Distinguished Scholar Award for Dr. Ann Marie Clark

Professor Ann Marie Clark has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Scholar Award by the International Studies Association's Human Rights Section. The award was presented at the 2025 International Studies Association Annual Meeting in Chicago, where a panel discussion was held in recognition of her contributions to the field.

Clark's research focuses on norms and discourse in international relations, the theory and practice of international human rights, and the influence of non-governmental organizations on state behavior. Her work explores global justice and the ways changing ideas about justice take hold in global politics. She has also examined the documentation of global human rights activism, including issues related to data preservation and use.

Her scholarship has contributed significantly to international relations, particularly in the areas of international human rights and the role of non-governmental organizations. In addition to her research, Clark has chaired 14 Ph.D. dissertations, and her doctoral students have received national and university-level research and dissertation awards.

Books and Publications

Professor Clark's latest book, Demands of Justice: The Creation of a Global Human Rights Practice (Cambridge University Press), draws on original interviews and archival research to trace the evolution of a new international human rights ethos developed by activists in language, law, and practice over the past 50 years. Clark argues that these developments have enriched the concept of "global justice," using leading international organizations such as Oxfam and Amnesty International as illustrative case studies.

Her first book, Diplomacy of Conscience: Amnesty International and Changing Human Rights Norms (Princeton University Press), was widely influential in highlighting the role of non-state actors in international relations. The book traces Amnesty International's influence on international politics and examines the organization's role in shaping international law.

Another notable project, "Human Rights Texts for Digital Research: Archiving and Analyzing Amnesty International's Historic 'Urgent Action' Bulletins," has been instrumental in preserving and analyzing important human rights documents. Clark received initial funding for this project through Purdue University's Office of the Vice President for Research grant program, Enhancing Research in the Humanities and the Arts.

Her recent publication with Bi Zhao, "Who Did What for Whom? Amnesty International's Urgent Actions as Activist-Generated Data," in Quantitative Human Rights Measures and Measurement, highlights the value of these data for understanding changes in human rights concepts and legal standards over time.

Recognition and Professional Leadership

Clark's work has garnered national and international recognition. In 2021, she was a U.S. Fulbright Scholar, serving as the Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice at the University of Ottawa. In 2002–03, she was a fellow at the prestigious Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. She is also participating in a collaborative book project sponsored by the Freie Universität Berlin's SCRIPTS Cluster of Excellence.

Clark has held several leadership positions, including serving on the executive committee of the American Political Science Association's (APSA) Human Rights Section since 2023. At Purdue, she was instrumental in establishing the interdisciplinary minor in Human Rights and co-directed the program for many years.

A Lasting Legacy

Ann Marie Clark's contributions to the academic community and her impact on the field of human rights will be appreciated and celebrated for years to come. She was named Professor Emerita at Purdue in conjunction with her retirement in January 2025. Her legacy of scholarship, mentorship, and dedication to justice continues to inspire colleagues and students alike.