Caroline Robbins

Background

About Caroline Robbins

I am a political science PhD student at Florida State University passionate about studying international affairs and comparative politics, particularly when it comes to diplomatic rhetorical strategies, great-power politics, and covert operations. During my undergraduate career as an honors student at FSU, I obtained two Bachelor’s degrees in international affairs with a concentration in history and in political science with a minor in Russian, alongside a Research-Intensive Bachelor’s Certificate for my deep involvement with various quantitative research skills. I was able to join both graduate students and faculty on developing their research projects, gaining knowledge of critical literature on revisionism, audience costs in international affairs, and the debate between deterrence and steps-to-war theory. I also proposed, designed, and conducted an original survey experiment alongside my research cohort which is currently under review for publication. For me, knowledge is an unending journey that I hope to always pursue. I have engaged with multiple undergraduate research opportunities and even served as both a Teaching Assistant and Student Leader for two critical research courses offered at FSU (POS3930 and IDS2920, respectively). I was also a Research Assistant for multiple projects, with over a year’s experience in studying Sino-US relations and now bordering into more in-depth approaches to covert operations and survey methodology. I aim to continue expanding my understanding of these subjects as a PhD student, delving more into how rhetorical strategies influence diplomacy and audience costs - both international and domestic - as well as evaluating the current situation of great-power politics in terms of Russia’s shifting perception in the international eye. The hands-on quantitative training I am receiving will continue to improve my data analysis, statistical assessment, and experimental designs. My technical skills are complemented by over seven years in customer service roles, from aiding in contract development to training employees on company policies. My communication and conflict management skills are highly effective, as my approach blends empathy with a push for excellence for myself and those who work alongside me. I have received multiple raises and accolades for my dedication, initiative, and adaptive knowledge. It is my goal to advocate for continued global cooperation through my research and foster genuine interest and expansion of public knowledge for foreign policy among the general public.