He researches perceptions and misperceptions in United States foreign policy toward Africa and is currently studying the management of human diversity and its impact on economic development in South Africa, Namibia and Angola. Professor Bender has published over twenty-five academic articles in journals such as Foreign Policy and Comparative Politics and dozens of articles in leading American newspapers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. He consults for the State Department, United Nations, World Bank, National Security Council and several multinational corporations. He is widely published, including Angola Under the Portuguese, and he is also the recipient of four major teaching awards at USC, including the Outstanding Faculty Award. He is past president of the African Studies Association and former director of the School of International Relations.