Rebecca Munson
Rebecca Munson is Department Chair for Government and Public Policy and an Associate Professor in Liberty University’s School of Government. In her leadership role in the School of Government, Dr. Munson manages the growth and development of a large portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning political science, government, national security, and pre-law. She oversees the department’s three doctoral programs in public policy and plays key roles in shaping doctoral program design, research training, and interdisciplinary research initiatives. Dr. Munson’s higher education leadership aligns academic programs with public service needs and broad civic education missions at the post-secondary level.
Dr. Munson’s research and writing is on intersections of U.S. foreign policy and human rights, with focus on human rights norm diffusion, coercive diplomacy, and compliance with international law. Her current book project examines the impact of the U.S. Department of State’s strategy to combat global human trafficking, with a focus on implications for human rights enforcement. In the classroom, Dr. Munson instructs a range of courses in foreign policy, human rights, and research methods.
Her commentary has been featured in outlets such as The Washington Times and Providence Magazine, where she brings academic insights to broader audiences. In addition to her management, teaching, and research, Dr. Munson is actively engaged in professional service. She contributes to numerous professional and academic networks, university committees, and serves on the advisory board at the Institute on Religion and Democracy.
Dr. Munson holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from George Mason University, where she was named the outstanding graduate in her cohort. Prior to her current position, Dr. Munson taught at George Mason University and the University of Colorado and received several academic fellowships, grants, and awards.
Research Interests
- U.S. Foreign Policy
- Human Rights
- Coercive Diplomacy
- Humanitarian Affairs
- Norm Diffusion & Internalization
- Compliance & International Law
- Foreign Assistance
- Economic Sanctions
- Religious Freedom
- Civil Society Organizations
- Central America
Courses Taught
- American Foreign Policy
- Research Seminar in Foreign Policy
- International Human Rights
- Policy Analysis & Research Design