AnnMarie Moolenaar

London School of Economics and Political Science Postgraduate Award - Military Sciences

Born and raised in Michigan, AnnMarie graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point where she studied International History and Philosophy with a Minor in Middle Eastern Studies. AnnMarie’s academic interests focused on the ethics of war, moral injury in the armed forces, and atrocity prevention. After becoming a Stamps Scholar, AnnMarie explored the dilemmas of conflict resolution in Guatemala, Uganda, Rwanda, and Mexico. She wrote her honor's thesis on the implications of structural violence on just warfare theory evident in the context of the rise in political violence of the PKK in Turkey. She also led efforts to improve mental wellness at West Point as a yoga instructor, peer counselor, and life promotion program director. As a Fulbrighter, AnnMarie will study a MSc in Conflict Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She hopes to develop a nuanced understanding of the conditions needed for effective conflict resolution while minimizing harm during interventions. Following her year in London, AnnMarie will serve in the US Army as a Military Intelligence Officer. AnnMarie hopes to shape the US Army’s approach to armed interventions while bridging the divides between the US armed forces, civilian actors, and foreign partners.