Professor Dr. Saadia Pekkanen

Biography

Saadia M. Pekkanen is a Professor and the Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Professor at the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Political Science and Law. Pekkanen is the Founding Director of the Space Law and Data Policy Program at the Law School and the Program Strategy, Policy, Diplomacy Research at the Jackson School. Her research focuses on the intersection of international relations and international law, particularly in the areas of commercial, legal, and security policies affecting outer space affairs. She has regional expertise in foreign affairs related to Japan and Asia, often exploring broader themes of state strategies, grand strategy, alliances, and governance in the context of world order. Pekkanen has authored eight books and numerous articles in prestigious academic journals such as the American Journal of International Law Unbound, International Studies Quarterly, and International Security. She is a co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of Space Security set to be released in 2024. As a lifetime member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), her contributions extend beyond academia into significant global discussions.

Research Interests