Research Bio

John Lie is best known for his books Modern Peoplehood (2004), which analyze how identities and nations are constructed in the modern world. He has also published widely in social theory, comparative ethnicity and diaspora studies, political economy, East Asia, and environmental studies.

Lie's latest books include Japan the Sustainable Society (2021) and The Global Environmental Crisis (2025).

Lie is Distinguished Professor of Sociology at UC Berkeley. At Berkeley, he teaches courses on social theory, social media, and East Asia.

Research Expertise and Interest

social theory, political economy, East Asia