Dr. Leyla Tiglay

Biography

Leyla Tiglay received her Ph.D. in History from Ohio State University in 2024, following an M.A. in Political Science from Boston University and an M.A. in International Studies from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. Her research examines the intersections of decolonization and nuclear politics in the context of global security during the early Cold War, with a focus on the impact of African independence movements and France’s nuclear tests in the Sahara. Her dissertation analyzes key decolonization crises and their role in shaping the emerging international nuclear regime, illuminating the significant but often overlooked contributions of African actors and transnational networks in the history of nuclear policy. Tiglay has been supported by numerous fellowships, including at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the Clements Center for National Security, among others. She has worked internationally in countries like Turkey, Belgium, Cameroon, and the United Kingdom. Her current book project, "Radiant Legacies: Decolonization and Global Politics of Nuclear Testing," explores how these tests have influenced debates about sovereignty, technological risks, and the international order.

Research Interests

Experience