Dominic Alessio

Professor Dominic Alessio is a historian specializing in postcolonial, political, and cultural history of imperialism, with additional interests in the history of the extreme right. He holds a PhD from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and has taught at institutions including McMaster University, Victoria University of Wellington, and Trinity St David’ University. Currently based in the Department of Social Sciences & Humanities, he serves as Vice President International Programmes. His research explores empire formation, non-state actors in imperialism, and the intersection of the occult with far-right movements. Key recent projects include Folk, Faith and the Far Right (under contract with Manchester University Press) and studies on corporate imperialism in Africa and territorial acquisitions in the South China Sea. Alessio is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society.

Research interests span theories of empire, the occult and far-right ideologies, and science fiction/fantasy/horror media. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary geopolitical issues, emphasizing decolonial frameworks and the persistence of imperial legacies. Notable publications include analyses of U.S. imperialism, Pacific geopolitics, and the role of religion in non-state empires. He has delivered over 100 conference papers globally, including keynotes on West Papua and African corporate imperialism.

Engagement includes roles as Senior Fellow at the Centre for the Analysis of the Radical Right and Research Associate at Teesside University’s Centre for Fascist/Anti-Fascist Studies. His interdisciplinary approach integrates historical scholarship with cultural critique, addressing modern manifestations of historical imperial and far-right dynamics.