My current research explores the design and the implementation of transitional justice with a focus on legal mechanisms. My regional expertise is southern Europe (Moldova and Romania). I have held grants from the American Council of Learned Societies, the International Research & Exchanges Board, the Social Science Research Council and was a Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Senior Specialist. I have served as a consultant to the US Agency for International Development, US Department of State and the World Bank. My books include The Development of Institutions of Human Rights: A Comparative Study (2010, co-editor Lilian A. Barria), Public Finance and Post-Communist Party Development (2008, co-editor Janis Ikstens), Designing Criminal Tribunals: Sovereignty and International Concerns in the Protection of Human Rights (2006, co-author Lilian A. Barria) and Romania: The Unfinished Revolution (2000). My research has appeared in various journals including Comparative Politics, Journal of Conflict Resolution and Party Politics. I am Editor-in-Chief of Human Rights Review and Professor of Political Science at Eastern Illinois University. I have previously held appointments at Georgetown University, US Air War College and Pace University.