Rod Albuyeh
albuyeh@usc.edu
Research Interests:Political Psychology and constructivism, specifically regarding the formation and change of state reputation.
Education: B.A., UC Irvine; M.A., UC Santa Barbara
Why I would recommend USC POIR: There is so much to love about this program.  First of all, the graduate students are happy, which I hear is not always the case elsewhere.  The faculty is actively engaged in graduate development and success.  Since USC is a world-class institution set in a major metropolitan hub, we have many outstanding speakers visiting the department.  And of course, the funding is outstanding.  

 

Maria Armoudian
armoudia@usc.edu

Roozbeh Baker
roozbehb@usc.edu

Jiun Bang
jiunbang@usc.edu
Research Interests: International security, Northeast Asia & U.S. foreign policy
Education: M.A., Georgetown University (2006); B.A., Ewha Womans University, Seoul (2005)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: You have the advantage of access to both the resources afforded by the Political Science and International Relations program. Not only does this mean support for interdisciplinary studies, but also mentoring from a wide-range of faculty. The locale also means that the cluster of schools nearby serve as added facilities (inter-library loans etc) for research and additional opportunities for conferences and workshops. As evidenced by the multitude of conferences and workshop offerings, the program is fully supportive of striking that balance between in-class learning and extracurricular activities for professional enhancement. There are also various avenues for funds, especially for those interested in East Asian studies, such as the U.S.-China institute and the Korean Studies Institute.

Justin Berry
justinab@usc.edu

Mariano Bertucci
mbertucc@usc.edu

 Research Interests: International Relations Theory, Comparative Politics, U.S.-Latin   American Relations
 Education:M.A., Graduate School of International Studies, Denver University (2005); B.A.   Universidad de San Andres, Buenos Aires (1999)
 Why I would recommend POIR: As a research institution, USC is an extraordinarily   competitive university for pursuing Ph.D. studies in Politics and International Relations. Its   highly accessible and world-renowned faculty, together with the many available   resources  to conduct on-site research both in the United States and abroad (as  embodied,  for example, in the Center for International Studies), are assets that place  USC's POIR  Program amongst the country's top tier programs in Politics and International  Relations.

Fabian A. Borges-Herrero
borgeshe@usc.edu



 Research Interests: International political economy of trade, Economic integration in the  Western Hemisphere, U.S.-Latin American economic relations
 Education: M.A., Georgetown University (2008); B.A., University of Costa Rica (2005)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: Based on my personal experience, the faculty is  very accessible. POIR offers a generous funding package to all incoming students. While  still a relatively new program, the placement record has been very good.

David Bridge
deb@usc.edu

Matthew Brinkmoeller
brinkmoe@usc.edu
Research Interests: Human migration, urban/rural politics, and Latin American politics
Education: B.A., Arizona State University (2010); M.A. Arizona State University (2011)

Deniz Cakirer
cakirerdeniz@gmail.edu

Rook Campbell
rook.campbell@usc.edu

 Dissertation Title: Global Governance of Sport
 Research Interests: I have three primary research interests: international security,  global governance, and human rights.  Looking at truth commissions and legal forums, my  human rights research concentrates in areas of collective memory, truth, justice, and  reconciliation.  I am interested in challenging economic and social rights theorizing.  Within  the sub-discipline of international security, I want to learn how local crime, deviance, and  social control theories and practices inform questions of security in a global age.  My  principle security research focuses on transnational criminal networks, namely money  laundering.  Primarily as a study of global governance, I am currently developing a  systemic institutional and political economy analysis through an examination of global  sport and elite athletic transnational labour.
Publications: “Staging Globalization for National Projects: Global Sport Markets and Elite Athletic Transnational Labour in Qatar,” International Review for Sociology of Sport (July 2010).  “Global Markets, Regulation, and Labour: The Erosion of the ‘National’ in National Sport,” International Journal for Sport and Society (2010).

Katherine Chu
katherkc@usc.edu

Research Interests: Comparative Politics, Culture and Global Society, Film and Politics, Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy, Soft Power

Publications: Chu, Katherine. (2010). Co-Opting the Wolves: National Film Industry Reform in China After 1978. Asian Politics & Policy, 2(1), 95-121.Education: University of Southern California. M.A., East Asian Area Studies;  Chinese University of Hong Kong. Chinese Language & Literature, Minor Communication and Journalism
Why I would recommend USC POIR: Located in the heart of Pacific Rim, USC is the best place to study relations between the two sides, including US-China-Taiwan, Japan-Korea -US and other Asian issues.  The range of academic departments and research programs, along with the variety of faculty and students, make each of us share in this intellectual richness.   With the establishment of the US-China Institute in 2006, I take full advantage of meeting and discussing with numerous distinguished scholars in their core research endeavors and latest findings.   It's the place not only to enrich your personal profession, but also your array of experiences and opportunities; in this regard, USC's POIR Department has no parallel.  

Juvenal J. Cortes
juvenalc@usc.edu

Research Interests: I study Latin America and the Western Hemisphere in terms of democracy, conflict, stability but also with regards to citizenship, philosophy, and history.
Education: B.A., University of California, Berkeley (2009)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: I recommend USC POIR because I can always count on funding for my work, projects, and conferences; because I can count on a professor to have a chat over coffee when I’m feeling low; because a PhD is not just about the final result, but the experience and process of getting there.

 

 

Tyler M. Curley
tmcurley@usc.edu
Research Interests: IR Theory, Political Psychology, Identity, Conflict Resolution
Publications: "Social Identity Theory and EU Expansion,"International Studies Quarterly (September 2009).
Education: M.A., University of Washington Tacoma (2008); B.A., University of Washington Tacoma (2006)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The students, faculty, and staff are very welcoming and helpful. The program is flexible and allows you to pursue interdisciplinary approaches. There are plenty of resources to help you conduct research.

Nicolas de Zamaróczy
nicolas.dezamaroczy@usc.edu

 Research Interests: European Union foreign policy, post-positivist international  relations theory, comparative regionalism, ethnography, diplomacy
 Education: M.A., King’s College London (2007), B.A., Dartmouth College (2006)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: Your fellow students in the program will be  your friends, and your professors will be your mentors—from what I hear, this is not  necessarily the case everywhere.  Also, the funding is generous.

Adam Feldman
asfeldma@usc.edu
Research Interests: Law and Public Policy
Education: B.A., UC Los Angeles; J.D., UC Berkeley

Denise Gonzalez
denitologa@usc.edu

Matthew Gratias
gratias@usc.edu

Christina M. Gray
grayc@usc.edu

Dissertation Title: “Efficient Passions: Care and Justice in International Human Rights Advocacy"
Research Interests: Global Civil Society and NGOs, Gender and Feminist Theory, Diplomacy, Qualitative Methods, Ethnography
Education: University of Massachusetts Amherst (1998), M.A. US Bachelor's Degree cum laude - Medieveal History and Conflict Studies, Albert-Ludwigs Universität (1999), Freiburg-im-Breisgau, Germany Non-Degree graduate studies - Medieval History and Languages

Publications: (with Saori Katada) “Double- and Triple-minoritiesin the International Relations Classroom,”International Studies Perspectives(November 2008). Gulag of Our Times: Diplomatic Postures and Activist Dramatics in Human Rights NGO Strategies, International Studies Association Annual Conference 2007, Chicago. Panel Paper. 
Education:Graduate work,; B.A., University of Massachusetts
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The program has been a great support to me, in terms of professional development, such as funding advanced methods training and field research, as well as quality advisement from faculty who are leaders in the discipline—such as J. Ann Tickner.

Eric Hamilton
eric.hamilton@usc.edu

 Research Interests: International Relations, Security Studies, Comparative Politics
 Education: M.A., Georgetown University (2006); B.A., Temple University (2004)
 Why I Would Recommend USC POIR: As an applicant, the reception I received from  POIR faculty, staff and students was unparalleled compared to other programs. Faculty  members met with me to discuss my research interests; staff explained the strong  institutional support I would receive to pursue my research; and students openly shared  their experiences. Since coming to USC, I have an even better perspective and hold the  same high opinion. As I’ve learned more about the department it is amazing to see the  vigorous effort to streamline the PhD program – part of a larger project across USC’s  graduate programs. New faculty hires, new research and funding opportunities, new   course offerings, and increasingly competitive incoming classes. It is really an exciting  time to be here. 

Parker Hevron
hevron@usc.edu

 
 Research Interests: American politics, political communication, law and courts
 Publications: (with Ann Crigler, Marion Just, and Jesse Mills) "Internet and TV  Advertising Campaigns: Obama versus McCain in 2008" (forthcoming).
 Education: B.A., Austin College (2006)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR:  I would recommend POIR for a few important  reasons: generous research support, great access to world-class faculty, and its  location in a vibrant and interesting city. The small size of the program allows students to  work closely with a range of faculty members, all of whom I have found are excited  about collaborating with graduate students.

 

Chin-Hao Huang
chinhao.huang@usc.edu

Research Interests: International relations in East Asia, Chinese foreign and security policy, China-Africa relations, China and UN peacekeeping
Publications:(with Bates Gill) China's Expanding Role in Peacekeeping: Prospects and Policy Implications (SIPRI, 2009).  “China's Renewed Partnership with Africa,” in China into Africa: Trade, Aid, and Influence (Brookings Institution Press, 2008).  “U.S.–China Relations and Darfur,” Fordham International Law Journal (April 2008).“Principles and Praxis of China’s Peacekeeping,” International Peacekeeping, vol. 18, no. 3 (June 2011)
Education: B.S., Georgetown University (2006).
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The professionalization opportunities, availability of professors to work with and mentor students, and funding sources for conducting research are some of the key strengths of the POIR program. The support and camaraderie among fellow cohort members also provide for a genuinely enriching learning environment.There isa wealth of expertise among the faculty anda wide range of programmatic activities in the POIR program, theCenter for International Studies, East Asia Studies Center, Korean Studies Institute, and the U.S.-China Institute that are especially rewarding for students of IR in East Asia.

Dudu Yesim Ince
dince@usc.edu

Dissertation Title: “From Development to Profit: Commercialization in the Micro Finance Industry”
Research Interests: Political economy of development, gender and empowerment, poverty reduction policies, comparative study of the role of governmental and non-governmental institutions on development
Education: B.A., Adm. Koc University, Istanbul (2003)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The program is diverse and flexible enough to give students individual freedom to discover their specific areas of interest. The department gives the students the possibility to take classes from other USC departments and build their own research program, which is a very enriching experience. The small size of the program allows one-on-one contact and collaboration with the faculty. The programs' funding packages and generous summer research grants allow the students to improve themselves professionally.

Minna Jia
mija@usc.edu

Dissertation Title: “Attitudes toward Democracy and Civic Participation: China’s Post-80s Generation”
Research Interests: Democracy, Political Development, Chinese Politics, and Youth Study
Education: M.A., Peking University (2003); B.A. in Economics, Peking University (2000); B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration, Peking University (2000)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: POIR provides us a unique opportunity to be both creative and professional.

 

Eunice Kang
euniceyk@usc.edu

 Research Interests: East Asian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Security,  International Migration, International Law, North Korean refugees in China
 Education: M.A., School of Oriental and African Studies (2007); B.A., University of  Southern California (2005)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: I wholeheartedly recommend USC POIR  because  it is the leading research university in the area of East Asia politics and its  relations with  the United States. One of the things that attracted me the most to USC was  the vast  amount of resources that would be available to me. The range of institutes and  centers at  USC is plentiful—such as the U.S.-China Institute, the Korean Institute and the  East Asian  Studies Center. And of course the faculty here is extremely approachable  and  supportive.

 

Peter Knaack
knaack@usc.edu

Research Interests: International Political Economy, Transnational Networks, Global Governance, Latin America, China
Publications: (with Roberto Bouzas) “The Interamerican Development Bank and Half a Century of Regional Integration in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Integration & Trade (January 2009).
Education: M.A., University of San Andres, Buenos Aires (2009); M.A., Leipzig University (2003)
Why I would recommend POIR: A major advantage of POIR is that it provides high-standard courses in an environment that makes it easy to establish excellent personal relationships with faculty. In addition, this program has a unique interdisciplinary character which enables students to broaden their IR education with classes in Communications, Economics, Psychology and other departments without bureaucratic hurdles. USC has been much less affected by the last financial crisis than other major universities, so students can expect to receive generous support during the semester and for a broad variety of summer research projects.

Gloria Koo
gloria.koo@usc.edu

Research Interests: International political economy, East Asia
Education: B.A., Stanford University (2005)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: I appreciate the opportunity to study with and learn from the distinguished faculty members at USC. I am grateful for their mentorship. Also, a great location. (Yay LA!)

 

 

 

Deniz Kuru
deniz.kuru@usc.edu

 Dissertation Topic: Intellectual history of European approaches to IR
 Research Interests: IR theory, with specific focus on the intellectual history of IR and  European approaches to IR; modern European history and politics
 Education: M.A., George Washington University (2007); B.A., SBF, Ankara (2004)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: Both USC and specifically our POIR program offer  multiple advantages that transform our PhD studies into years of beneficial experiences. In  this regard, the program’s wide-ranging faculty as well as financial support enables the  students to gain not only a better knowledge in the relevant subject matters but also to  share their work with others in international and national conferences thanks to generous  departmental grants. Continuous events in various program-related institutes such as CIS,  USCI, etc. allow us to meet not only leading scholars but also to gain the latest insights into the newest academic works. Library capabilities and academic and cultural activities on campus only further this experience.

Jessica Chia-yueh Liao
chiayuel@usc.edu

 

 Research Interests: International/comparative political economy, East Asia study
 Education: M.A., National Sun Yat-Sun University, Taiwan (2006); B.A., Chengchi  University, Taiwan (2002)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: During my time in POIR, both faculty and staff  have been very responsive to students’ questions and requests. Although POIR is a  small program, students are close to each other, creating a supportive community.

 

Kymberly MacNeal
macneal@usc.edu



 Research Interests: Security studies, Middle East, weapons of mass destruction,  conflict studies
 Education: B.A., Baylor University (2010)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: I would recommend this program because it  encompasses a number of faculty with a variety of interests. They also  conscientiously support their grad students in helping them develop the skills  necessary for future and present success.

Míchel Angela Martinez
mamartin@usc.edu

Research Interests: International human rights, photography & visualculture, social movements, law
Education: B.A., University of Southern California (2006)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: Flexibility. I have rather unorthodox interests as far as the discipline of political science is concerned, but I can pursue those here, either by being imaginative within the context of course offerings or by going outside of the department to American Studies and Ethnicity, Anthropology, Communications, Fine Art, Sociology, and on and on. I can choose courses from across the university that allow me to design my own path.

Matthew Mendez
msmendez@usc.edu
Research interests: Power and social organizing, Latino politics, gender and politics
Education: B.A., San Jose State University (2009)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: As a student primarily interested in how race and ethnicity impact American politics, I am grateful to be in a program that is on the cutting edge of that field. The faculty we have in the department are a distinguished, decorated group that push us to think critically about what we are studying and how it affects the larger world.

Elli Menounou
menounou@usc.edu

Research Interests: Media and political participation and decision making in a comparative perspective.
Education: B.A., Panteion University of Athens; M.A., California State University Los Angeles
Why I would recommend USC POIR: I would recommend USC POIR because it provides students with the opportunity to work with great professors and to socialize in a high-quality academic environment.

 

 

Jesse J. Mills
jessemil@usc.edu

 Dissertation Topic: Polarization in the electorate and its reinforcement through  emotionally persuasive campaign messaging.
 Research Interests: Elections, Voting Behavior, Political Communication and Political  Theory
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: Our program provides students the opportunities  and resources to work closely with nationally recognized scholars, and develop real  mentoring relationships on their way to earning a graduate degree.  Since beginning my  studies at USC, I have consistently enjoyed the benefits of small classes, and individual  guidance from my advisers that larger programs cannot match.  In addition, the program's  generous funding packages allow students to immerse themselves in their studies and  focus on their professional development, without outside distraction.  Finally, the students attracted to this program are awesome!  A brief look in the shared TA offices, or the computer lab, almost always yields a friendly conversation or academic debate, and demonstrates the friendships and camaraderie enjoyed amongst POIR students.

In Young Min
inyoung.min@usc.edu

Research Interests: International relations theory, international security in East Asia, nuclear proliferation, and U.S. foreign policy
Publications: "Nationalism and State Interests: Seoul's Restrained Rejoinder to China's Northeast Project," Asia Yeongu [Korean Journal of Asian Studies], Vol. 14, No. 1 (with Young Chul Cho)
Education: B.A. (2006), M.A. (2011), Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The relatively small size of the program not only allows students to work closely with distinguished faculty here, but also contributes to a strong sense of community among students. The program offers generous funding package for all students.

Cyrus Mohammadian
cmohamma@usc.edu

Research Interests: My primary research interests include the relationship between civil and international conflict, the role of group identity in warfare, and political transitions—particularly in the states of the former Soviet Union.
Education: B.A., Indiana University Bloomington (2004)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The POIR program not only provides students with enough flexibility to pursue our various research agendas, but it also presents us with numerous opportunities to expand the scope of our research while guiding us down our particular research paths.

 

Ronald Osborn
rosborn@usc.edu

 Dissertation Title: “Revolutionary Apocalypses: Re-Conceptualizing ‘Religious Violence’  in the Cases of the Shining Path and Lord's Resistance Army”
 Research Interests: Religion and politics, peace and conflict studies, human rights,  political theory
 Education: MSc, University of London, Violence, Conflict and Development (2005), MA, Graduate Insitutie of St. John's College, Annapolis, Liberal Arts (2002) Publications: (Book) Anarchy and Apocalypse: Essays on Faith, Violence, and Theodicy  (Wipf and Stock/Cascade Books, 2010).  (Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles) “Correlates of  Violence in Guinea’s Maison Centrale Prison: A Statistical Approach to Documenting Human  Rights Abuses,” Health and Human Rights (2010).  “Nihilism’s Conscience: On Nietzsche’s  Politics of Aristocratic Radicalism,” Modern Age (2010).  “Seyla Benhabib, Wendell  Berry, and the Question of Migrant and Refugee Rights,” Humanitas (2010).  “Noam  Chomsky and the Realist Tradition,” Review of International Studies (April 2009).
Education: M.Sc., School of Oriental and African Studies (2005); M.A., St. John’s College, Annapolis (2002)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: As a POIR student, I have been able to take courses not only in political science and international relations, but also from the Law School and the School of Philosophy, building a truly interdisciplinary program to fit my research interests at the intersection of violence religion, political theory, and international human rights.

Hong Pang
hongpang@usc.edu

 Dissertation Title: “The Political Economy of Implementation: Intellectual Property Rights  Protection in Developing Countries”
 Research Interests: International Political Economy, Comparative Politics, Political  Economy of Development, Chinese Political Economy, International Institutions, Domestic  Institutions, Negotiation, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
 Education: M.A., University of Southern California (2010); B.A. in Economics, Peking  University (2002); B.A. in International Politics, Peking University (2002)
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: The program gives students enough freedom to  pursue their specific areas of interest by taking classes from other USC departments,  working with faculty university-wide and building their own research program. The  program provides strong institutional support, not only financially (including financial  package with TA/RA assignment aligning with one's research interests, summer research funding, conference reimbursement, etc.) but also intellectually with a lot of affiliated institutes and research centers offering opportunities to interact with world-renowned scholars.

Mark Paradis
mparadis@usc.edu
Research Interests: Security Studies, International Relations Theory, Political Psychology, Foreign Policy Analysis, Methodology
Education: M.A., McGill University (2009); B.A., McGill University (2007)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: There are a few reasons to choose POIR. First, theaccess to faculty members isfantastic. Even as anadmitted applicant, I received numerous helpful emails from faculty members and was able to meet individually with them to discuss my research interests, their current projects, and the program. As a student, both my course professors and other faculty members have been very accessible and helpful. Second, theprogram provides a lot ofresources to support students. Third, the students in the program are very strong academically and there is a strong senseof community among students.

Michael D. Pérez
perezmd@usc.edu
Research Interests: International Political Economy of Trade and Finance, Comparative Politics, Formal Theory, Quantitative Methods
Education: M.A., New York University (2007); B.A., University of California, Berkeley (2004)
Why I Would Recommend USC POIR:  The program offers a competitive, yet friendly, environment to pursue graduate studies. Its principal strengths include renowned and accessible faculty, small class sizes and faculty-to-student ratios, a diverse student body, and a generous funding package for all incoming students.  I would recommend the program to anyone interested in an institution that encourages independent inquiry and an interdisciplinary approach.

Simon Radford
sradford@usc.edu

Research Interests: I am interested in ideas around energy security and the politics of energy. The post-Soviet region is also an abiding interest.
Education: M.P.A., Brown University (2006); M.A., Cambridge University (2004); B.A., Cambridge University (2004)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: Simply put, the program is a happy place to be: colleagues are supportive and work collaboratively; people come from diverse backgrounds and with differing viewpoints; and everyone wants you to succeed. I have yet to meet a faculty member who I didn't like and who hasn't been extremely helpful in assisting me in any way they could. I am proud to call my fellow POIRers friends and not just people who I share a department with.

Mariana Rangel-Padilla
rangelpa@usc.edu
Research Interests: Trade and investment flows and development in Latin America and the socio economic consequences of regional integration processes.
Education: B.A., Tecnologico de Monterrey; M.A., Carleton University

Zeynep Sahin Mencutek
zsahin@usc.edu

Dissertation Title: “The Political Participation of Women in Electoral Politics in Turkey, 1990-2010.”
Research Interests: Comparative Politics, International Migration, Women and Politics, Democratization in Turkey and the Middle East, International Politics of Middle East, and Research Methods
Publications: “Migration, Nationalism and Ethnicity in the Middle East,” The International Studies Encyclopedia (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010).  Book Review of Oliver Roy’s The Politics of Chaos in the Middle East, in Insight Turkey (Summer 2010).
Education: M.A., Bogazici University (2004); B.A., Fatih University (2001)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The program has a distinguished faculty, providing a fruitful environment for pursuing a Ph.D. degree. Compared to other institutions, the extraordinary support of faculty and staff makes graduate life much easier. I believe generous grants are very helpful for being able to concentrate fully on research.

Jamie Simcox
simcox@usc.edu
Dissertation Topic: “The Ideological Interplay Between British and American Conservatisms in the Post-War Period”
Research Interests: History of postwar American conservative thought, Ideology in contemporary Britain
Education: M.Phil., Cambridge University (2007); B.A., Cambridge University (2006)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: Not only are the graduate-level classes offered by the Department of Political Science and School of International Relations varied and engaging, but the focus on interdisciplinary learning provides invaluable experience for those seeking to situate their research at the intersection of one or more approaches to the humanities. Faculty advisors are easily accessible, care greatly about your academic progress and will assist you both intellectually and professionally while at USC. Likewise, the vibrant graduate student community fosters an atmosphere in which ideas are enthusiastically exchanged among students both within and outside the POIR programme. The chance to live and study in one of the world's most diverse and dynamic metropolises is indeed an exciting prospect.

Keira Stearns
kcstearn@usc.edu
Research Interests: U.S. political discourses on women in Afghanistan
Education: B.A., University of Colorado at Boulder; M.A., University of Colorado at Denver

Ekaterina Svyatets
svyatets@usc.edu

 Dissertation Topic: Energy Security and Cooperation: the Cases of the U.S.-Russia, the  U.S.-Azerbaijan, and Russia-Germany
 Research Interests: Energy security and cooperation, international political economy,  foreign policy analysis, U.S.-Russia relations, Eurasia
 Publications: (with Robert English and Azamat Zhanalin) “Ethnicity, Nationalism and  Migration in the Former Communist World,” in Ethnicity, Nationalism, and Migration Studies  (The International Studies Association Compendium Project, 2009).
 Education: M.A., University of Southern California; B.A., Vladivostok State University
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: The program offers great opportunities for research  and professional development, including training in methodology outside of USC, field research abroad, and participation in conferences. The program supports PhD students and provides generous funding for research. The interests of faculty are very diverse, and every student has a wide choice of topics and methodologies to concentrate on. Faculty members work very closely with students and provide excellent guidance.

Daniel Tauss
tauss@usc.edu

Christina Wagner-Faegri
cfaegri@usc.edu

David Walker
dawalker@usc.edu

Research Interests: Korean politics and international relations, Japan-Korea relations, East Asian Security, International Relations theory
Education: UMBC: BA with Honors, in History;  UMBC: MA in History
Why I would recommend USC POIR: POIR is one of the best programs in the world for those who want to study outside of the main IR theories of Neorealism and Neoliberalism.  If you believe that culture and history matter in IR, then you will like it here.

Scott Wilbur
sawilbur@usc.edu
Research Interests: Chinese and Japanese foreign policy and politics.
Education: B.A., Georgetown University; M.A., National Taiwan University

Phillip Wilcox
pwilcox@usc.edu
Research Interests: Chinese foreign policy
Education: B.A., Georgetown University (2009)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: I chose USC because of the passionate and interesting faculty and students, and their generous support for student scholarship, particularly in relation to security issues in East Asia. USC is a fantastic academic atmosphere with constant interaction and discussion between students and faculty and the faculty take an active interest in the academic interests of the students.

Seanon Wong
seanonwo@usc.edu
Research Interests: International relations theory, Chinese foreign policy, East Asian politics
Publications: “What’s in a Dumpling? The Chinese Fast Food Industry and the Spread of Indigenous Cultures under Globalization,” Stanford Journal of East Asian Affairs (Winter 2006).  “Economic Statecraft across the Strait: Business Influence in Taiwan’s Mainland Policy,” Asian Perspective (June 2005).
Education: Graduate Certificate, Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese & American Studies (2005); M.A., University of Chicago (2004); B.A., University of Chicago (2004)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: Nothing can be more important than close mentorship for a doctoral student. A relatively small program means that students receive a lot of attention from the faculty. This is what makes POIR unique and superior among the nation's leading programs in political science and international relations.

Xiangfeng Yang
xiangfey@usc.edu

Dissertation Title: “The Age of Good Samaritan States: Domestic Values, International Norms andIdealpolitikin International Relations”
Research Interests: East Asian security, comparative politics (China), American foreign policy, democratization and democracy promotion
Education: M.A., Nanjing University (2003); Graduate Certificate, Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese & American Studies (2002); B.A., Henan University of Science & Technology (2000)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: I have had so many wonderful professors who are great scholars with incredible personalities, including, of course, my advisers: Professors Patrick James and Saori Katada. They are hardworking, intellectually stimulating, and caring mentors. Adding to the lure are our incredibly efficient library services, the generous research funding and the genuinely international characteristics of LA and USC.

Laura Yen
laurayen@usc.edu
Research Interests: American Politics, Political Behavior, Minority Politics, Power and Equality
Education: B.A., University of Washington, Seattle (2009)
Why I would recommend USC POIR: The program allows for a lot of flexibility, while still recognizing and covering all the basic foundations of political science and international relations. Also, both the faculty and other graduate students are indispensable resources that I have found to be supportive and inspiring. Regardless of the direction you want to take your research there will be someone to help you, guide you, and support you, which is a rare quality to find.

Jeanine E. Yutani
yutani@usc.edu

 Dissertation Topic: Focusing on migration between Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and  how country of origin, class, gender, religion, etc. intersect and both affect and are  affected by migration policy.
 Research Interests: Migration, Culture & Gender in IR, East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan)
 Education: M.A., University of Southern California (2007); B.A., B.S., Minnesota State  University-Moorhead (1999).
 Why I would recommend USC POIR: With resources such as the USC US-China Institute  and the Pacific Council on International Policy, as well as a well-rounded faculty with  diverse interests in East Asia, there is usually a variety of Asia-related courses each  semester. Other programmatic and faculty interests include culture, gender and religion, all  of which offer an important perspective to the field of IR.