Professor and Dean, UAB Honors College slblanton@uab.edu
Honors Hall 201
(205) 934-4527

Research and Teaching Interests: International relations, foreign policy, human rights, political violence, international political economy

Office Hours: By Appointment

Education:

• BA, Georgia College, Political Science & Public Administration
• MA, University of Georgia, Political Science
• PhD, University of South Carolina, International Studies

Dr. Shannon Lindsey Blanton specializes in the areas of international relations and foreign policy, with an emphasis on human rights, political violence, and international political economy. In addition to her extensive administrative experience — she is the inaugural dean of the UAB Honors College, past vice provost for undergraduate programs, department chair and undergraduate coordinator — Dr. Blanton has taught courses on foreign policy, international relations, international conflict, and statistics.

Dr. Blanton has published articles on the determinants of U.S. arms transfers, the impact of arms imports on human security in developing countries, human rights as a determinant of U.S. foreign aid, and the role of cognitive images in U.S. foreign policy decision-making. Investigating the significance of human rights concerns in global economic interactions, she has also examined the role that human rights concerns play in shaping foreign direct investment and trade in the global community. Her most recent research examines the impact of international financial institutions, financial crises, and globalization on labor rights and human trafficking in countries around the world.

Dr. Blanton has received several research awards, published her articles in leading academic journals within her discipline, and served on a number of editorial boards. She is also a co-author of multiple editions of a leading textbook, World Politics: Trend and Transformation, and has collaborated with the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs to create a companion guide of pedagogical resources. She is currently the chair (2017-2019) for the Scientific Study of International Processes section of the International Studies Association. Of all her endeavors, she values most highly the opportunity to mentor and support the many outstanding students who pursue greater learning at UAB. More information is available on Dr. Blanton’s CV.