Robert O'Brien

Robert O'Brien is a Professor of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. He teaches courses in international relations and international political economy, with a focus on global labor politics, climate change, and international trade agreements. His research spans several decades, with publications dating back to the 1980s, and he currently serves as consulting editor of the Global Labour Journal and was formerly associate editor of Global Social Policy.

Professor O'Brien's educational background includes a B.A (Hons) from Carleton University, an MSc. (Econ) from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Ph.D from York University.

His research interests span international relations, international political economy, global labor politics, climate change, and social movements. O'Brien has conducted extensive research on international trade agreements including NAFTA and WTO, examining their impacts on labor and social movements. He is currently focusing on climate internationalisms and climate futures, exploring how advanced industrialized countries should adopt climate policies that consider global impacts.

O'Brien's recent publications reveal consistent themes in global political economy, labor internationalism, and climate politics. His work demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of labor movements with international economic institutions, the evolving nature of global governance, and the political dimensions of climate change. The research shows increasing attention to climate politics in recent years, reflecting his current projects on Western internationalism in the climate change era.

• Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Public Diplomacy (2021)

Professor O'Brien has advised numerous students through various courses and research supervision, including Global Political Economy, Political Economy of Global Climate Change, and Politics of a Dying Planet. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, with courses offered under both Political Science and Global Studies departments. He has received recognition through news coverage, social media mentions, and academic citations, with his work referenced in Wikipedia pages, policy sources, and syllabi across multiple institutions.

O'Brien maintains an active research agenda through his work with the Global Labour Journal and ongoing projects examining climate scenarios for the future. His research connects academic scholarship with practical policy implications, particularly regarding how individual citizens can contribute to a transition toward a greener society and economy.