I am a political scientist specializing in the study of political instability, currently serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky. I have previously been an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan and an Associate Professor at the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs at the University of Central Florida. I have published on various aspects of political instability and democratization, and have provided expertise to the U.S. diplomatic, defense, and intelligence establishments, the U.S. Congress, and various private entities.