Robert Tanner Bivens

Research Agenda

My research agenda is animated by three areas of interest. The first is a focus on the evolution of norms and institutional dynamics within regional organizations. The second is a research agenda focused on the continued innovation of qualitative methodologies within the political science field with a focus on interviewing methodologies and field work. Finally, my research centers more specifically on global LGBTQ+ norm dynamics with a particular focus on Portuguese-speaking states in sub-Saharan Africa.

My primary interest is understanding why state actors choose to accept LGBTQ+ politics. While there is significant work that understands why states resist LGBTQ+ rights which can include politicized homophobia, postcolonial institutions, and backlash against western imposition, what is less understood is what compels states to choose acceptance over resistance. To better understand this, I utilize qualitative interview analysis and case study research centering on Portuguese-speaking countries to better understand the active and passive influences on state decision makers when electing to adopt LGBTQ+ norms with particular focus on state interaction within regional organizations.

Peer Reviewed Publications

2026. “Resistance is Not Futile: Rethinking Ethnicity, Tactics, and Outcomes in Civil Conflict.” Journal of Peace Research. With Ches Thurber (FORTHCOMING).

2026. “Cultural Cohesion in Regional Organizations: Equatorial Guinea, the CPLP, and its Death Penalty Abolishment.” African Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adaf031

2025. “Responses May Vary: Online vs. In-Person Interviewing.” Qualitative and Multi-Method Research. 23(1): 16-23. Click Here.

2024. ““This is Not the 90’s”: Myanmar and Change in ASEAN’s Normative Order.” Pacific Affairs. 97(4): 773-794. With Rithiya Serey and Aarie Glas. https://doi.org/10.5509/2024974-art5

2024. “Progress & Skepticism: What Angola’s New Penal Code Means for its LGBTQIA+ Community.” Africa Today. 70(4): 25-46. https://doi.org/10.2979/at.00011

Recordings

2025. “Global LGBTQ+ Politics in Authoritarian Times.” Panel Discussion. Shifting Values: LGBTQ+ Politics Beyond the EU. KU Leuven. Leuven, BEL.

Awards & Honors

2025 Eastern Illinois University Unit B Research, Scholarship, Creativity, and Service Achievement Award

2024 American Political Science Association (APSA) Human Rights Section Best Paper Honorable Mention Award