Michael C. Horowitz, an associate professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania and associate director of Penn’s Perry World House, is the recipient of the International Studies Association’s 2017 Karl Deutsch Award.

The honor is awarded to a scholar in the first 10 years of his or her career who has made a significant contribution to the study of international relations and peace research.

ISA’s Karl Deutsch Award committee acknowledged Horowitz’s impact toward understanding the nature of violent conflict, including weapons of mass destruction, national political leadership and war, as well as military innovations such as unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones.

“His work consistently tackles pressing debates, develops new questions and innovative theory and executes careful empirical tests, often creating new data,” the committee said in a statement, citing Horowitz’s 2010 book, The Diffusion of Military Power: Causes and Consequences for International Politics, and how it exemplifies his thorough scholarly approach.

In addition, the committee praised Horowitz for his work’s consistent placement in the top political science publications.

The International Studies Association is one of the oldest interdisciplinary associations dedicated to understanding global affairs. It has long served as a central hub for the exchange of ideas, networking and programmatic initiatives among those involved in the study, teaching and practice of international studies.