My research encompasses three main objectives: Substantively, I aim to better theorize and enhance cross-country perspectives on critical phenomena such as nationalism and its impact on international security; Methodologically, I strive to improve measurement and causal inference based on careful methodologies, including formal modeling and computational methods like natural language processing; Empirically, I challenge prevailing assumptions that inflate the perceived risk of militarized conflicts in East Asia, by providing original data and analysis rooted in local knowledge and regional perceptions. 

At Stanford, I lead the research group that focuses on US-Asia relations. One of the projects will contrast the rhetoric and debates in US politics surrounding the historical phenomenon of "Japan bashing" and the current perception of a "China threat.” By applying automated text analysis and qualitative analysis to textual data from various sources such as congressional hearings and presidential speeches, this project uncovers the similarities, differences, and underlying factors driving the narratives surrounding US-Asia relations. I will also provide mentorship to student research assistants and research associates.