AUS professor examines the intersection of foreign policy, political leaders and human rights

American University of Sharjah (AUS) Professor of International Studies Dr. Giacomo Chiozza has carved a niche for himself in the domain of international politics over the past two decades. Through rigorous research and numerous publications, he has contributed significantly to the academic discourse, shedding light on many aspects of global political dynamics.

Through his work, Dr. Chiozza has examined questions that pertain to the role of leaders in foreign policy, as well as people’s beliefs and attitudes towards international affairs. In collaboration with scholars from the US and Japan, he has also studied the impact of ideas on monetary policy.

"I strive to go beyond traditional academic boundaries to embrace the role of public opinion and leadership in international affairs. By employing modern tools like statistical modeling and data analysis, my aim is to provide innovative answers that challenge conventional wisdom and reshape our understanding of global politics," Dr. Chiozza said.

His recent scholarly book, Leverage and Cooperation in the US World Order: The Shrewd Sheriff, published by Cambridge University Press, offers insights into the United States’ intricate political relations on the international stage. In collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey King, Assistant Professor in International Studies at AUS, Dr. Chiozza has turned his attention to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the international human rights regime, initiating a fresh discourse that transcends traditional debates.

Dr. Chiozza’s scholarship has been recognized extensively in the academic community. His research has garnered thousands of citations, and his collaborative efforts, like Archigos—a new dataset with information on leaders in 188 countries from 1875 to 2004—have sparked new areas of research. This recognition extends to prestigious accolades, including the Joseph Lepgold Book Prize from Georgetown University for his book  Leaders and International Conflict, written in collaboration with Hein Goemans of the University of Rochester, and the Lijphart/Przeworski/Verba Dataset Award for Archigos from the American Political Science Association. 

“More than just my research, the students have been the passion of my life. Their motivation, inspiration and diverse perspectives have not only broadened my horizons but have also enriched my research journey. Being recognized with teaching awards at Vanderbilt University, where I used to work, and now at AUS reflects my dedication to academia and my students," said Dr. Chiozza.

Moreover, Dr. Chiozza’s expertise in quantitative analysis was further cemented through his significant role as senior editor at the prestigious peer-reviewed journal International Studies Quarterly.

Looking ahead, Dr. Chiozza revealed: ”I am channelling my passion for teaching into new research arenas. Exploring the intersections of international law and politics, I am delving deep into the dynamics behind leaders' decisions to engage with international tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court.”

The Department of International Studies at the AUS College of Arts and Sciences provides an ideal vantage point for students to engage in multidisciplinary approaches to understand the complex political, economic, social and cultural conditions in the region and beyond. Its mission is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world and to become responsible, active global citizens. The department offers the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a newly launched Master of Arts in International Studies. 

To know more about the Department of International Studies, visit www.aus.edu/cas/department-of-international-studies.