Dr. Chris Burdett ’96 is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Virginia Commonwealth University specializing in European politics, international security, political theory, and transatlantic relations. His research focuses on European security cooperation, European Union politics and institutions, and the role of education in identity formation. In the classroom, Chris emphasizes active learning and simulation-based instruction, with a particular interest in helping students connect political ideas and institutions to contemporary problems. Earlier in his career, Chris worked with the European Parliament, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Carter Center.
In addition to his teaching and scholarship, Chris has served in a variety of leadership and governance roles at the department, college, and university levels at VCU, with particular involvement in faculty affairs, promotion and tenure, strategic planning, and student success initiatives. He currently serves as a Faculty Fellow in the Dean’s Office of the College of Humanities and Sciences. He is also a member of the College’s Promotion and Tenure Committee and the university’s COACHE Steering Committee. His contributions to VCU have been recognized with the College of Humanities and Sciences Distinguished Service Award in 2024 and the university’s Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Award in 2025.
Chris earned his B.A. in Government from William & Mary in 1996, followed by an M.A. in European Studies and International Economics from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in 2000. He received his Ph.D. in International Relations and Political Theory from the University of Virginia in 2012.