Farida Jalalzai

Dr. Jalalzai’s research analyzes the role of gender in the political arena worldwide. She examines women presidents and prime ministers around the globe, analyzing their paths, powers, and impacts. 

Her books include: Shattered, Cracked and Firmly Intact: Women and the Executive Glass Ceiling Worldwide (Oxford University Press 2013) Women Presidents of Latin America: Beyond Family Ties? (Routledge 2016); Senhora Presidenta: Women's Empowerment and Disempowerment in Brazil: The Rise and Fall of President Dilma Rousseff (with Pedro A.G. dos Santos, Temple University Press 2021); Gender, Leadership, and Crisis: Possibilities and Perils for Women Leaders (with Louise K. Davidson-Schmich and Malliga Och, Oxford University Press 2026). She is coeditor of the volume Measuring Women's Political Empowerment Across the Globe (Palgrave 2018). Her forthcoming book is Empowering Women Executives Presidents and Prime Ministers in Central and Eastern Europe (with Meg Rincker, Temple University Press). She has also authored dozens of articles and book chapters related to women in politics worldwide. 

Dr. Jalalzai’s research has been funded by the Thyssen Foundation and she is a recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award (Global Scholar Award).

 She is frequently quoted and featured as an expert in media outlets including The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, PBS Newshour,  CNN, The Guardian, The Christian Science Monitor, VOX, Politico, and NPR.   

As Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement, Dr. Jalalzai works to strengthen and expand the college’s already robust international profile across multiple areas including but not limited to international education and global partnerships.