Bio

James Fearon is Theodore and Frances Geballe Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences, a professor of Political Science, and Senior Fellow in the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences (elected 2012) and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (elected 2002). Fearon's research interests include civil and interstate war, ethnic conflict, the politics of economic development, and democratic accountability.

Academic Appointments

Administrative Appointments

  • Chair, Department of Political Science, Stanford University (2007 - 2010)

Honors & Awards

  • Member, Council of Foreign Relations (2017-)
  • Member, National Academy of Sciences (2012)
  • Program Member, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (2005-2019)
  • Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2002)
  • Karl Deutsch Award, International Studies Association (1999)
  • Heinz Eulau Award for best article, American Political Science Review (1997)
  • Gregory Luebbert Award for best article, Comparative Politics (1996)
  • Helen Dwight Reid Award, American Political Science Association (1993)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • Member, Council on Foreign Relations (2017 - Present)
  • Member, International Organization (2012 - Present)
  • Member, National Academy of Sciences (2012 - Present)
  • Member, Journal of Conflict Resolution (2011 - Present)
  • Member, International Theory (2009 - 2015)
  • Member, Annual Review of Political Science (2007 - 2014)
  • Member, American Journal of Political Science (2006 - 2009)
  • Program Member, Canadian Institution for Advanced Research (2005 - 2019)
  • Member, International Organization (2005 - 2009)
  • Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2002 - Present)
  • Fellow, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (1999 - 2000)
  • Member, International Organization (1998 - 2003)
  • Member, American Journal of Political Science (1998 - 2002)
  • Member, American Political Science Review (1997 - 2001)
  • Residential Faculty Fellowship, Chicago Humanities Institute (1996 - 1997)

Program Affiliations

  • Center for Human Rights and International Justice
  • Program in International Relations
  • Public Policy

Professional Education

  • Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, Political Science (1992)
  • M.A., University of California, Berkeley, Political Science and Economics (1991)
  • A.B., Harvard University (1985)

Contact

  • Academic
    jfearon@stanford.edu
    University - Faculty Department: Political Science Position: Professor
    • Dept. of Political Science, MC6044
    • Stanford University
    • Stanford,  California  94305-6044 
    University - Faculty Department: FSI Position: Senior Fellow

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 6055

Links

Current Research and Scholarly Interests

political violence

2024-25 Courses

Stanford Advisees

All Publications

  • In Memoriam: Robert L. Powell INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Fearon, J. D., Lake, D. A., Meng, A., Paine, J. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1017/S0020818322000091

    View details for Web of Science ID 000816876100001

  • Directions for Research on Climate and Conflict. Earth's future Mach, K. J., Adger, W. N., Buhaug, H., Burke, M., Fearon, J. D., Field, C. B., Hendrix, C. S., Kraan, C. M., Maystadt, J., O'Loughlin, J., Roessler, P., Scheffran, J., Schultz, K. A., von Uexkull, N. 2020; 8 (7): e2020EF001532

    Abstract

    The potential links between climate and conflict are well studied, yet disagreement about the specific mechanisms and their significance for societies persists. Here, we build on assessment of the relationship between climate and organized armed conflict to define crosscutting priorities for future directions of research. They include (1) deepening insight into climate-conflict linkages and conditions under which they manifest, (2) ambitiously integrating research designs, (3) systematically exploring future risks and response options, responsive to ongoing decision-making, and (4) evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to manage climate-conflict links. The implications of this expanding scientific domain unfold in real time.

    View details for DOI 10.1029/2020EF001532

    View details for PubMedID 32715014

  • Climate as a risk factor for armed conflict. Nature Mach, K. J., Kraan, C. M., Adger, W. N., Buhaug, H. n., Burke, M. n., Fearon, J. D., Field, C. B., Hendrix, C. S., Maystadt, J. F., O'Loughlin, J. n., Roessler, P. n., Scheffran, J. n., Schultz, K. A., von Uexkull, N. n. 2019

    Abstract

    Research findings on the relationship between climate and conflict are diverse and contested. Here we assess the current understanding of the relationship between climate and conflict, based on the structured judgments of experts from diverse disciplines. These experts agree that climate has affected organized armed conflict within countries. However, other drivers, such as low socioeconomic development and low capabilities of the state, are judged to be substantially more influential, and the mechanisms of climate-conflict linkages remain a key uncertainty. Intensifying climate change is estimated to increase future risks of conflict.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41586-019-1300-6

    View details for PubMedID 31189956

  • Cooperation, Conflict, and the Costs of Anarchy INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Fearon, J. D. 2018; 72 (3): 523–59

    View details for DOI 10.1017/S0020818318000115

    View details for Web of Science ID 000437299500001

  • Civil War & the Current International System DAEDALUS Fearon, J. D. 2017; 146 (4): 18-32

    View details for DOI 10.1162/DAED_a_00456

    View details for Web of Science ID 000411503500002

  • How Does Development Assistance Affect Collective Action Capacity? Results from a Field Experiment in Post-Conflict Liberia AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Fearon, J. D., Humphreys, M., Weinstein, J. M. 2015; 109 (3): 450-469

    View details for DOI 10.1017/S0003055415000283

    View details for Web of Science ID 000360106200003

  • Socially relevant ethnic groups, ethnic structure, and AMAR JOURNAL OF PEACE RESEARCH Birnir, J. K., Wilkenfeld, J., Fearon, J. D., Laitin, D. D., Gurr, T. R., Brancati, D., Saideman, S. M., Pate, A., Hultquist, A. S. 2015; 52 (1): 110-115

    View details for DOI 10.1177/0022343314536915

    View details for Web of Science ID 000349990300009

  • A Conversation with Kenneth Waltz ANNUAL REVIEW OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, VOL 15 Waltz, K., Fearon, J. 2012; 15: 1-12

    View details for DOI 10.1146/annurev-polisci-020511-174136

    View details for Web of Science ID 000307954300001

  • Self-Enforcing Democracy QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS Fearon, J. D. 2011; 126 (4): 1661-1708

    View details for DOI 10.1093/qje/qjr038

    View details for Web of Science ID 000297870200002

  • Sons of the Soil, Migrants, and Civil War WORLD DEVELOPMENT Fearon, J. D., Laitin, D. D. 2011; 39 (2): 199-211

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.worlddev.2009.11.031

    View details for Web of Science ID 000286719400005

  • Two States, Two Types, Two Actions SECURITY STUDIES Fearon, J. D. 2011; 20 (3): 431-440

    View details for DOI 10.1080/09636412.2011.599192

    View details for Web of Science ID 000299464900006

  • Comments on R. Harrison Wagner's War and the State: The Theory of International Politics INTERNATIONAL THEORY Fearon, J. D. 2010; 2 (2): 333-342

    View details for DOI 10.1017/S1752971910000126

    View details for Web of Science ID 000208580400008

  • Can Development Aid Contribute to Social Cohesion after Civil War? Evidence from a Field Experiment in Post-Conflict Liberia 121st Annual Meeting of the American-Economic-Association Fearon, J. D., Humphreys, M., Weinstein, J. M. AMER ECONOMIC ASSOC. 2009: 287–91

    View details for DOI 10.1257/aer.99.2.287

    View details for Web of Science ID 000266458300048

  • Evaluating Community-Driven Reconstruction: Lessons from post-conflict Liberia. Development Outreach Fearon , J. D. 2009 ; 11 (2): 50-52
  • Review Symposium on “State Failure and Challenges to Democratization in Africa,” comments on Robert Bates’ When Things Fell Apart: State Failure in Late-Century Africa Perspectives on Politics Fearon , J. D. 2009 ; 7 (2): 361-363
  • Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Oxford Handbook of Political Methodology Fearon , J. D., Laitin , D. D. edited by BoxSteffensmeier, J. M., Brady, H. E., Collier, D. Oxford: Oxford University Press . 2008
  • International Institutions and Collective Authorization of the Use of Force CAN THE WORLD BE GOVERNED: POSSIBILITIES FOR EFFECTIVE MULTILATERALISM Fearon, J. D., Alexandroff, A. S. 2008: 160-195

    View details for Web of Science ID 000288315000006

  • International Institutions and Collective Authorization of the Use of Force Can the World Be Governed? Possibilities for Effective Multilateralism Fearon , J. D. edited by Alexandroff, A. Waterloo, Ontario: Wilfred Laurier University Press. 2008
  • The Rise of Emergency Relief Aid. Humanitarianism in Question: Politics, Power, Ethics Fearon , J. D. edited by Barnett, M., Weiss, T. G. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. 2008
  • Economic Development, Insurgency, and Civil War. In Institutions and Economic Performance Fearon, J. D. edited by Helpman, E. Harvard University Press. 2008
  • Iraq's Civil War FOREIGN AFFAIRS Fearon, J. D. 2007; 86 (2): 2-15

    View details for Web of Science ID 000244489400001

  • Ethnic minority rule and Civil War onset AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Fearon, J. D., Kasara, K., Laitin, D. D. 2007; 101 (1): 187-193

    View details for DOI 10.1017/S0003055407070219

    View details for Web of Science ID 000244656100013

  • Reforming International Institutions to Promote International Peace and Security Peace and Security Fearon , J. D. 2006
  • Ethnic Mobilization and Ethnic Violence. Oxford Handbook of Political Economy Fearon , J. D. edited by Weingast, B. R., Wittman, D. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2006
  • Primary commodity exports and civil war JOURNAL OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION Fearon, J. D. 2005; 49 (4): 483-507

    View details for DOI 10.1177/0022002705277544

    View details for Web of Science ID 000230489100003

  • Comments of the Report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change Reforming the United Nations for Peace and Security, Proceedings of a Workshop to Analyze the Report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change Fearon , J. D. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for the Study of Globalization. 2005
  • Separatist wars, partition, and world order Conference on EthnoNational Conflicts Fearon, J. D. ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. 2004: 394–415

    View details for DOI 10.1080/09636410490945965

    View details for Web of Science ID 000229640500007

  • Why do some civil wars last so much longer than others? JOURNAL OF PEACE RESEARCH Fearon, J. D. 2004; 41 (3): 275-301

    View details for DOI 10.1177/0022343304043770

    View details for Web of Science ID 000221702100003

  • Neotrusteeship and the problem of weak states INTERNATIONAL SECURITY Fearon, J. D., Laitin, D. D. 2004; 28 (4): 5-43

    View details for Web of Science ID 000221620700001

  • Two Questions about Ethnicity and Nationalism: Explaining Motivations versus Explaining Variation The Evolution of Political Knowledge: Democracy, Autonomy, and Conflict in Comparative and International Politics Fearon , J. D. Ohio State University Press . 2004
  • Ethnic and cultural diversity by country Annual Meeting of the American-Political-Science-Association/Western-Political-Science-Association Fearon, J. D. SPRINGER. 2003: 195–222

    View details for Web of Science ID 000183789700002

  • Ethnicity, insurgency, and civil war AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Fearon, J. D., Laitin, D. D. 2003; 97 (1): 75-90

    View details for Web of Science ID 000181293900006

  • Selection effects and deterrence INTERNATIONAL INTERACTIONS Fearon, J. D. 2002; 28 (1): 5-29

    View details for Web of Science ID 000176008100002

  • Rationalism and Constructivism in International Relations Theory Rationalism and Constructivism in International Relations Theory Fearon , J. D., Wendt , A. Sage Publications . 2002
  • Violence and the social construction of ethnic identity INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Fearon, J. D., Laitin, D. D. 2000; 54 (4): 845-877

    View details for Web of Science ID 000165355600006

  • Electoral Accountability and the Control of Politicians: Selecting Good Types versus Sanctioning Poor Perfor- mance Democracy, Accountability, and Repre-sentation Fearon , J. D. edited by Manin, B., Przeworski, A. Cambridge University Press . 1999
  • Bargaining, enforcement, and international cooperation INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Fearon, J. D. 1998; 52 (2): 269-?

    View details for Web of Science ID 000073722700002

  • Deliberation as Discussion Deliberative Democracy Fearon , J. D. edited by Elster, J. Cambridge University Press . 1998
  • Commitment Problems and the Spread of Ethnic Conflict In The International Spread of Ethnic Conflict: Fear, Diffusion, and Escalation Fearon, J. D. edited by Lake, D., Rothchild, D. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 1998
  • Domestic politics, foreign policy, and theories of international relations ANNUAL REVIEW OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Fearon, J. D. 1998; 1: 289-313

    View details for Web of Science ID 000170829700014

  • Signaling foreign policy interests - Tying hands versus sinking costs JOURNAL OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION Fearon, J. D. 1997; 41 (1): 68-90

    View details for Web of Science ID A1997WD47600004

  • Explaining interethnic cooperation 91st Annual Meeting of the American-Political-Science-Association Fearon, J. D., Laitin, D. D. CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS. 1996: 715–35

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996VV28100002

  • Counterfactuals and Causation in Social Science: Exploring an Analogy between Cellular Automata and Histor- ical Processe Counterfactual Thought Experiments in World Politics Fearon , J. D. edited by Tetlock, P., Belkin, A. Princeton University Press . 1996
  • RATIONALIST EXPLANATIONS FOR WAR 89th Annual Meeting of the American-Political-Science-Association Fearon, J. D. MIT PRESS. 1995: 379–414

    View details for Web of Science ID A1995RT52100001

  • DOMESTIC POLITICAL AUDIENCES AND THE ESCALATION OF INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Fearon, J. D. 1994; 88 (3): 577-592

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994PE20100004

  • SIGNALING VERSUS THE BALANCE OF POWER AND INTERESTS - AN EMPIRICAL-TEST OF A CRISIS BARGAINING MODEL JOURNAL OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION Fearon, J. D. 1994; 38 (2): 236-269

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994NL06200004

  • COUNTERFACTUALS AND HYPOTHESIS-TESTING IN POLITICAL-SCIENCE 1990 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOC Fearon, J. D. PRINCETON UNIV PRESS. 1991: 169–95

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991EV50800001

  • INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND ECONOMIC-POLICY REFORM IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA JOURNAL OF MODERN AFRICAN STUDIES Fearon, J. D. 1988; 26 (1): 113-137

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988N914400007