Her work broadly examines the politics of authoritarianism, and through this, the prospects for development and democracy in the region. She is currently working on a book manuscript examining the politics of elections in the Arab world, as well as a collaborative project focusing on the ways in which ongoing social and economic transformations in Africa and the Middle East affect governance programs (with Stephen Ndegwa, World Bank). She is also an associate editor of a the newly launched journal, Middle East Law and Governance, sponsored by the University of Toronto and Yale University Law Schools. She has studied, conducted research, and led student and alumni groups in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Israel, Palestine and Syria.