Dr. Benjamin Lessing

Associate Professor

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Biography

Benjamin Lessing is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago, focusing on comparative politics, armed conflict, and political methodology, particularly in Latin America. His research examines the phenomena of criminal conflict, which involves organized violence by armed groups seeking formal state power. He has authored the book "Making Peace in Drug Wars: Crackdowns, Cartels, and the State in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil" published by Cambridge University Press in 2017. This work has received critical acclaim, being recognized as an Outstanding Academic Title in 2018. Lessing's work has been reviewed in various academic outlets including the Latin American Politics Society, Foreign Affairs, and the Journal of Peace Studies. He actively engages in addressing complex issues related to drug trafficking organizations and their impact on state dynamics in the region, contributing significantly to the field of political science.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Chicago

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Writing sample Candidate statement
Application Checklist
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  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Writing Sample
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Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy