James C. Scott is an American political scientist and anthropologist renowned for his specialization in comparative politics. He is eloquently versed in the study of agrarian and non-state societies, subaltern politics, and anarchism. His noteworthy research primarily focuses on the peasants of Southeast Asia and their methods of resisting various forms of oppression.

Scott's academic journey commenced with a bachelor's degree from Williams College, followed by an MA and PhD in political science from Yale. His teaching career began at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he remained until 1976, before transitioning to Yale. At Yale, he has been esteemed as Sterling Professor of Political Science and has been steering the Program in Agrarian Studies since 1991. Outside of his academic pursuits, he has engaged in agriculture, raising sheep in Durham, Connecticut.

Recognized for his highly influential and idiosyncratic work, Scott's contributions have made a significant impact on the fields of political science and anthropology, setting a benchmark for future research on resistance and power dynamics in rural societies.