Dr. Barbara Walter

Biography

Barbara F. Walter is a Professor and the Rohr Chair in Pacific International Relations at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California, San Diego. She is recognized globally as an expert in civil wars, violent extremism, and domestic terrorism, with an extensive portfolio including five books and numerous articles. Walter has contributed to major news outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and The New Yorker, and is noted for her influential works including the New York Times bestselling book 'How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them.' Her research and analysis apply critical insights to the challenges of governance and conflict resolution, and she has received numerous accolades for her academic contributions, including the Susan Strange Award from the International Studies Association and the 2022 Peacemaker Year Award. Walter is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her extensive educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, along with postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions including Harvard University and Columbia University.

Research Interests