My research is primarily motivated by theoretical questions surrounding the assignment and consequences of cultural classifications. This focus is reflected in my research on legitimacy, which examines how legitimacy and illegitimacy are evaluated, established, and invoked, and how these classifications affect socially significant outcomes. I explore these questions through the study of contentious politics, and within this context I have—and continue to—pursue research questions that are more substantive in nature. For example, I have published research examining why armed conflicts recur, the social and contextual factors that influence counter-state organizations’ behaviors, and the unintended consequences of legal activism. One of my current projects examines the factors influencing whether violent political groups are classified as "terrorists" in media coverage of their activities.

I use a variety of methods in my work, including historical research, comparative analysis, quantitative network analysis, and statistical analysis, and I am interested in multi- and mixed-methods approaches to social research. These interests motivate several veins of methodological research that I am currently engaged in. Please feel free to contact me for information about my current projects.