Paul O'Shea

Paul O'Shea is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University, Sweden. He holds a joint Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield and Tohoku University, Japan (2012), and has held academic positions at the Stockholm School of Economics, Aarhus University, and Lund University. He rejoined Lund in 2016 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2020.

• Ph.D. in International Relations, University of Sheffield and Tohoku University (2012)
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Stockholm School of Economics
• Lecturer, Aarhus University, Denmark (2013–2016)
• Associate Senior Lecturer, Lund University (2016–2020)
• Senior Lecturer, Lund University (2020–present)

His research centers on East Asian international relations, particularly Japanese foreign and security policy, US-Japan-China dynamics, territorial disputes, military alliances, and the societal impacts of international politics. He explores how global politics shapes everyday life, including food safety, environmental policy, rural development, and immigration. His work combines theoretical frameworks like punctuated equilibrium theory with empirical analysis of policy shifts in Japan.

The recent articles reflect a consistent focus on Japan’s evolving security posture, alliance dynamics with the United States (especially concerning Okinawa), the political and social implications of the Tokyo Olympics during the pandemic, and comparative governance of crises in Japan and Sweden. His publications span academic journals, policy briefs, and public commentary in outlets like The Conversation, The Guardian, and The Diplomat.

He has received the Tohoku Creativity Grant and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas related to peace, justice, and strong institutions. His work engages with political science, sociology, and public policy.

O'Shea supervises PhD and MA students and teaches courses including International Relations of East Asia, Contemporary Japanese Society, and Politics and Governance in Asia. He has supervised theses on topics such as food risk in Japan and US-Japan security relations. He has also led and participated in multiple research projects, including EU-funded initiatives on the Indo-Pacific and Chinese governance practices.

He is active in public engagement, having participated in media debates (e.g., Al Jazeera’s The Stream) and public lectures on WWII memory and East Asian politics. His research is widely cited and has influenced public discourse on Japan and pandemic governance.