About
I am a political theorist specializing in contemporary liberal and postliberal political thought, civic education and pluralism, and American constitutionalism and federalism. My research addresses the fundamental challenges facing liberal democracy in an era of deep moral disagreement and political polarization.
My dissertation, Liberalism for Nonliberals: Toward a MacIntyrean Modus Vivendi, develops a constitutional-federalist framework for maintaining the civic essentials of the American constitutional order under conditions of profound ideological diversity. Drawing on the political theory of Alasdair MacIntyre, I argue that devolutionary federalism offers liberalism's best chance for survival—not through converting nonliberals or abandoning liberal commitments, but through institutional engineering that makes peace with moral disagreement.
In my teaching, I focus on the canonical texts and debates that have shaped free and democratic societies, particularly the American experiment. From Plato to Locke to the Federalist Papers to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, I help students develop the critical faculties necessary to engage with contested political questions in an intellectually diverse environment.
I am currently on the academic job market, seeking positions that align with my commitment to intellectual diversity, constitutional thought, and civic education in the Western tradition.
Research Interests
Contemporary Liberal & Postliberal Thought
Engaging seriously with nonliberal challenges to liberalism from both right and left perspectives, including the work of Patrick Deneen, Adrian Vermeule, and Indigenous political theorists.
Civic Education & Pluralism
Examining how ideological monoculture in civic education has led to delegitimation of core constitutional values, and exploring paths toward civic education that unites rather than divides.
Federalism & Constitutionalism
Leveraging America's federalist tradition to craft institutional arrangements robust to a population increasingly skeptical of liberal arguments and governance outcomes.
Political Theory Pedagogy
Teaching the canonical texts of the Western tradition—from Plato and Aristotle to the Federalist Papers and Martin Luther King Jr.—to help students develop critical faculties and engage with contested political questions in intellectually diverse environments.
Recent Activity
- September 2025 Presented "The Political-Comprehensive Collapse" at the Conference on Voluntary Governance, Center for Governance and Markets, University of Pittsburgh
- August 2025 Featured on The Political Philosophy Podcast: "Should Liberalism Fight, or Retreat and Retrench?"
- March 2025 Successfully defended dissertation at McGill University (External Examiner: Robert P. George, Princeton)