Kristian Skrede Gleditsch FBA (born 9 October 1971 in Oslo, Norway) is a Norwegian political scientist and a professor at the University of Essex, holding the title of Regius Professor.

His main fields of research are on the topics of conflict, democratistation and non-violent mobilisation.

He is a member of the board of the American Political Science Association (2016-2019) and has headed the Conflict Processes Section (2014-2016).

He has held a number of positions in the International Studies Association, of which he was Vice President 2013–2014.

He has received several prizes and distinctions for his scientific work, including the Helen Dwight Reid Award from the American Political Science Association for best dissertation in the field of international relations, law, and politics in 2000.