Martin Shefter

Who is Martin Shefter?

Martin Allen Shefter is an American political scientist and author, noted for his research on New York City politics and on how changes in the international system shape political institutions and the conduct of politics in the United States.

Shefter graduated with a B.A. in government from Cornell University in 1964 and completed his PhD degree at Harvard University in 1970. His doctoral dissertation examined "City Hall and State House: State Legislative Involvement in the Politics of New York City and Boston."

Shefter taught political science at Harvard, Cornell, and the University of Chicago, before returning to Cornell in 1986 where he is a professor in the department of government. Shefter teaches urban politics, political parties and movements, and American political development.

Shefter is a member of the executive committee of the Politics and History Section of the American Political Science Association and served as president of the section for 1996-97.