Dr. Fiona Cunningham

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Fiona Cunningham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a Faculty Fellow at Perry World House and affiliated with the Center for the Study of Contemporary China and the Christopher H. Browne Center for International Politics at the university. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology and conflict, particularly regarding China's approach to coercion and nuclear strategy. Fiona's book, "Nuclear Shadow: China’s Information-Age Weapons and International Security," which will be published by Princeton University Press in 2024, examines China's unique dilemma in coercing adversaries without relying heavily on nuclear threats. Her work has been featured in prestigious academic and policy-oriented outlets such as International Security and Security Studies. Additionally, Fiona has held fellowships at prominent institutions including the Belfer Center at Harvard University and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She also has past teaching experience at George Washington University. Fiona holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from MIT (2018) and undergraduate degrees from the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Teaching courses on topics such as International Security and Chinese Foreign Policy.

Assistant Professor

— Present

George Washington University • Washington, DC

Instructed courses related to international affairs and political science.

Courses

International Security (PSCI 1401) Chinese Foreign Policy (PSCI 4450) Strategic Studies (PSCI 6401)

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.