The Comparative Political Regimes (CPR) Lab brings together faculty and graduate students at the University of Alabama and the University of South Carolina. The CPR lab is a dynamic and interdisciplinary research hub that offers exciting opportunities for intensive research collaboration and mentorship.
About
The CPR lab focuses on investigating regimes and regime transformation from a comparative perspective. We believe that understanding the dynamics of political regimes is crucial for understanding the complexities of today’s global landscape. Our approach is pluralist, drawing on various theoretical frameworks and methodological tools to provide comprehensive analyses.
One of our key projects involves the Episodes of Regime Transformation (ERT) dataset, a valuable resource that we have developed in collaboration with the V-Dem Institute. This dataset allows us to identify and analyze regime resilience and breakdown, combining large-N analysis with in-depth case knowledge. By examining a wide array of countries and time periods, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to regime stability or instability.
Currently, our research endeavors revolve around explaining patterns of democratization and democratic resilience in the 20th and 21st centuries. With the rise of authoritarianism in some parts of the world, it becomes crucial to examine the strategies employed by authoritarian regimes to ensure their survival. How do these regimes adapt to changing global norms, and what implications does this have for the prospects of political liberalization and democratic transition?
Moreover, we seek to unravel the complexities of democratic survival amidst threats from authoritarianism. Why do some democratic regimes manage to withstand authoritarian pressures while others succumb to them? By delving into the intricacies of these dynamics, we hope to contribute valuable insights to the fields of political science and comparative politics.
In our lab, we foster an environment of intellectual curiosity, scholarly rigor, and collaborative spirit. We prioritize mentorship, providing guidance and support to graduate students as they embark on their research journeys. In the future, we plan to organize workshops, seminars, and conferences to facilitate meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas among our members.
If you are interested in learning more about our research, please feel free to explore our website or reach out to us. We are always eager to collaborate with scholars who share our passion for understanding the dynamics of political regimes and contributing to the advancement of political science knowledge.
Current Members
Chris Akor is a PhD student in political science at the University of Alabama. He holds a Masters in African Studies from the University of Oxford. He has worked in various research, knowledge, and media roles in the past 10 years as a political analyst and columnist discussing Nigerian and African political, social, and economic situations. His current academic research focuses on the effects of regime personalization.
Edwina Chih-Yu Chen is a Ph.D. student in political science at the University of South Carolina. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan) ad an M.A. in Politics from the University of Essex (U.K.). She is interested in authoritarian politics, censorship, LGBTQ+ politics/Queer theory, and East Asian Politics.
Sanghoon Park is a Ph.D. candidate in political science at the University of South Carolina. He graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in the Republic of Korea (ROK) with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. His research interests include authoritarian politics, with a focus on the functioning of democratic institutions under authoritarian regimes, as well as the impact on citizen welfare and regime survival. He has recently published co-authored articles in Oxford Bibliographies and the Journal of Political Science Education.
Prince Selorm Tetteh is currently a PhD student at the University of Alabama. He holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana. His research interests revolve around civil unrest and government response in Africa, collective action, and developmental politics.
Myles Williamson is a PhD candidate in political science at the University of Alabama. He also holds a Masters in Political Science from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Augusta University. His research broadly focuses on human rights, LGBT+ politics, and political regime behavior and transformation. He is the principal investigator for the Transgender Rights Indicator Project (TRIP).
Matthew C. Wilson (P.I.) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of South Carolina and a Research Associate at the V-Dem Institute. He is interested in the interactions of autocratic leaders and institutions, particularly with regard to regime change and conflict outcomes. As a comparativist scholar, he has a special interest in the politics of Latin America and historical development.
Amanda B. Edgell (P.I.) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alabama and a Research Associate for the V-Dem Institute. Her research focuses on the politics of authoritarianism and regime transformation. Her work addresses questions about how domestic institutions and actors interact with international concerns to shape the behavior of regimes.
Amanda B. Edgell 