Theda Skocpol is an influential American political scientist, sociologist, and historian, best known for her pioneering work in historical-institutionalism and comparative social analysis. She serves as the Victor S. Thomas Professor of Government and Sociology at Harvard University, a position she has held since 1998. Skocpol is renowned for her research on social policy, civic engagement, and the role of the state in American politics. Her seminal book, 'States and Social Revolutions' (1979), introduced her 'state autonomy theory,' which examines how state structures influence revolutionary outcomes and social policy. Her research spans the evolution of voluntary associations, including works like 'Protecting Soldiers and Mothers' (1992) and 'The Tea Party and the Remaking of Republican Conservatism' (2012, co-authored with Vanessa Williamson). Born on May 4, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, she earned her B.A. from Michigan State University in 1969, followed by an M.A. in 1971 and a Ph.D. in 1976 from Harvard University. She has served as President of the American Political Science Association (1996-1997) and the Social Science History Association (2001-2002), and has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences since 2000. Skocpol's scholarship bridges academic and popular audiences, with contributions to outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, often critiquing neoliberal policies and analyzing grassroots movements. Her influence extends to mentoring prominent scholars and shaping debates on American democracy and inequality. She continues to teach and research at Harvard, residing in the Cambridge area, and is recognized for her commitment to empirical, historically grounded social science.