Steven Beard is a teaching assistant professor in the International Affairs program and Political Science Department. He earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Colorado – Boulder in 2019. Steven’s research focuses on explaining international conflict. His dissertation explores why interstate wars end, showing that military considerations and defensive advantages create commitment problems that make it difficult to negotiate a peaceful end to the fighting. His other published and in progress work explores surprise attacks, shifting power as a cause of war, and military and economic coercion. Steven has taught a variety of courses, including American foreign policy, international law, war and peace, international behavior, and game theory.