Aung San Suu Kyi Endowed Chair, Center for Asian Democracy
College of Arts and Sciences
Jason P. Abbott, Ph.D. is associate professor of political science and director of the Center for Asian Democracy at the University of Louisville. Abbott joined UofL in July 2010, after holding positions at the University of Surrey, the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies and Nottingham Trent University Department of International Studies.
Abbott’s research interests include Comparative Democratization, Comparative Politics, Political Economy, International Security, Political Organizations and Parties, International History and Politics, Religion and Politics, Race, Ethnicity and Politics, Elections and Voting Behavior, Political Communication and Information Technology and Politics.
He is the author or editor of five books and over 20 articles and book chapters on democratization, economic development, political economy and regional security in Southeast Asia - Malaysia in particular.
He is a highly respected member of several national and international professional organizations, including the International Studies Association, American Political Science Association (APSA), Asian Studies Association (ASA), British International Studies Association (BISA), Political Studies Association (PSA) of the United Kingdom, and the International Studies Association (ISA).
Abbott’s teaching career has included instruction in the following courses: International Political Economy; The Government and Politics of East Asia; Contemporary World History Since 1945; An Introduction to World Politics; International Relations Theory; and Research Methods and the Philosophy of Science.
He is the recipient of several awards and honors, including the 2008 Surrey Centre for Excellence in Professional Training and Education Curriculum Innovation Award, the 2007 University of Surrey Teaching with new Technologies Award and the 2000 British Academy Overseas Conference Grant for attendance at The International Studies Association annual convention in Los Angeles.
Abbott received his undergraduate joint honors degree in politics and history at the University of Newcastle, United Kingdom and studied for his Doctorate at both Newcastle University and the Nottingham Trent University, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1998.