Welcome to my academic homepage! I am William Arnold, a PhD candidate (ABD) in the Department of Justice, Law, Criminology, and Security at American University. This website introduces my research interests, which sit at the intersection of international security and terrorism studies, as well as highlighting my commitment to pedagogy.
My research coalesces around themes of 'culture, conflict, and counterterrorism.' My dissertation project explores variation in counterterrorism policy. I utilise a theory of strategic culture to explain why states facing similar threats respond in different ways. The project aims to contribute to the literature by reconceptualising what we mean by terrorist threat, and operationalising strategic culture.
I welcome you to explore my website, and please feel free to reach out via email if would like to connect, collaborate, or discuss shared interests in international security, political violence, or terrorism studies.
Publications
Playing with Fire: The Symbolic Role of Fire in Political Violence
William Arnold, Kaitlyn DaVisio, Cynthia Miller-Idriss
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 2026, pp. 1-14
Liberatory or predatory? Gendered perspectives on the role of women in the Weather Underground
William Arnold
Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression, vol. 17(2), 2025, pp. 227-241