I am an Associate Professor of Political Science at Macalester College. I have been a Fulbright Scholar at Sciences Po Bordeaux and a Residential Fellow at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study. I received my PhD from UCLA, specializing in political economy of development, empirical research methods, and social movements.
My current work investigates why protests succeed or fail around the world and has been featured in popular outlets including Nature and Teen Vogue. My latest book, The New Science of Social Change: A Modern Handbook for Activists (Beacon Press) translates my scholarship for the general public. The book was published separately in the UK by Footnote Press under the title Changemaker: A Data-Driven Guide to Being an Effective Activist. All author profits will be donated to evidence-backed effective charities.
My first book, Political Protest in Contemporary Africa (Cambridge University Press) received an honorable mention for Best Book of 2018 from the African Politics Conference Group. It explores how class politics drive African protests, with an emphasis on Niger and Senegal.
I am a regular consultant for governmental and non-governmental organizations, focusing on impact evaluation and policy analysis.
You can reach me at lmueller@macalester.edu. For inquiries about The New Science of Social Change, please contact Jennifer Thompson (Nordlyset Literary Agency).