I’m a passionate researcher, educator, and author exploring the complexities of identity politics and foreign policy in the era of illiberal democracies. Currently, I’m an advanced Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the University of Kentucky, where I’ve had the honor of receiving the Ashley T. Judd Distinguished Fellowship (2021-2022) for my work on identity politics and a research fellowship (2024) for my work on Rohingya refugee rights. I specialize in Comparative Politics, International Relations, and International Political Economy, focusing on South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Global South.

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     My research and teaching center on democracy & human rights, identity politics, foreign direct investment, and national security in South Asia and the Global South. I’ve uncovered how intergroup bias influences public attitudes toward violence against women in illiberal regimes like Bangladesh. This research offers fresh insights into the fragility of fairness under illiberal democratic rule.

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     One of my current research projects focuses on the strategic role of U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in promoting democracy, human rights, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region while also examining its impact on U.S. national security and trade. By employing a dynamic mixed-methods approach, I explore how FDI can drive political, economic, and security-related changes across both regions.

 

     I hold an M.A. in Economics from Eastern Illinois University and undergraduate degrees in Economics and Development Studies from the Asian University for Women. As a South Asian woman, my personal experiences and academic training fuel my research and teaching commitment to understanding and addressing the global challenges of regional security and sustainable socio-economic development. 

 

     If you’re interested in learning more about my work or collaborating, please reach out at tasnia.symoom@uky.edu.

 

     Thanks for stopping by—I look forward to connecting with you!