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Kristen Aanstoos

Assistant Professor (Teaching) of Political Science and International Relations
Kristen Aanstoos
Pronouns She / Her / Hers Email aanstoos@usc.edu Office DMC 318

Biography

Kristen Aanstoos is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Political Science and International Relations (POIR) at the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on the role of women and gender in peace processes and political and security outcomes in post-conflict states. She has also published work on military learning, geopolitical conflicts and supply chains in East Asia, and public opinion on illegal immigration policies during economic recessions. She teaches courses on gender in IR, conflict and peace processes, international organizations, and East Asian security. Professor Aanstoos received a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, an MA in Conflict, Security, and Development from King’s College London, and a BSFS in International Politics from Georgetown University. Previously, she worked as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, where she served in Hong Kong, Doha, and Washington, DC.

Education

  • Ph.D. Political Science, University of California, Irvine, 9/2024
  • MA Kings’ College, 1/2010
  • BS Georgetown University, 12/2007

  • Visiting and Temporary Appointments

    • Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati, 2024-2025
    • Lecturer, California State University, Fullerton, Fall 2022

    Other Employment

    • Foreign Service Officer, US Department of State, 01/2010 – 09/2018

  • Summary Statement of Research Interests

    My research focuses on the role of women and gender in peace processes and political and security outcomes in post-conflict states. My dissertation and current book project examines the effects of different types of women’s participation in peace processes on women’s political empowerment in post-conflict states. My next major book project will examine outcomes for transitional justice programs and levels of gender-based violence in post-conflict states. My other research interests include the Women, Peace, and Security agenda; peace processes and conflict resolution; gender and politics; gender and conflict; international security; international negotiations; diplomacy; military learning; and East Asian Security.

    Research Keywords

    Women, Peace, & Security; peace processes; conflict resolution; gender & politics; gender & conflict; international security; international negotiations; diplomacy

    • (Fall 2025) IR 316. Gender and Global Issues, TTh, 08:00am – 09:20am, SOSB46
    • (Fall 2025) IR 318. Violent Conflict, TTh, 12:30pm – 01:50pm, DMC256
    • (Spring 2026) IR 306. International Organizations, MW, 08:30am – 09:50am
    • (Spring 2026) IR 319. Human Security and Humanitarian Intervention, MW, 12:00pm – 01:20pm, DMC150
    • (Spring 2026) IR 321. Civil War, Peace Building and International Intervention, MW, 05:00pm – 06:20pm

  • Book Chapters

    • Aanstoos, K. (2021). Hidden Economic Costs of Geopolitical Disputes for Supply Chains in East Asia. Geopolitics, Supply Chains, and International Relations in East Asia pp. 96–114. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Journal Article

    • Aanstoos, K. (2025). A Voice at the Table: How Women in Peace Processes Shape Political Representation. Politics & Gender.
    • Aanstoos, K., Hardt, H. (2025). Formal Learning and Implementation in Military Operations. Security Studies.
    • Cosby, A., Aanstoos, K., Matta, M. S., Porter, J., James, W. (2012). Public support for Hispanic deportation in the United States: the effects of ethnic prejudice and perceptions of economic competition in a period of economic distress. Journal of Population Research. Vol. 30, pp. pp. 87–96.
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