Erik Gartzke is Associate Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, and a member of the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies. His research explores the determinants of international conflict and peace. Topics addressed in published academic papers include globalization, economic interdependence, the democratic peace, alliance and deterrence theory, enduring rivalry, and international institutions. He is currently working on a book titled Perpetuating Peace , which lays out the potential, and possible pitfalls, of a capitalist peace. Professor Gartzke received a PhD in Political Science at the University of Iowa in 1997. He taught for three years at the Pennsylvania State University before moving to Columbia University. Professor Gartzke is also a former infantry officer and combat engineer (USAR).