Dani Belo Selected for a 2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

Photo: Professor Dani Below talks with a student in the Global Horizons Policy Lab

International Relations Professor Dani Belo was selected as a 2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. He is one of 109 teachers in the St. Louis region being recognized by the Emerson Foundation for outstanding educational excellence. 
 
The award was announced by the Emerson Foundation earlier this month. 
 
“Professor Dani Belo exemplifies excellence in teaching through his passion, innovation, and commitment to student success. His courses in national security studies and international relations are rigorous yet accessible, blending theory with real-world application to prepare students for professional challenges,” said College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Danielle MacCartney. “His creativity is evident in the use of simulations and research-driven assignments that transform students from knowledge consumers into knowledge producers. Beyond the classroom, Professor Belo founded the Global Horizons Policy Lab, which gives students hands-on experience writing policy briefs and presenting at professional conferences. These opportunities extend learning, build confidence, and provide invaluable career preparation, and are just some of the many reasons why he is deserving of this year’s honor.” 

Belo is a teacher and scholar of international relations specializing in conflict management and security. His research focuses on gray-zone and hybrid conflicts, transatlantic security, NATO–Russia relations, ethnic conflicts, and the post-Soviet region. His research has been featured at various American and Canadian educational institutions, the University of Pennsylvania Law School Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law, Columbia’s Harriman Institute, and the European Commission.  
 
Besides his passion for teaching and founding the Global Horizons Policy Lab, Belo frequently makes guest appearances on news programs around the world to give context to international crises, such as the war in Ukraine or the crisis in the Gaza Strip.  

Additionally, Belo has led international research projects in Poland and Estonia, focusing on inter-ethnic relations, minority rights, and security. He has published extensively in various edited volumes and international peer-reviewed journals on the subjects of foreign policy, international conflict management, and unconventional security threats. 
 
Besides teaching at Webster, he is a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, where he earned his Ph.D. in international affairs.  
 
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards, now in its 36th year, is one of the St. Louis region’s most recognized teacher recognition programs.