Research
CV
Please email me for a copy of my CV: lcwells (at) memphis (dot) edu
Research Interests
Natural disasters, environment and climate
Intrastate conflict behavior
State capacity
Innovation and diffusion of policies
Peacekeeping and peacebuilding
Agricultural economics
Dissertation
When natural disasters like floods or droughts happen, people experience their wrath, losing lives, livelihoods, homes and security. Natural disasters disrupt the status quo, and create social, humanitarian and political needs. In most cases, people turn to their governments to provide for these needs. However, governments vary widely in their ability and willingness to provide for these needs. Citizens evaluate the outcomes of the government’s actions in response to their needs arising from the effects of the natural disaster. Natural disasters affect the duration of leaders’ tenure, the likelihood of contentious behavior in society, and the humanitarian consequences, like food and housing security, facing those affected by disasters. I find that natural disasters significantly shorten leaders’ time in office, have negative humanitarian and human rights consequences, and increase the likelihood of contentious behavior.
Introduction: The Political Implications of Natural Disasters
Project abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction, project overview
Introduction abstract
Chapter 2: Theory: States’ willingness and ability to respond to natural disasters.
Chapter 2 abstract
Chapter 3: The Human Rights Implications of Natural Disasters
Chapter 3 abstract
Chapter 4: Leadership Tenure
Chapter 4 abstract
Chapter 5: Natural Disasters and Contentious Behavior
Chapter 5 abstract
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Chapter 6 abstract
Publications
“Climate Refugees, Gender and Security: The Case of the U.S. and Mexico.” (Under review)
“Natural Disasters and Leadership Tenure” (Under review)
Working Papers
Losing Respect: The Human Rights Consequences of Natural Disasters (To be presented at ISA-Midwest, November 2012)
Getting Past Our Differences: Cooperation and Natural Disasters
Spotlighting Grievances: Contentious Behavior and Natural Disasters
Accountability and Consequences: Leadership Tenure and Natural Disasters
Post-secondary Education in Post-conflict Societies