Her research interests lie in the area of ethnic and regional politics with a focus on the former Soviet space, especially Uzbekistan and Central Asia. She is the author of the forthcoming Clan and Politics in Uzbekistan. Professor Bailey teaches courses on Moslem regions, including Central Eurasia, the Middle Civilization and the Balkans. She is the Associate Director of the Islamic Civilization and Societies Program at Boston College, which offers an undergraduate Major and Minor in the field. Her current research focuses on leadership and regional elites in Central Asia.