Andrew Maher

Dr. Andrew Maher is an Associate Lecturer at the University of New South Wales Canberra, School of Humanities & Social Sciences. A former Australian military officer with operational experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, his work focuses on military strategy and irregular warfare.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy, UNSW (2024)
• Master of Terrorism Studies, Charles Sturt University (2022)
• Master of Defence Studies, Australian Defence Force Academy (2010)
• Certificate in Executive Management, Australian Graduate School of Management (2018)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)/Bachelor of Business, University of Southern Queensland (2004)

Research Focus

Maher's primary research examines Irregular Warfare and proxy operations leveraging non-state actors, anchored by his PhD work on The Strategic Logic of Proxy Warfare. His expertise spans special operations theory, resistance strategies, counter-network operations, and defence capacity building, with regional emphasis on Indo-Pacific security and Middle Eastern conflicts. Current research explores the concept of Unconventional Deterrence (2024-2026).

Publications

Maher's scholarship analyzes contemporary military challenges through peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and technical reports. His publications systematically examine irregular warfare doctrine, special operations development, and strategic responses to modern conflicts like the Russo-Ukraine war, frequently employing complexity theory frameworks.