Degrees

PhD., The Ohio State University (2014)
MA, The Ohio State University (2009)
Laurea Magistrale, Universita’ degli Studi di Bologna, Forli (2007)
Laurea Triennale, Universita’ degli Studi di Bologna,  Forli (2004)

Research Interests

I research how temporal dynamics shape relations between political actors in the international arena. I focus in particular on the study of conflict, both within and between countries. I leverage evidence-based accounts of state and non-state actors’ unfolding behavioral trajectory to explain when and why those actors that we traditionally think of as weak can prevail in the international arena, especially when those actors do so by using technological advances ranging from nuclear weapons to social media.

Personal Website: http://www.eleonoramattiacci.com/

Teaching Interests

I teach classes on various aspects of International Relations, ranging from broad introductory classes on the field to specialized upper-level seminars on war and the impact of modern weaponry. 

In the class, I leverage multiple learning techniques, with a special emphasis on experiential learning. I use, for example, role-playing, simulations, case studies, and debates, to complement more traditional lecture and debate formats. I make it a priority to incorporate students into my research, working with several research assistants during the semester through the IRLab @ Amherst College, which I direct. I strive to structure research assistants’ activities so as to illustrate to them the different tasks involved in the craft of research: both the creative, theory-building component of research and the theory-testing one.

Book Publications

Eleonora Mattiacci, Volatile States in International Politics, Oxford University Press (2022).

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

“Atomic Ambiguity: Event Data Evidence on Latency and Cooperation” with Rupal N. Mehta and Rachel Elizabeth Whitlark, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Online First.

“How Issue Salience Shapes Global Policy Choices,” Global Studies Quarterly, 1.3 (2021): 1--12.

“Restoring Legitimacy: Public Diplomacy Campaigns in Civil Wars” with Benjamin T. Jones, International Studies Quarterly, 64.4 (2020): 739–61.

“A Manifesto, in 140 Characters or Fewer: Social Media as a Tool of Rebel Diplomacy in the Libyan Civil War” with Benjamin T. Jones, British Journal of Political Science, 49.2 (2019): 739–761.

“Keeping Vigil: The Emergence of Vigilance Committees in Pre-Civil War America” with Jonathan M. Obert, Perspectives on Politics, 16.3 (2018): 600–616.

“Food Scarcity and State Vulnerability: Unpacking the Link Between Climate Variability and Violent Unrest” with Bear F. Braumoeller and Benjamin T. Jones, Journal of Peace Research, 54.3 (2017): 335–350.

“(Nuclear) Change of Plans: What Explains Nuclear Reversals?” with Benjamin T. Jones, International Interactions, 42.3 (2016): 530–585.