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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D.

@coffeefiendprof.bsky.social
84 followers 117 following 41 posts

Political Science Professor @ Illinois College | Human Rights | Regional Governance | Sub-Saharan African politics | Qualitative Methods scholar | LGBTQIA+ scholar | rtbivens.com

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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
It is my pleasure to announce that I have recently agreed to join Illinois College as an Assistant Professor starting in the Fall of 2026. This is truly an amazing moment for me.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
I am proud to say my latest article I co-authored with Ches Thurber was just released for first viewing in the Journal of Peace Research! academic.oup.com/jpr/advance-...
academic.oup.com
Resistance is not futile: rethinking ethnicity, tactics, and outcomes in civil conflicts
Abstract. Recent studies have questioned whether nonviolent tactics can be effective for ethnic minorities. However, they often overlook multiethnic coalit
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
This does pose a fascinating question about the dissertation VS. publication route and how the latter can be abused by both candidate and mentor. share.google/cqhAhlBqmD5L...
share.google
Disquiet over ‘PhDs by publication’ diminishes doctorate’s prestige
Misuse of ‘cumulative PhDs’ should prompt debate over whether stacking research papers is really equivalent to writing a dissertation, says Brian Bloch
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
I am proud to say my latest article, "Responses May Vary: Online vs. In-Person Interviewing" has just been published in Qualitative Multi-Methods Research (QMMR). It is free to download on their website under issue 23, link below! www.qmmrpublication.com/issues
qmmrpublication.com
Issues | QUALITATIVE AND MULTI-METHOD RESEARCH APSA Section Newsletter
QMMR, Qualitative and Multi-Method Research, Current and Past Issues
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
This link leads to the recordings from my conference in Leuven, Shifting Values: LGBTQ+ Politics Beyond the EU! The panel, "Global LGBTQ+ Politics in Authoritarian Times" I was on with two of my amazing colleagues! soc.kuleuven.be/lines/euexac...
soc.kuleuven.be
Shifting Values: LGBTQ+ Politics Beyond the EU
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of traveling to KU Leuven for a workshop and conference for a book project focused on breaking down binaries in our understanding of global LGBTQ+ rights! It was a wonderful experience and an amazing group of scholars!
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
I will be traveling this Wednesday to Belgium for a workshop and conference at KU Leuven @kuleuvenuniversity.bsky.social where I will serve in a panel and present my book chapter on Luso-African LGBTQ+ politics! It is events like this that make me love my job as a scholar!
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Reposted by Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D.
The Onion @theonion.com · 29/05/2025
Recession Forecasts Jump After Herds Of Panicked Economists Start Running Off Cliffs theonion.com/recessi...
Recession Forecasts Jump After Herds Of Panicked Economists Start Running Off Cliffs
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
I do not think I will ever get over the anxiety of purchasing a highly priced plane ticket even when my department plans to cover most of it.
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 21/05/2025
The Spanish government ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 listings from its platform, widening a crackdown on tourist rentals as it seeks to alleviate a housing crisis that has become among the worst in Europe.
nytimes.com
Spain Orders Airbnb to Take Down 66,000 Rental Listings
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
You cannot ban students from using something and then turn around and use it yourself! I make my syllabus very clear. Students cannot use generative AI to write their papers for them and I never use it as well. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/t...
nytimes.com
The Professors Are Using ChatGPT, and Some Students Aren’t Happy About It
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
It was this time last year that I was excited to change my phone screen to the Eastern Illinois University logo since I was finally able to land a job at the end of my Ph.D. Candidacy. Today, I am proud of myself for finishing my first year as a professional with many years in academia to come!
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
One of the greatest joys in my life as an educator is seeing students receive all the accolades they deserve. My student, Andrew Mendy, is a brilliant young man with a bright future ahead of him!
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Erica Chenoweth @chenoweth.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Every day, but especially these days, I am in awe of our students.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
I stand in full support of Harvard University. We have to fight for academic freedom and be unrelenting in protecting it!
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Some days you rejoice over a well written manuscript you know will get published... Other days you are just happy you finished 6000 words and you can finish it later.
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Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 03/04/2025
One man’s temper tantrum to feel powerful is having devestating consequences
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
I think the thing that bugs me the most about AI usage in assignments is it takes away a moment where a student learns. We do not just learn through lectures & resding. We learn by taking info and playing with it. Writing is one of those elements and so you lose some of that w/ and AI shortcut.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
I'm not normally one to enjoy Op Eds. But Ezra Klein's commentary on how misguided the democratic party's strategy of playing dead in the face of the Trump Presidency is 100% spot on. Resistance politics works and people will choose a conman over a dead fish any day www.nytimes.com/2025/03/09/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | There Is a Liberal Answer to the Trump-Musk Wrecking Ball (Gift Article)
Right-wing populism thrives on scarcity. The answer is abundance. But a politics of abundance will work only if Democrats confront where their approach has failed.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
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Bartapest @bartapest.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
ASEAN carries a heavy load in 2025. The organization’s effectiveness in addressing #Myanmar’s political crisis, maritime disputes & great power competition will determine its relevance in an increasingly complex regional order: eastasiaforum.org/2025/02/20/s... @lowyinstitute.bsky.social #ASEAN
eastasiaforum.org
Storm clouds gather over ASEAN as it enters 2025
As Myanmar's crisis deepens, South China Sea tensions escalate and the US-China rivalry intensifies, ASEAN's ability to maintain regional stability and strategic autonomy faces unprecedented challenge...
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
It is hard to put into words the incredible feeling of putting the final words into a research paper's first final draft. This thing is going to change 1000x from this moment. But, for now, it is done!
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Finally landed a new publication! Last month was rough but the start of this month is cling up roses!
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Reposted by Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D.
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 23/01/2025
“Today we feel secure and safe and happy.” After Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, couples gathered for a mass wedding in Bangkok. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/w...
Couples are celebrating in a crowd at a group wedding event. Many are arm in arm, and the floor is rainbow-striped. A headline reads: "Thailand Celebrates New Same-Sex Marriage Law With Mass Wedding." Photo by Lauren DeCicca for The New York Times.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
An R&R is an R&R... Even if it comes part and parcel with a 5 page document letting you know in detail how much the manuscript sucks... 🫠
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
In a world of chaos, sometimes being kind is the best you can do and that is okay.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 04/01/2025
I do find it hilarious that the world of academia essentially goes into hibernation during the month of December and essentially comes to life on January 3rd every year.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Some photos taken of my commencement last week celebrating the end of my journey as a graduate student! The photo of my advisor Aarie Glas (@aglas.bsky.social) in particular brings a tear to my eye! Thank you to everyone for being apart of my moment and this whole journey!
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
My article, which I co-published with Rithiya Serey and Aarie Glas, is now out at Pacific Affairs: "This is Not the 90s: Myanmar and Change to ASEAN's Normative Order!" pacificaffairs.ubc.ca/articles/thi...
pacificaffairs.ubc.ca
“This is Not the 90s”: Myanmar and Change in ASEAN’s Normative Order - Pacific Affairs (UBC Journal)
Rithiya Serey, Robert Tanner Bivens, and Aarie Glas
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 08/12/2024
President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and left Syria, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, a stunning fall for the longtime dictator. People celebrated near the Lebanon/Syria border crossing of Masnaa in Bar Elias, Lebanon. Follow live updates. nyti.ms/4ip731G
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
It is depressing that after an attempted coup attempt, Yoon wasn't removed from power. My take at this point is that the PPP wants more time to control the narrative of how he is removed from office instead of leaving it in the hands of their opposition.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
It turns out when you make a terrible decision, you get terrible results. This was most likely a last ditch effort from Yoon Suk Yeol to stay in power and will most likely be the final nail in the coffin of his political career.
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Bluesky @bsky.app · 03/12/2024
Scientists, academics, researchers: We’re excited to share that @altmetric.com is now tracking mentions of your research on Bluesky! 🧪
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Reposted by Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D.
Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 @marikamikiashvili.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
Tonight was a watershed, and we passed this test successfully whatever happens by dawn hours: after the morning’s horrifying vicious assault aimed at intimidating us, people weren’t intimidated, they came in larger numbers and more organized than ever. #GeorgiaProtests
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
I feel like when it comes to my job everything is going well. Except for getting anything published! I have 5 articles out! 1 has been our for a year, another 9 months, another 6 months and the other two on a regular time frame. The only break is 2 publications. Anyone else in the same hell 🤣?
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Council on Foreign Relations @cfr.org · 25/11/2024
Elections in Namibia and proposed negotiations in Mozambique make this a pivotal week for the region’s future governance, writes Michelle Gavin.
cfr.org
High Stakes in Southern Africa
Elections in Namibia and proposed negotiations in Mozambique make this a pivotal week for the region’s future governance.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
ISA-Midwest is always a delight! I highly suggest it especially to any graduate student looking to present their work! Thank you to ISA and everyone in attendance for such a wonderful experience!
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
I had the fortune of being the first presenter of EIU's IR Seminar! I had the pleasure of starting a discussion that challenges misconceptions the West has when it comes to African politics both generally and academically. I am so proud of all my students who came out to see it 😁
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
It is horrifying to hear that he might try to undermine democracy. His verbiage is the same way autocrats around the world seek to stay in power past their term limit
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International Studies Association @isanet.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Reminder: The ISA-Midwest 2024 conference begins Friday in St. Louis, MI. at The Hilton at the Ballpark. Take a look at the conference program - www.isanet.org/Conferences/...
Text: ISA- Midwest St. Louis 2024 conference
Image: light blue background with faded world map on top. ISA logo
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 17/11/2024
Australia accused of ‘exporting climate destruction’ on tiny Pacific neighbours with massive gas expansion plans
dlvr.it
Australia accused of ‘exporting climate destruction’ on tiny Pacific neighbours with massive gas expansion plans
Labor government ‘not acting in good faith’ when it stands on global stage and promotes its climate credentials, special envoy at Cop29 says Pacific governments at a UN climate summit are criticising Australia’s plans for a massive gas industry expansion…
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 17/11/2024
Over the past week, the social media site Bluesky's growth has exploded, more than doubling to 15 million-plus users, as people seek alternatives to X, Facebook and Threads.
nytimes.com
Bluesky Is Growing Up. Maybe Too Fast.
The fledgling social media site has been flooded by people seeking alternatives to Facebook, X and Threads. It hasn’t all been easy.
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
For those curious about my work should look up my article in Africa Today " Progress and Skepticism: What Angola's New Penal Code Means for Its LGBTQIA+ Community" Link to Project Muse provided! muse.jhu.edu/pub/3/articl...
muse.jhu.edu
Project MUSE - Progress and Skepticism: What Angola's New Penal Code Means for Its LGBTQIA+ Community
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Robert Tanner Bivens, Ph.D. @coffeefiendprof.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
I am so happy to have an social media site like this again!
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International Studies Association @isanet.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
Reminders for #ISA2025: Convention takes place from Sunday, March 2, 2025, to Wednesday, March 5, 2025. www.isanet.org/Conferences/...
ISA 2025 will run from Sunday March 2nd - Wednesday, March 5th in Chicago, IL - Find more details on our convention scheduling and an arrow pointing right. 
ISA 66th Annual Convention - ISA logoisa 2025 session time slots
"A" slots:  8:15am - 10:00am
"B" slots:  10:30am - 12:15pm
"C" slots:  1:45pm - 3:30pm
"D" slots:  4:00pm - 5:45pm
darkened image of Chicago along the water. ISA logoisa 2025 session and events
Sat, March 1*:  6:30am - 6:30pm
Sun, March 2:  7:00am - 8:00pm
Mon, March 3: 6:45am - 10:00pm
Tue, March 4:  6:45am - 8:30pm
Wed, March 5: 7:30am - 5:45pm
       
* by invitation only
Image of Downtown Chicago along the Chicago River
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