Alexander Isakov

Postdoctoral Associate

Alexander Isakov holds a BA (physics and math) and PhD (physics) from Harvard University. He enjoys collaborations on interesting problems regardless of “discipline” – from physics (synchronization of oscillators) to game theory (institutional punishment and evolution of society). Alexander’s work with the Human Nature Lab has largely focused on the "antagonistic" side of networks. For example: how do groups solve the collective action problem to create (violent) raiding parties, and what role to leaders play? Can we control network effects through targeted interventions? How do networks with negative ties behave? Outside of formal academic work, Alexander enjoys spending time with his wife, reading, inventing, and thinking about modeling big problems.

Recent Publications

• “The Structure of Negative Ties in Rural Village Networks,” Sociological Science, Mar 2019
• “Formation of Raiding Parties for Inter-Group Violence is Mediated by Social Network Structure,” PNAS: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Oct 2016
• “Modeling the Role of Networks and Individual Differences in Inter-Group Violence,” PLoS One, Feb 2016