Michael Joseph Smith is the Thomas C. Sorensen Professor of Political and Social Thought and program director; he also is an Associate Professor of Politics. He has had a long connection with the Program. From 1996 to 1999, he served with the late Professor William Lee Miller as Associate Director of PST, before taking over the Directorship in 1999.  Apart from a two-year hiatus from 2012-14, he has directed the program since then. He came to PST with extensive experience teaching in interdisciplinary programs, including the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program at Oxford University and the Social Studies program at Harvard University. Prof. Smith focuses his research interests on human rights and the ethical dilemmas of modern international politics.