Welcome to my website! My name is Monti Datta, and I’m an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Richmond. I joined UR in 2009, and over the years, it has been an incredible journey filled with teaching, research, and the joy of mentoring students. Each day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with curious minds and to explore the complex issues shaping our world.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and developed an early love for literature and ideas that led me to pursue a BA in English Literature at UC Berkeley. After college, I embraced a sense of adventure and spent several years teaching abroad in South Korea and Japan through the EPIK and JET Programs, respectively. Those experiences were transformative—they not only deepened my appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, but also ignited a lifelong passion for travel and international relations. For me, travel is more than a hobby; it’s food for the soul, a way to broaden horizons, and an opportunity to connect with people across the globe. And it's a way to see others more fully.
After returning to the United States, I earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from Georgetown University. At one point, I came very close to joining the United States Foreign Service as a diplomat, a path that appealed to my love of international engagement and problem-solving. Ultimately, I felt the calling to pursue a PhD in Political Science, and I completed my doctorate at UC Davis in 2009. That same year, I joined the Political Science department at the University of Richmond, where I have been fortunate to build a career centered on scholarship, teaching, and community engagement.
At UR, I teach courses in international relations, research methods, human rights and modern slavery, global governance, and the US image abroad. What excites me most about teaching is the opportunity to engage with students in meaningful dialogue—discussing pressing global issues, asking difficult questions, and exploring ways to make the world a better, more just place. I strive to create a classroom environment that is intellectually rigorous, supportive, and inspiring.
Beyond the classroom, I am deeply invested in promoting social justice on campus. I work closely with student groups to raise awareness of critical issues, and I am continually impressed by the courage, wisdom, and resilience that students bring to these conversations. For me, empowering students to speak their truth and take action in the world is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
When I’m not teaching or working with students, you can usually find me planning my next trip abroad, exploring new cultures and cuisines, or reflecting on how best to combine scholarship and activism to make a positive impact.
I welcome dialogue, questions, and collaboration, so please feel free to reach out: mdatta@richmond.edu
An interview with President Ronald Crutcher of the University Richmond