Lucas Knotter

Lucas Knotter is a Lecturer in the Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies at the University of Bath. His research focuses on statehood, sovereignty, and international relations, with a particular emphasis on de facto states, classical realism, and political rituals. He actively accepts doctoral students and contributes to debates on contested international orders.

His work examines how unrecognized states navigate sovereignty claims, the role of rituals in state declaration processes, and the applicability of classical realist theories to modern geopolitical challenges. Key themes include the embeddedness of statehood in international systems and the persistence of sovereignty norms despite contested realities.

Recent publications explore contested statehood dynamics, de facto states' legitimacy, and methodological interpretivism in international relations research. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical case studies, such as the analysis of independence rituals and strategic defense policy debates.

Dr. Knotter has participated in academic activities such as panel discussions on the US Presidential Election (2024), demonstrating engagement with contemporary geopolitical issues. His research outputs span articles, book chapters, and monographs, reflecting a commitment to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship in international relations.