Jesse C. Johnson is Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Peace Studies at the University of Kentucky. He is also currently serving as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Political Science. He received his Ph.D. in political science from Rice University.

His research interests are in the areas of international security and cooperation. Much of his current work focuses on the politics of military alliances. His research appears in International Organization, International Studies Quarterly, Journal of Politics, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Journal of Peace Research, Conflict Management and Peace Science, International Interactions, and Foreign Policy Analysis.

Jesse teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on international relations and international security. He also teaches the introductory course for the Peace Studies Program. In 2021, he won the Outstanding Teaching Award from the College of Arts & Sciences.