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Karl GustafssonView profile

Professor

• International Relations
• Security Studies
• Collective Memory in Global Politics
• +2 more

Karl Gustafsson is a Professor at Stockholm University within the Department of Economic History and International Relations. His work bridges security studies , collective memory , and digital research methods in international relations. Current Role: Professor of International Relations, Stockholm University Previous Positions: Post-Doc at Lund University, Researcher at Swedish Institute of International Affairs Visiting Appointments: University of Tokyo, Osaka University, Keio University, Academia Sinica, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Research Focus: Karl specializes in memory politics , ontological security , and anxiety-driven international dynamics , particularly in Sino-Japanese relations and digital platforms . His studies explore how historical narratives and online memory construction influence state identity and policy. Awards & Grants: Recipient of the Wang Gungwu Prize (2014) and Stockholm University Association’s award (2011). Holds Swedish Research Council and Marianne & Marcus Wallenberg Foundation grants for projects on apologies in international politics and digital memory in East Asia . Publications: His work appears in journals such as International Studies Quarterly , European Journal of International Relations , and Memory Studies , addressing topics like narrative power in East Asia, anxiety’s role in policy change , and digital humanities applications in IR.

Zeno LeoniView profile

Lecturer

• US-China relations
• Grand Strategy
• AUKUS
• +7 more

Dr Zeno Leoni is a Lecturer in the Defence Studies Department at King’s College London, based at the Joint Services and Staff College (JSCSC) of the Defence Academy of the UK. He is also an affiliate of the Lau China Institute, co-convening their policy brief series. His research focuses on US and Chinese grand strategies, US-China relations, AUKUS, and world order, with recent publications including a forthcoming book on the new Cold War. He leads a research group studying middle-power diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific and has advised Italian and UK government bodies on geopolitical trends. Teaching: Delivers courses on China for the Higher Command and Staff Course (HCSC) at the JSCSC, and lectures on International Security Studies, Airpower, and International Political Economy. Additionally teaches at Italy’s IASD defence institute. Key Research Areas: Specializes in US-China competition, AUKUS dynamics, and the evolving Indo-Pacific order. His work bridges academia and policy, with contributions to UK Parliament hearings on AUKUS and US defense policies. Leads research on middle powers’ strategies amid great power competition. Professional Activities: Executive Director of ITSS Verona, a non-profit focused on international security. Active in King’s research groups including Contemporary Marxism, Environmental Security, and Economic Conflict & Competition. Frequently contributes to media analyses for outlets like the Financial Times and BBC. Awards: While no specific prizes are listed, his extensive policy engagement and academic output reflect recognition in strategic studies circles. Collaborations include work with the EU, UAE, and other middle powers on geopolitical strategy.

Robert S LitwakView profile

Research Professor

• International Security
• Nuclear Proliferation
• Nonproliferation Policy
• +3 more

Robert S. Litwak is a Research Professor at the Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA) at George Washington University. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Director of International Security Studies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and held roles such as Director for Nonproliferation on the National Security Council staff. He is a consultant to Los Alamos National Laboratory and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. His research focuses on nuclear proliferation, international security dynamics, and strategic competition among major powers. Education: PhD in Political Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and a BA from Haverford College. His publications analyze nuclear crises involving North Korea, Iran, and the evolving tripolar rivalry between the U.S., Russia, and China. He emphasizes policy frameworks for managing nuclear risks and nonproliferation challenges. Litwak is affiliated with the Council on Foreign Relations and has held visiting fellowships at Harvard, Oxford, and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Juliette PattinsonView profile

Professor

• Gender and War
• Cultural Memory
• Oral History Methodology
• +3 more

Juliette Pattinson is Professor of War Studies at King's College London, where she researches gender, cultural memory, and personal testimonies of war. An AdvanceHE Chair of Athena Swan, she previously held leadership positions at the University of Kent including Director of Arts and Humanities. Pattinson's work examines gender dynamics in conflict, particularly during the Second World War. She investigates resistance movements, civilian masculinities, and cultural representations of war. Her research employs oral history methodologies to analyze lived experiences of conflict. Current projects include the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry in the Second World War and cultural representations of civilian men in the First World War. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on gender analysis of war experiences and memory construction.

Patrick Gill-TineyView profile

Research Fellow

• International Order
• International Security
• Major Powers
• +3 more

Dr. Patrick Gill-Tiney is an LSE Fellow in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His work focuses on international order, major power relations, and the role of international institutions like the United Nations. He holds a DPhil from Oxford University, an MSc from UCL, and degrees from Oxford and the University of Maryland. His research explores the decline of interstate violence linked to liberal norms, the impact of subordinate monopolization on major power wars, and evolving UN peacekeeping norms. Previously, he was a Fixed-Term Lecturer at St John’s College, Oxford. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Key research interests include international security, regime type effects on peace, and the functional role of international organizations. His work has been published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution.

Stephan FruehlingView profile

Professor

• Australian defence policy
• Nuclear weapons
• Alliances
• +5 more

Professor Stephan Frühling is a leading academic in strategic and defence studies at The Australian National University's (ANU) Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. He specialises in Australian defence policy, nuclear weapons, NATO, and alliance dynamics. His research bridges academic analysis and policy impact, contributing to national security strategies such as the 2016 Defence White Paper. He has held key administrative roles, including Acting Head of his Centre (2022), Associate Dean (2016–2022), and inaugural Director of the ANU Master in Military Studies program (2011–2013). His international experience includes a Fulbright Fellowship at Georgetown University (2017) and research roles at NATO's Defence College (2015). His research focuses on deterrence theory, Indo-Pacific security, and alliance resilience, with a particular emphasis on Australia's strategic position amid rising great power competition. Recent work examines NATO-Asia partnerships, extended nuclear deterrence, and the evolving role of Australia-US alliances in regional stability. Professor Frühling's projects include Pathways of Deterrence: Causal Chains of 21st Century Signalling (2024–2027) History of Strategic Policy since 1976 (ongoing) AusCSCAP DFAT-funded diplomacy initiatives His 146+ publications span books, policy papers, and peer-reviewed articles, addressing topics such as force development in small/middle powers, nuclear strategy, and regional security dynamics. His work is cited widely in policy circles and academia, reflecting its practical relevance to contemporary strategic challenges.

Ziad MajedView profile

Associate Professor

• Middle East Studies
• Arab Politics
• Political Transitions
• +4 more

Ziad Majed serves as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Middle East Pluralities within the Department of History and Politics, holding the Elliott E. Burdette Professorship of Middle Eastern Studies. His academic focus centers on Lebanese, Syrian, and broader Arab political affairs, with sustained engagement in civil society reform campaigns since 1994. His educational foundation includes: PhD in Political Sciences from IEP - Sciences-Po, Paris DEA in Political Sciences from IEP - Sciences-Po, Paris MA in Arabic Literature from the American University of Beirut BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut Majed's research critically examines political transitions, civil society dynamics, and democratization challenges across the Arab world. His work demonstrates deep expertise in Lebanese consociationalism, Syrian revolutionary movements, and the interplay between foreign occupation and local authoritarianism, consistently addressing themes of state failure and resistance. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a clear trajectory from Arab Spring studies toward contemporary analysis of counter-revolutionary processes, Russian and American geopolitical interventions, and the fragmentation of state authority in Syria and Lebanon. The corpus maintains rigorous focus on occupation politics, sectarian governance crises, and regional power rivalries. Professor Majed actively contributes to public discourse as Coordinator of The Arab Network for the Study of Democracy and opinion writer for Al-Quds Al-Arabi, while serving on boards of Lebanese, Syrian, and French cultural institutions and lecturing internationally at major festivals and conferences.

• Maritime Security
• Chinese Foreign Policy
• U.S.-China Relations
• +3 more

Shuxian LUO is an Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, specializing in Indo-Pacific maritime security, Chinese foreign policy, and U.S.-China relations. Her research focuses on crisis management mechanisms, territorial disputes, and geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea and Yellow Sea. She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS (2021), an M.A. in China Studies from Johns Hopkins SAIS (2016), an M.A. in Political Science from Columbia University (2008), and a B.A. in English Literature from Peking University (2007). Her current book project analyzes China's escalation strategies in maritime disputes, while ongoing research includes studies on Sino-Russian relations, Hong Kong’s Baodiao movement, and Arctic geo-economic interests. Her recent publications explore AI risks in U.S.-China crisis management, China’s conciliatory posture toward South Korea, and ASEAN’s role in great power competition. Dr. Luo’s work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world policy implications, emphasizing the interplay between military tactics, legal frameworks, and diplomatic signaling in conflict prevention. She frequently publishes in journals like China International Strategy Review and the Journal of Contemporary China, and contributes to policy analyses for institutions like Brookings and War on the Rocks.

John BrobstView profile

Associate Professor

• British Empire
• Geopolitics
• Grand Strategy
• +7 more

John Brobst is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and International Studies at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences. His academic work centers on modern imperial and strategic history, with a focus on the British Empire, maritime power, and intelligence affairs. Education: Ph.D. in History, University of Texas at Austin M.A. in History, University of Texas at Austin B.A. in History and Geography, University of Kansas His research explores the intersections of geopolitics, grand strategy, and naval history, particularly in the Indian Ocean region during the 20th century. He has published on topics including the Great Game, Cold War maritime competition, and British imperial decline. His book The Future of the Great Game examines post-colonial defense strategies in Asia, and he continues to work on a new project analyzing great power rivalry and maritime strategy during the Cold War. His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on strategic geography, naval limitations, and international security dynamics, especially in South and Southwest Asia. These works span journals such as Geopolitics , Middle Eastern Studies , and The Journal of Military History , demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement across history, political science, and strategic studies. Dr. Brobst teaches undergraduate courses including History of Sea Power since 1890 , Secret Intelligence: Great Game to Five Eyes , and Decline and Fall of the British Empire , reflecting his expertise in maritime empires, intelligence history, and global power transitions. He has contributed articles and reviews to several academic journals, including Commonwealth and Comparative Politics , Orbis , and edited volumes on European-American relations in the Middle East. While no formal awards or fellowships are listed, his sustained scholarly output indicates active participation in the academic community. Dr. Brobst advises students in historical research and international studies, though specific advisees are not named. He is currently working on a book project examining Cold War maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean, signaling continued scholarly productivity. He is affiliated with no named research labs or teams, but his work aligns closely with strategic and imperial history research communities.

Dale CopelandView profile

Professor

• International Relations
• Security Studies
• International Political Economy
• +7 more

Dale Copeland is a Professor of International Affairs at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and is a leading scholar in international relations, specializing in security studies and international political economy. His research explores the interplay between economic interdependence, reputation, and state behavior, particularly in great power relations. Ph.D., University of Chicago His research focuses on security studies , international political economy , and IR theory , with particular emphasis on the causes of war, economic interdependence, bargaining and coercion, and the impact of rising and declining power. He investigates how trade, finance, and military behavior are interconnected and how states build reputations in international politics. His recent and past publications reveal a consistent focus on the conditions under which economic interdependence leads to peace or conflict. His work combines historical case studies with theoretical rigor, often engaging with realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Key themes include preventive war, reputation dynamics, trade expectations, and the strategic use of economic tools in foreign policy. His scientific awards include: International Studies Association Best Book Award (2017) MacArthur Fellowship Mellon Fellowship Post-doctoral Fellowship at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University Professor Copeland has advised numerous students and contributed to major scholarly debates through symposia on his work in International Security Studies Forum and Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research . He has received significant research support through prestigious fellowships and grants, enabling his influential publications. He is currently working on a book about commerce and American foreign policy and a new project on coercion without war. He is affiliated with the Frank Batten School and contributes to its mission of training future leaders in public policy and international affairs. His research informs both academic discourse and policy-relevant understanding of international conflict and cooperation.

Takuya MatsudaView profile

Assistant Professor

• International Relations
• Alliance Politics
• Great Power Competition
• +7 more

Takuya Matsuda is an Assistant Professor at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, Japan, and a Non-Resident Fellow in the Asia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI). His work centers on alliance dynamics, great power relations, and U.S. grand strategy in the western Pacific, positioning him at the intersection of academic and policy-oriented international security research. His research interests include: Alliance Politics Great Power Competition US Foreign Policy and Grand Strategy Indo-Pacific Security US-China Relations Deterrence and Reassurance Theory The recent articles reflect a consistent focus on strategic stability in U.S.-China relations, the evolution of U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific, and long-term planning for geopolitical competition. His work bridges academic rigor with policy relevance, often published in leading journals and think tank platforms. His scientific contributions are recognized through publications in outlets such as The Washington Quarterly , Survival , and Foreign Policy , though no formal awards are listed in the text. He advises students in international relations and contributes to academic and policy discourse through research collaborations and commentary. He has held research positions at George Washington University, Notre Dame, National Taiwan University, and the University of Tokyo. His research is supported by affiliations with FPRI and Aoyama Gakuin University, and he is part of a broader network of scholars focused on Asian and global security dynamics, including institutions in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

Paul KennedyView profile

Professor

• Great power relations
• Military & naval history
• British foreign & imperial history
• +4 more

Paul Kennedy is the J. Richardson Dilworth Professor of History at Yale University, Director of International Security Studies, and Distinguished Fellow of the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy. His research focuses on great power relations, military history, British foreign policy, and global security. Born in 1945 in England, he holds a BA from Newcastle University and a DPhil from the University of Oxford. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and numerous other academic societies, and was honored as Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E.) in 2000. His influential works include The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers (1987) and Engineers of Victory (2013). Kennedy’s monthly column on global issues is syndicated worldwide, and he has authored nineteen books. His academic leadership includes directing ISS programs funded by the Smith Richardson Foundation and contributing to UN policy reports. Awards highlight his contributions to historical scholarship, including election to the British Academy. Current projects involve seapower’s role in World War II transformations. Kennedy’s work bridges historical analysis with contemporary strategic challenges, emphasizing problem-solving approaches in global conflict and cooperation.

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Security Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Ralf Emmers is a faculty member at the Department of Politics and International Studies , SOAS University of London. His research focuses on regional order, security dynamics, and power transitions in the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia. Department of Politics and International Studies (SOAS University of London) Research Interests include: Indo-Pacific geopolitics and US-China competition ASEAN's role in regional security Maritime territorial disputes and conflict management Coalition-building and strategic ambiguity Peaceful power transitions and institutional frameworks Publication Trends show a concentration on: Indo-Pacific security architecture (2025-2023) ASEAN's relevance amid great power rivalry (2023-2020) Maritime disputes and securitization (2022-2013) Regional cooperation and conflict resolution (2020-2014)

Alexander CooleyView profile

Professor

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Global Governance
• +5 more

Alexander Cooley is the Claire Tow Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, Columbia University, and serves as Vice Provost for Research and Academic Centers. He previously directed Columbia’s Harriman Institute (2015–2021), a leading center for Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European studies. His research focuses on external actors’ influence in post-Soviet states, kleptocracy, and the decline of American hegemony. Cooley has authored/co-authored eight books, including *Exit from Hegemony* (2020) and *Dictators Without Borders* (2017). He advises international bodies, testifies before Congress, and publishes in *Foreign Affairs*, *Foreign Policy*, and *New York Times*. Educated at Swarthmore College and Columbia University (MA, MPhil, PhD), his work spans global governance, international rankings, and authoritarian resilience. Grants from Open Society Foundations and Carnegie Corporation support his research. Education: BA (Swarthmore), MA/MPhil/PhD (Columbia) Leadership Roles: Harriman Institute Director, Barnard Vice Provost Research Themes: Eurasian geopolitics, authoritarianism, US-Russia military bases, global rankings His recent articles analyze Russia’s post-Soviet influence, America’s declining hegemony, and Central Asia’s adaptation to shifting global powers. Cooley’s work bridges academia and policy, addressing contemporary challenges like kleptocracy and multipolarity through rigorous scholarship and public engagement.

T.V. PaulView profile

Professor

• International Relations
• International Security
• India/Rising Powers
• +5 more

T.V. Paul is a Distinguished James McGill Professor of International Relations at McGill University's Department of Political Science, part of the Faculty of Arts. He has held leadership roles including President of the International Studies Association (ISA, 2016-2017) and founded the Global Research Network on Peaceful Change (GRENPEC). His research focuses on international security, rising powers (especially India and China), nuclear proliferation, and IR theory. Paul has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Royal Society of Canada Fellowship (2018) and the ISA-Canada Distinguished Scholar Award (2024). Education: PhD in Political Science from UCLA (1991), MA from UCLA (1988), MPhil from Jawaharlal Nehru University (1984), and BA from Kerala University (1977). Research interests span international security dynamics, globalization impacts on state behavior, regional security in Asia, and nuclear non-proliferation. His work emphasizes peaceful change mechanisms and soft balancing strategies in global politics. Recent articles analyze deglobalization trends, China-India rivalry, and institutional adaptations to power shifts. Grants include SSHRC funding for studies on peaceful grand strategies and FRQSC support for international security research. He has organized major conferences on topics like 'Globalization and National Security' and 'Accommodating Rising Powers'. His advisory roles include directing GRENPEC and serving on editorial boards for Georgetown University Press' South Asia series. Labs/Teams: Leads GRENPEC, a global network analyzing peaceful change in world politics, and previously directed McGill/Université de Montréal's Center for International Peace and Security Studies (CIPSS).