Alison Holmes

Alison Holmes is a Professor in the Department of Politics at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Her career spans political practice, media strategy, and academia. Prior to academia, she held roles as General Election Coordinator and later National Campaign Manager for the UK Liberal Democrats, BBC Deputy Head of Corporate Communication Strategy, and Managing Director of a major business membership organization. She earned a PhD in International Relations (part-time) from the London School of Economics, alongside a Diploma in World Politics. Her research focuses on global diplomacy (including California’s emerging global role), British politics, and international relations theory. She teaches courses such as Globalization, Comparative Politics, International Law, and Global Diplomacy seminars.

Education:

• PhD in International Relations, London School of Economics (part-time)
• Diploma in World Politics, London School of Economics (part-time)
• Bachelor’s Degree, Northwestern University

Research Interests: Holmes examines the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy, particularly California’s growing influence in international affairs. She analyzes British political systems and critiques contemporary international relations theory frameworks. Her work bridges academic rigor with practical policy insights from her decades of political and corporate strategy experience.

Teaching & Professional Experience: Holmes has held fellowships at Oxford University’s Rothermere American Institute and Yale University’s Pierre Keller Fellowship in Transatlantic Studies. She advises students through capstone projects and career workshops. Her teaching spans foundational courses to advanced seminars on global diplomacy and international law.