William Bacon

Biography:

I am a first year PhD student! I used to be a competitive artistic gymnast. I received my BA in Political Science from Pepperdine University in Malibu California. I then moved to London and received my MSc in Security Studies, with my thesis centering on ethnic rebellion in Mexico. I am a dual British and Spanish citizen, having also studied part-time at the Universitat Politècnica de València. When I am not studying I am an indoor cycling instructor!

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PhD Title:

How can states reduce inter-ethnic electoral violence?

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Short Abstract:

Some multi-ethnic states experience certain phenomena around high stakes political situations, such as inter-ethnic violence during elections. Some states have a tumultuous history of inter-ethnic violence during these high stakes situations but have experienced improvement in the magnitude of these events. Other states can't seem to mitigate inter-ethnic violence during such situations, and severity remains constant across events (e.g. elections). Where is the gap that is able to mend this discrepancy? This project plans to utilize theoretical frameworks pertaining to divided societies in pursuit of better understanding how states mend inter-ethnic cleavages in order to mitigate violence when political stakes are high.

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Research Summary:

William uses a mixed-methods quantitative analysis and comparative case study approach, with Nigeria and Kenya as units of analysis.

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Research Groups:

• Conflict & Change Research Cluster

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Research Themes:

Ethnic conflict, electoral violence, divided societies, ethnic peace, conflict mitigation