Kyle Livingston

My research has focused on democratic transitions in Southeast Asia -- mainly Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Singapore. My first paper, "Thailand's Path to Democracy?" will be published September, 2014 in the Journal of International Service at American University. My second paper, "The Face of U.S. Diplomacy in Thailand: From Frontline to Facebook" is currently in the works.

My experiences in Southeast Asia with the Peace Corps and U.S. Department of State provided me with the ability to connect with local communities to accomplish grass-roots initiatives while simultaneously working with government officers and high-level representatives to achieve U.S. policy goals. My ability to seamlessly connect with both parties provivdes me a unique perspective that enables everyone to understand each others' needs, and enact the most approriate responsed to those needs. As a current graduate student at American University studying Southeast Asia and U.S. Foreign Policy, I have the opportunity few are able to experience, of which I am grateful.

Currently, I am working to integrate social media into U.S. foreign policy and am looking at the efficacy of executing said foreign policy through social media.