Joseph Torigian

Professor Joseph Torigian is an active researcher in the field of political science, with a particular focus on authoritarian regimes. As an Assistant Professor in Global Inquiry at American University, Washington, DC, he delves into the intricate dynamics of elite power struggles, civil-military relations, and grand strategy, with a keen interest in the geopolitical landscapes of China and Russia. His academic journey began with a BA from the University of Michigan, followed by a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he honed his expertise in these critical areas. Torigian's research is distinguished by its emphasis on bridging the gap between underutilized historical documents and their theoretical implications. By doing so, he seeks to extract broader lessons that enhance our understanding of authoritarian regimes and their impact on global politics. His work is not only academically rigorous but also highly relevant to contemporary geopolitical discussions, offering insights into the strategic behaviors of nations that play pivotal roles on the world stage. Before his tenure at American University, Professor Torigian enriched his academic experience through postdoctoral and predoctoral fellowships at several prestigious institutions. These include the Princeton-Harvard China and the World Program, Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation, and the Institute for Security and Conflict Studies at George Washington University. These fellowships provided him with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars and further refine his research focus. In addition to his academic roles, Professor Torigian is a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center's History and Public Policy Program. This affiliation underscores his commitment to integrating historical insights with contemporary policy analysis, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the strategic calculations of authoritarian regimes. His involvement with the Wilson Center also highlights his dedication to engaging with a broader audience beyond the academic sphere, facilitating informed discussions on critical international issues. Professor Torigian's contributions to the field of political science are marked by his ability to synthesize complex historical data with theoretical frameworks, offering nuanced perspectives on the power dynamics within authoritarian states. His work continues to influence both scholarly discourse and policy-making, as he remains at the forefront of research on civil-military relations and elite power struggles. Through his teaching and research, Professor Torigian inspires a new generation of scholars to critically engage with the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes. His commitment to academic excellence and his passion for understanding the intricacies of global power structures make him a valuable asset to American University and the broader academic community.