The University of Washington Department of Political Science is delighted to introduce two brilliant scholars joining our community this year. Please join us in welcoming Assistant Professor Gabriella Levy and Assistant Professor James Kim, whose innovative research and teaching promise to make significant contributions to our understanding of global politics.
Gabriella Levy: Understanding Societies in Conflict
Assistant Professor Gabriella Levy was previously a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Brown University (2023-2024) as well as a Jennings Randolph Peace Scholar Fellow at the U.S. Institute of Peace (2022-2023). She holds a Ph.D. (2023) in Political Science from Duke University as well as a BA (2017) in Political Science from Columbia University.
Professor Levy states "I'm excited to join UW Political Science, a department where faculty are deeply engaged in research, teaching, and working with and for communities in and beyond the university."
Professor Levy’s work explores how individuals and societies respond to political violence, particularly wartime violence against civilians. Her research is driven by urgent questions: "Why do people react more negatively to civilian targeting in some cases than in others? Which forms of rebel governance do people prefer? Do transitional justice institutions perceived as more legitimate contribute to peace, stability, and democracy after conflict?"
Focusing on Latin America—especially Colombia—she uses survey methodologies to examine how communities reckon with violence and justice. "This work is motivated by a conviction that understanding why people enable or punish perpetrators will help craft better policies to reduce such violence."
In the classroom, Levy emphasizes real-world engagement and debate. "I center my teaching around two principles: active, inclusive discussion and connecting theory to practice. Political science helps us make sense of a turbulent world—and imagine how to improve it." She will teach courses on international relations, civil war, and conflict resolution.
James Kim: War, Memory, and Security
Assistant Professor James Dongjin Kim previously was a 2023-2024 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Security Studies Program. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Texas A&M University in 2023. He received his M.A. in International Relations from Tsinghua University, China, and his B.A. in Political Science and Diplomacy from Yonsei University, South Korea.
Professor Kim states "I joined UW Political Science because of its long-standing reputation for intellectual leadership in international relations. It’s a dream place to pursue the questions I care about most—the emotional and psychological roots of war and peace."
Professor Kim’s research examines how wartime violence shapes political attitudes, particularly in East Asia. His work was inspired by a childhood visit to North Korea: "I met people who, at first, seemed just like me—until they explained their belief that nuclear weapons were essential to survival. That moment made me wonder: How does violence in childhood shape someone’s worldview forever?"
Now, he investigates how exposure to war affects support for military policies, peacebuilding, and national security. "If we understand these long-term effects, we can design better approaches to conflict resolution."
Kim’s teaching encourages students to think critically about global security. "I want students to see how personal experiences, historical memory, and policy are intertwined. The past isn’t just history—it lives in the decisions we make today."
A Warm Welcome
We are thrilled to have Professors Levy and Kim as part of our community. Their expertise in justice, conflict, and security will deepen our department’s strengths in global politics and expand opportunities for students.