Definition
Eric Selbin is an American political scientist and author whose scholarly work focuses on revolutionary theory, political activism, and the dynamics of social movements.
Overview
Selbin earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has held faculty positions at several U.S. universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is widely recognized for his contributions to comparative politics and political theory, particularly through his analyses of revolutionary praxis and the interplay between culture and politics. His most cited publications include The Revolutionary City: Urbanization and the Global Transformation of Rebellion (2007) and The World is a Battlefield: Terrorism, Globalization, and the Rise of the Nation-State (2002). Selbin’s work often incorporates interdisciplinary methods, drawing on sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies to examine how revolutionary movements emerge, evolve, and impact political structures.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Eric” derives from the Old Norse Eiríkr, meaning “ever ruler” or “eternal ruler.” The surname “Selbin” is less common; it is likely of Germanic or Anglo‑Saxon origin, though detailed genealogical information about the name is not broadly documented.
Characteristics
- Research Focus: Comparative analysis of revolutions, insurgent politics, and transnational activism; emphasis on the role of ideology, culture, and urbanization in shaping revolutionary movements.
- Methodological Approach: Interdisciplinary, employing historical case studies, qualitative fieldwork, and theoretical synthesis across political science, sociology, and cultural studies.
- Key Contributions: Development of the concept of the “revolutionary city” that links urban development with patterns of dissent; articulation of “political imagination” as a lens for understanding activist motivation and strategy.
- Publications: Author or editor of several books and numerous peer‑reviewed articles; contributions to edited volumes on social movements, political theory, and global security.
- Academic Service: Participation in editorial boards of scholarly journals, organization of conferences on political activism, and mentorship of graduate students in political science.
Related Topics
- Social movements and collective action
- Revolutionary theory and praxis
- Urban politics and the sociology of the city
- Comparative politics
- Political imagination and ideology
- Transnational activism and globalization
- Terrorism studies and security studies
All information presented is based on publicly available academic and institutional sources.