthur Fellowship. Ortner’s work interrogates late capitalism, neoliberalism, and cultural production, particularly through independent film movements. Her shift from Himalayan studies to U.S. cultural analysis reflects a focus on global and local power structures. She has held academic positions at Berkeley, Columbia, and the University of Michigan before joining UCLA in 2004. Key Research Themes : Feminist theory, media anthropology, class and capitalism, cultural critique. Awards : American Academy of Arts and Sciences membership, Guggenheim and NEH fellowships. Her publications include Not Hollywood (2013), New Jersey Dreaming (2003), and Life and Death on Mt. Everest (2000). Ortner’s recent work critiques patriarchal structures and neoliberalism’s cultural impacts. She is a foundational voice in contemporary anthropological theory.
Timothy Webster serves as Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development at Western New England University's School of Law, with prior academic appointments at Yale Law School, Case Western Reserve University, and international institutions including University of Paris—Dauphine and National Taiwan University. His educational qualifications include: B.A., Yale University M.A., Yale University J.D., Cornell Law School LL.M., Cornell Law School Webster's research focuses on intersections between international law and East Asian domestic legal systems (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan), examining human rights frameworks, international trade mechanisms, foreign investment regulations, and transnational litigation strategies. His scholarship demonstrates deep engagement with historical justice issues and contemporary legal challenges in the region, delivered through presentations at over 175 international conferences conducted in English, French, Japanese, and Mandarin. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent thematic concentration on war reparations, state immunity doctrines, corporate liability frameworks, and civil society's role in transnational redress movements, with empirical studies of litigation patterns across East Asia forming a distinctive methodological thread. His professional recognition includes: Catherine Jones Professor of the Year award (2023 and 2024) Asia Scholars Network fellowship (Luce Foundation) U.S.-Japan Network for the Future membership (Mansfield Foundation) Public Intellectuals Program selection (National Committee on U.S.-China Relations) As Associate Dean, Webster mentors law students in international legal studies while directing faculty development initiatives. His research is substantially supported by elite fellowships from the Luce Foundation, Mansfield Foundation, and National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, enabling extensive international collaboration. Webster has testified before Congress regarding China's WTO compliance and contributes legal analysis to major media outlets including The Conversation, South China Morning Post, and Los Angeles Times.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Professor Scott Kirsch (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a historical geographer examining spatial dimensions of American colonialism in the Philippines (1900-1913). His recent open-access book American Colonial Spaces in the Philippines: Insular Empire (Routledge, 2023) analyzes territorialization, cartography, landscape planning, and infrastructure development under figures like William Howard Taft and Cameron Forbes. Focuses on material and ideological production of colonial spaces Examines intersections of aesthetics, coercion, and governance Highlights American empire-building through Manila waterfront projects and Baguio's 'City Beautiful' planning Research explores spatial policies as tools for extending state control over diverse populations and environments, employing Henri Lefebvre's spatial theories. Scientific Awards: Luce Foundation Award for Open Access publication Collaborations include working with UNC's Carolina Asia Center for open-access dissemination.