Connor’s research explores how diaspora movements mobilize support for their causes and the factors which inhibit their mobilization and activism. Much of his work focuses on a major inhibitor of diasporic political activity—transnational repression, or the repression of diasporas by their countries of origin across international borders. Connor’s dissertation offers a novel theory on the cost-benefit calculations of host states, which craft their responses to the transnational repression of diasporas within their territory. To test his theory, Connor has collected original data on host state responses to transnational repression to form the Host Responses to transnational Repression Dataset (HRRD).

Connor has also developed a second line of research studying social movement appeals and their impact on public opinion. He also conducts research that advances our understanding of civil and international conflict. Connor’s research is multi-methodological in approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies including survey experiments and interviews.

Connor’s research has been published in both a peer-reviewed journal and the Washington Post’s “Monkey Cage.”

• Kopchick, Connor, Kathleen Gallagher Cunningham, Erin K Jenne, and Stephen Saideman. 2022. "Emerging diasporas: Exploring mobilization outside the homeland." Journal of Peace Research 59(2): 107-121. 

• Telhami, Shibley and Connor Kopchick. 2020. "This recent poll shows how Americans think about the war in Afghanistan." The Washington Post's "Monkey Cage" blog. January 5. 

  • This article was also posted in the Brooking Institution's blog, where it is available without a subscription requirement. 

Connor has several working papers under review or in preparation for submission to peer-reviewed journals, including:

• Englund, Chase, Taylor Vincent and Connor Kopchick. “The Effect of Oil Price Changes on Civil Conflict Intensity in Rentier States.” Revise and Resubmit.

• Kopchick, Connor. “Muslim Victims and the Rights Penalty: The Impact of Identity on Public Perception of Human Rights Abuse Victims.” Under Review.

• Cunningham, Kathleen Gallagher and Connor Kopchick. “Social Movement Framing and US Public Opinion.” Under Review.

• Kopchick, Connor. “Here but Not There: Host State Variation and Transnational Repression.” In Progress.