Political Science Professor Publishes in Special Issue of 'International Organization' Journal

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A. Burcu Bayram

A. Burcu Bayram, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, recently contributed a peer-reviewed research article to the special issue, The Behavioral Revolution and International Relations, of the highest ranked journal in the field of international relations in the world, International Organization. 

With roots in psychology and behavioral economics, The Behavioral Revolution and International Relations aims at developing more empirically realistic models of individual decision-making processes, uncovering the heterogeneity of preferences even across similarly situated individuals, and leveraging experimental research in both laboratory and field settings.

The special issue represents a joint effort between the senior scholars and junior scholars in the field of international relations to bring the behavioral revolution into international relations. It is also the first special issue published by International Organization in 17 years.

"It pushes the traditional disciplinary boundaries and promotes an innovative research program," Bayram said.

Bayram's contribution to the special issue examines the normative foundations of compliance with international law using original data from a survey of German Parliamentarians and laboratory experiments. 

Researchers who contributed to articles to the special issue are all from premier research institutions in North America. In addition to the University of Arkansas, Harvard, Stanford, University of Wisconsin, University of California at San Diego, Ohio State, George Washington and University of Toronto are represented.

Bayram, whose research examines the cognitive and emotional foundations of international cooperation among country leaders and publics, said that "international relations research in the next decades and 21st century will be marked by collaborative and interdisciplinary works that build bridges between international studies, psychology, neuroscience. and behavioral economics."

"I am honored to contribute to the New Behavioral Revolution in International Relations and represent my institution," she said. "I feel very fortunate to be part of the Fulbright College where we greatly value international education and innovation."