Presented by the American Political Science Association, the award honors a scholar within 10 years of earning a Ph.D. whose work has made significant empirical, theoretical or methodological contributions to comparative politics. The selection committee praised Robert Blair, associate professor of political science and international and public affairs, for his research on state-building, democratic development, and the rule of law—particularly in fragile and post-conflict states like Liberia. His work, which spans Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, was recognized for its empirical rigor, conceptual innovation, and relevance to policymakers and communities navigating complex governance challenges. The award will be formally announced at the APSA Comparative Politics section’s virtual business meeting in late August.
Date
August 4, 2025
Robert Blair receives Theda Skocpol Emerging Scholar Award
Robert Blair has been named the 2025 recipient of the Theda Skocpol Emerging Scholar Award, which recognizes outstanding early-career contributions to the field of comparative politics.