Her research interests include the impact of globalization on social welfare expenditures in developing countries, the political foundations of different welfare regimes, and the causes and effects of democaracu in developing nations. Her most recent works appear in American Journal of Political Science,Studies in Comparative International Development, International Organization, amd International Studies Quarterly. She is currently finishing a book manuscript on welfare regimes in developing countries. Dr. Rudra earned her B.A. in political science from the University of Florida, M.A. in international relations from the University of Southern Florida, M.A. in economics from the University of Southern California, and her Ph.D. in political economy and public policy from the University of Southern California.