I am currently writing a series of articles that examine the militarization of development in the post-9-11 context, and a book manuscript that focuses on how the incorporation of development into counterinsurgency training changed the gendered work of war. I am particularly interested in how colonial and Cold War histories are used in military instructional settings. In relation to this question, I have conducted primary archival research in Haiti, a site of continual US intervention whose history is used in present-day military instruction. I am currently conducting research on the US military’s establishment of all-female counterinsurgent teams in the years leading up to the recent reversal of policies that technically banned women from direct assignment to ground combat.
In a more historical dimension to my scholarship, a recent article in the Journal of Historical Geography examines how an education project in early 20th century US-occupied Haiti provoked a strike so large it precipitated the marines' withdrawal. I have also published an article on peacekeeping in Haiti in the Journal of Haitian Studies, focusing on the ways in which emerging powers represent themselves on the global stage of the United Nations.
Before becoming interested in the militarization of development and humanitarianism, I completed two short ethnographic research projects in South Africa, the first focusing on trade liberalization in Cape Town's garment industry, and the second focusing on post-apartheid migration into South African cities. My research in Africa was closely intertwined with my experience working in the non-governmental and grant-making sectors before entering graduate school.
Before becoming interested in the militarization of development and humanitarianism, I completed two short ethnographic research projects in South Africa, the first focusing on trade liberalization in Cape Town's garment industry, and the second focusing on post-apartheid migration into South African cities. My research in Africa was closely intertwined with my experience working in the non-governmental and grant-making sectors before entering graduate school.
