Chris Butler obtained his BA from the University of Rochester in 1994, and his MA and Ph.D. from Michigan State University (1995 and 2000, respectively). Professor Butler focuses on understanding political conflict:

• When do conflicts of interest turn violent?
• How do conflicts of interest get resolved?
• What are the consequences of institutional design choices on conflict?

He addresses these questions in a variety of substantive areas, including: human rights, civil war, political aspects of sexual violence, and interstate conflict.

Professor Butler also applies a variety of research methods to understand political conflict. These methods include statistical analysis (for testing relationships), game-theoretic models, and computer simulations.