Zehra F. Kabasakal Arat

Professor of Political Science

Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory

Ph.D. Binghamton University

Dr. Arat studies human rights, with an emphasis on women’s rights, as well as processes of democratization, globalization and development.  She combines theoretical writings with empirical research – both qualitative and quantitative.  Her publications include numerous journal articles and book chapters, as well as books: Democracy and Human Rights in Developing Countries (1991); Deconstructing Images of ‘The Turkish Woman’ (1998); Non-State Actors in the Human Rights Universe (2006); Human Rights Worldwide (2006); Human Rights in Turkey (2007, received Choice Award of Outstanding Academic Titles); The Uses and Misuses of Human Rights (2014).  Her work in progress includes: human rights discourse and practices in Turkey since 1920s; women’s rights and empowerment; human rights norms; the relationship between human rights scholars and NGOs; theorizing domestic politics of human rights.

She has served professional organizations in various capacities (e.g., Founding President, Human Rights Section of APSA, 2000-2001, and Chair, Human Rights Research Committee of IPSA, 2006-2012).  Currently, she serves on the editorial boards of American Political Science Review, Human Rights Quarterly, International Feminist Journal of Politics, and Zeitschrift für Menschenrechte, and as the series editor of the Lynne Rienner Publishers’ book series, “Power and Human Rights.” She is recognized by several awards, including the APSA Award of Distinguished Scholar in Human Rights (2010), SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities (2006), and the title of Juanita and Joseph Leff Distinguished Professor (Purchase College, 2006).