Find Academic Supervisors

Sarah StockwellView profile

Professor

• History of Empire and Decolonization
• British Colonial and Postcolonial History
• Colonial Africa
• +4 more

Professor Sarah Stockwell is a leading scholar in the History of Empire and Decolonization at King's College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and the Department of History. She joined King’s in 1992 after studies at Cambridge and Oxford, and became a full-time professor following a flexible part-time period from 2002 to 2017. She leads the Empires and Decolonizations Research Hub and co-convenes the World and Imperial History Seminar at the Institute of Historical Research. Her research focuses on 20th century British colonial and postcolonial history, particularly decolonization processes in Africa, the role of institutions like Oxford/Cambridge, and the Anglican Church’s engagement with decolonization. Key works include The British End of the British Empire (2018) and edited volumes on development in post-colonial Africa. Recent publications analyze British business strategies during decolonization, postcolonial development aid, and institutional transitions. She has delivered lectures globally and participated in major conferences such as the North American Conference of British Studies and German Historical Institute events. Her work emphasizes transnational histories and the legacy of empire on contemporary institutions.

Miles Maochun YuView profile

Professor

• China
• Communism
• Military History
• +7 more

Miles Maochun Yu is a Professor of East Asia and military/naval history at the United States Naval Academy, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, and the Robert Alexander Mercer Visiting Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. His expertise spans China policy, military history, US-China relations, and geopolitical strategy, with a focus on historical precedents influencing modern conflicts. Doctorate in History, University of California, Berkeley Master’s Degree, Swarthmore College Bachelor’s Degree, Nankai University Yu’s research synthesizes military history and contemporary CCP behavior, analyzing ideological roots of Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, military technology evolution in US-China rivalry, and Cold War parallels. His work examines how historical events like the 1958 Quemoy-Matsu Crisis and 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War inform current strategic dynamics. His recent publications reveal trends in China’s strategic deception, post-CCP transition scenarios, and the role of AI in future military engagements. These works bridge historical analysis with policy recommendations, emphasizing ideological clarity in countering authoritarian regimes. Recipient of USNA Top Researcher Award US Navy Special Action Award US Navy Meritorious Service Awards As former China Policy Advisor to Secretary Mike Pompeo, Yu has shaped U.S. foreign policy discussions. He regularly consults governmental agencies, testifies before Congress, and serves as chief historian for military documentaries on the History and Discovery Channels.

Paolo SellariView profile

Associate Professor

• Geopolitics
• Political Geography
• Economic Geography
• +12 more

Paolo Sellari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Sapienza University of Rome, where he contributes significantly to research and teaching in political and economic geography, geopolitics, and infrastructure security. He is affiliated with the research group Geopolitics of the Sea and plays a key role in the Master in Geopolitics and Global Security , contributing to curriculum development and academic supervision. Department: Department of Political Science University: Sapienza University of Rome Email: paolo.sellari@uniroma1.it His research interests span a broad yet interconnected spectrum, including maritime geopolitics, Mediterranean and Arctic strategic dynamics, Chinese foreign policy (especially the Belt and Road Initiative), infrastructure as instruments of power, and the geopolitics of climate change. He also explores unconventional intersections such as sports and geopolitics. His scholarly work emphasizes spatial dimensions of power, resilience, and connectivity in a rapidly transforming global order. The analysis of his recent publications (2023–2025) reveals a strong thematic consistency focused on maritime routes, infrastructure security, and the evolving geopolitical roles of the Mediterranean and Arctic regions. His work frequently addresses the interplay between physical geography and power projection, with a particular interest in how climate change, technological evolution, and strategic investments reshape global and regional orders. He contributes to both academic journals and reference works, including the Italian Encyclopedia. While specific scientific awards are not listed in the provided texts, his consistent publication record in reputable venues and leadership in advanced academic programs suggest recognition within the academic community. Sellari advises students through the Master in Geopolitics and Global Security and is involved in organizing seminars and educational content. Although no direct mention of grants is made, his editorial roles and institutional leadership imply active engagement in academic projects and collaborations. He supervises thesis work and contributes to academic discourse through prefaces, introductions, and editorial reviews. He is a core member of the Geopolitics of the Sea research group, which focuses on maritime spatial dynamics, naval security, and the geopolitical implications of oceanic infrastructure and climate change. This group serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research connecting geography, political science, and security studies.

Paul WilliamsView profile

Associate Professor

• Australian Politics
• Elections
• Voter Behaviour
• +3 more

Paul Williams is an Associate Professor of Politics and Journalism at Griffith University's School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science in Brisbane, Australia. He holds a PhD from the University of Queensland (2003) and serves as a Research Member at the Griffith Centre for Cultural Research. His academic career focuses on Australian political systems with particular expertise in federal and state elections. Williams' research interests center on Australian Government and Politics, specifically examining electoral systems, voter behavior, and political commentary. His work appears in scholarly journals including The Australian Journal of Political Science and The Australian Journal of Politics and History. He has also authored the book 'John Grey Gorton: Australian to the Bootheels' (Connor Court 2020), a leadership analysis of Australia's 19th prime minister. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on Australian electoral politics across all states and territories. Williams has produced comprehensive analyses of federal election dynamics, state-level political movements, and the interplay between media coverage and voting behavior. His commentary often addresses the nuances of marginal seats, campaign strategies, and the evolving Australian party system. As a public intellectual, Williams contributes regularly as a columnist for The Courier Mail newspaper and serves as a political commentator across electronic media platforms. Since joining The Conversation on February 8, 2012, he has established himself as a go-to expert for election analysis, particularly regarding Queensland politics and federal-state political interactions.

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.

Jeff SahadeoView profile

Professor

• Russian History
• Eurasian History
• Central Asian History
• +10 more

Jeff Sahadeo is a Professor of Russian and Eurasian History at Carleton University, affiliated with the Department of History within the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs. He specializes in contemporary Central Asia and the Caucasus, with a strong focus on empire, migration, and nationalism. BA, Simon Fraser University MA, Carleton University PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign His research explores the intersections of empire and identity in Russia and Central Asia, with particular attention to diaspora, migration, and comparative colonialisms. He investigates how historical memory shapes ethnic relations, especially in post-Soviet contexts like Kyrgyzstan and the Ferghana Valley. His work often employs oral history and interdisciplinary methods to understand the lived experiences of marginalized groups in Soviet and imperial Russia. Jeff Sahadeo's recent scholarly output reflects a deep engagement with themes of race, urban life, and empire. His publications analyze the racialization of southern migrants in Soviet cities, the imperial administration of Tashkent, and the geopolitical dynamics of contemporary Central Asia. The articles span disciplines including history, sociology, political science, and memory studies, with recurring subfields such as postcolonial theory, urban marginality, and historical trauma. His current research projects—funded by SSHRC—include studies on rivers and societies in Soviet Georgia and the multinational character of Soviet cities like Moscow and Leningrad. Committee Member, Reginald Zelnik Prize for Best Book in History, ASEEES (2018–2019) He has advised various research initiatives and leads the Migration Research Laboratory at South Ural State University, Russia. His public engagement includes media appearances on CBC, CTV, ABC News, and CFRA, particularly during the Ukraine crisis and on issues related to Russian foreign policy. He has also contributed to policy discussions through the Global Centre for Pluralism and the Kyrgyz Presidential Commission on Historical Science. Jeff Sahadeo teaches core courses in European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies, including graduate seminars on research methodology, imperialism, and Soviet culture. He co-teaches a course on Nazism and Stalinism, reflecting his broader interest in totalitarian regimes and comparative history.

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).

Geoffrey C. LaymanView profile

Professor

• American Politics
• Political Parties
• Public opinion
• +3 more

Geoffrey C. Layman serves as Professor and Department Chair of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, with faculty fellowships at the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement With Religion and affiliation at the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy. His research centers on American political behavior, party system evolution, and religion-politics intersections, emphasizing long-term coalition changes and secularization's impact on polarization. Recent work analyzes how secular voters reshape electoral dynamics and how religious/secular orientations intensify partisan conflict, published in top journals including American Political Science Review and Journal of Politics . Publications from 2021-2025 reveal a concentrated focus on secular political behavior, with studies examining atheist voting, pandemic-era secularization acceleration, and Catholic political consistency under cross-pressures—highlighting secularism as a critical new fault line in American politics. His major honors include: Distinguished Book Award, Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (2022) for Secular Surge Jack L. Walker, Jr. Outstanding Article Award, APSA Political Organizations and Parties Section (2012) As Department Chair, Layman oversees academic operations and mentoring, with research supported by major publications and institutional affiliations. His book The Great Divide (2001) established foundational work on religious-cultural conflict in party politics, extended in recent collaborative projects.

• Political Science
• American Politics
• U.S. Vice Presidency
• +8 more

Maciej Turek is a Post-Doc researcher at the Faculty of International and Political Studies, Jagiellonian University, specializing in American political institutions, particularly the U.S. vice presidency, presidential elections, and campaign finance. His academic work bridges political science and constitutional law, with a focus on the evolution of political practices in the United States. His research interests include U.S. vice presidency , presidential elections , campaign finance regulation , electoral systems such as the Electoral College, party conventions , and political communication . He has conducted in-depth studies on the strategic selection of vice-presidential candidates, analyzing how short-term versus long-term criteria influence their effectiveness in office. The trends in his scholarly articles reflect a sustained focus on American electoral politics, particularly around pivotal elections (2008, 2012), constitutional mechanisms (presidential succession, Electoral College), and evolving campaign dynamics (Super PACs, media strategy, digital campaigning). His publications often combine historical analysis with contemporary political developments, offering both theoretical and practical insights. While no formal scientific awards are listed, his research has been supported by funding from Jagiellonian University under the SET project, co-financed by the European Union. This institutional backing highlights the recognition of his scholarly contributions. Turek has authored and co-authored several books and academic papers, demonstrating strong collaborative research skills, particularly with Paweł Laidler. Though no direct students are listed, his work contributes significantly to graduate and postgraduate education in political science. His research output suggests active mentorship and academic leadership within his field. He has contributed to understanding the role of new media in political campaigns, as seen in his analysis of Obama’s 2008 'Houdini' project, and has critically examined the relevance of traditional institutions like national party conventions in modern politics.

Sylvain KahnView profile

Lecturer

• European integration
• Globalization's territory
• Nation-state
• +4 more

Sylvain Kahn is a Tenured Lecturer at the Centre for History (CHSP) at Sciences Po , specializing in the history and geography of European integration. He holds a PhD in Geography, the agrégation (highest state teaching qualification) in History, and a degree in Geopolitics. Education : PhD in Geography, agrégation in History, Ecole Normale Supérieure (Fontenay-Saint-Cloud/Lyon), Geopolitics degree. Teaching : European integration and geopolitics at Sciences Po since 2001; leads 'History of European integration' class in the Master of European Affairs program. Research interests center on the role of nation-states in European integration, the territoriality of the European Union, and the Europeanization of higher education. His work bridges historical analysis with geopolitical frameworks, examining paradoxes in EU territorial governance. Recent publications include analyses of EU crises (e.g., Brexit, pandemic responses), geopolitical dynamics (e.g., Franco-German leadership), and cultural studies (e.g., 'La Reine Margot' as feminist critique). He has also explored the interplay between EU territorial policies and national sovereignty. Professional contributions extend to media production: he created the MOOC 'Geopolitics of Europe' (available in French and English) and hosted the radio program 'Planète Terre' on France Culture (2006-2016). He has served on examination juries (ENA) and as an expert for the European University Association.

Aurel CroissantView profile

Professor

• Comparative Democracy Research
• Authoritarianism
• Civil-Military Relations
• +4 more

Prof. Aurel Croissant is a Professor of Political Science at Heidelberg University's Institute of Political Science. His research focuses on comparative democracy, authoritarianism, civil-military relations, and political systems in Asia-Pacific. He holds editorial roles at journals like Democratization and has authored/co-authored over 300 publications. Key works include Democratic Regressions in Asia and Routes to Reform: Civil-Military Relations and Democracy in the Third Wave . He has been a Fellow at institutions such as the East West Center and the National Endowment for Democracy. His team includes doctoral candidates like Nikitas Scheeder. He advises on democratic resilience, autocratization, and regional governance, contributing to projects like the Bertelsmann Transformation Index and Sustainable Governance Indicators. Education: MA (1996), PhD (2001) from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; postdoctoral work at Heidelberg University. Tenure-track Assistant Professor (2004) at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, before joining Heidelberg in 2006. Research Interests: Civil-military relations, democratization, authoritarianism, Asian politics, conflict studies. Notable Publications (2020–2025): Explores pandemic governance ( Democracy, State Capacity and the Governance of COVID-19 in Asia-Oceania ), democratic resilience, and regional militarization trends. Recent works analyze South Korea's democratic resilience, autocratization patterns in Asia, and military roles in authoritarian regimes. Awards & Fellowships: Recognized as a Fellow by the East West Center, Korea Foundation, and others. Editorships of journals and book series, including Democratization Special Issues Series .

Sophia BeschView profile

Lecturer

• European Defense Policy
• International Security
• Transatlantic Relations
• +7 more

Sophia Besch serves as a Senior Fellow in the Europe Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and teaches as an adjunct lecturer at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Her expertise centers on European defense policy, with particular focus on transatlantic relations, German defense policy, and the EU's role in European security architecture. She frequently contributes to major policy discussions on European strategic autonomy and defense integration. Dr. Besch holds a doctorate in European Studies from King's College London, and additional degrees from Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her work analyzing European security challenges and transatlantic relations. Her research interests span European defense policy, international security, transatlantic relations, German foreign policy, and subsea infrastructure security. She has published extensively on European defense integration, the geopolitical implications of subsea cable infrastructure, and the evolving transatlantic security relationship. Her work often examines how European nations can enhance their defense capabilities while navigating complex relationships with the United States. Dr. Besch's recent publications reveal a strong focus on European strategic autonomy, particularly in the context of changing US commitments under potential Trump administration policies. She has produced significant work on subsea cable security, European conscription models, and German defense policy shifts following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Her research consistently addresses how European nations can strengthen their defense capabilities while maintaining transatlantic cooperation. As a regular commentator in major media outlets including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and Politico, Dr. Besch has established herself as a leading voice on European security issues. She has served as an expert witness for the UK House of Commons Defence Select Committee, the German Bundestag EU Committee, and the European Parliament Subcommittee for Security and Defence. Dr. Besch has been affiliated with several prominent research institutions, including the Centre for European Reform (CER) in London and Berlin, the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies, and the Atlantic Council's Europe Centre. She is also a member of the Atlantik Brücke Young Leaders program, which fosters transatlantic dialogue and cooperation.

Harsh V PantView profile

Visiting Professor

• International Relations
• Security Studies
• Asian Security
• +3 more

Professor Harsh V Pant is a Visiting Professor at the King's India Institute under the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy at King's College London . He also serves as Director, Studies and Head of the Strategic Studies Programme at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, and Director (Honorary) of Delhi School of Transnational Affairs at Delhi University. His career includes visiting roles at institutions like Indian Institute of Management, University of Pennsylvania, and McGill University. Research Interests : Professor Pant specializes in Asian security , Southeast Asian politics , Indian foreign policy , and security studies . His work frequently addresses weapons of mass destruction proliferation , Indo-Pacific dynamics , and global governance through the lens of India's geopolitical role. Publications (15 most recent) highlight his expertise in international relations theory , focusing on India's strategic engagements, maritime governance in the Indian Ocean , and evolving Asia-Pacific balance of power . Subfields include regional security architectures , defense policy , and emerging power dynamics . Projects include leading the Horizon 2020-funded Global India European Training Network , a Marie Curie initiative training PhD students in India-related global research. He has directed studies on India's nuclear force , BRICS dynamics , and UK-India-Pakistan trilateral research . Media Engagement : Regular contributor to outlets like The Wall Street Journal , Japan Times , and The Telegraph , covering topics from Indo-Chinese border conflicts to India's Indo-Pacific strategy .

Floris van den BergView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Ethics
• Sustainability
• Applied Ethics
• +3 more

Dr. Floris van den Berg is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development within the Department of Environmental Sciences. He specializes in environmental ethics, applied ethics, and philosophy of science, focusing on topics like sustainability, democracy, animal rights, and freedom of speech. His research explores societal challenges through interdisciplinary lenses, including the 'Institutions for Open Societies' initiative and 'Sustainability Education and Engagement.' Van den Berg's media presence reflects his engagement with contentious issues: he critiques woke culture's rigidity, defends academic freedom regarding controversial topics, and debates veganism's ethical foundations. Notable works include his manifesto 'Green Liberalism' advocating market-driven environmental solutions and critiques of corporate sustainability practices. Though currently holds no listed awards, his media contributions emphasize public philosophy's role in societal discourse. His teaching involves courses like 'Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Development' and 'Philosophy of Science and Ethics.' No student advisees or grants are explicitly mentioned, but his research teams engage with themes like bottom-up societal initiatives and future food systems. He advocates for open academic debate while addressing modern ethical dilemmas in education, environment, and culture.

Iain StewartView profile

Associate Professor

• Intellectual History of Liberalism
• Cold War Liberalism
• 20th Century French Intellectual History
• +3 more

Dr. Iain Stewart is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at University College London (UCL). He specializes in the intellectual history of liberalism and its critics in twentieth-century Europe, with particular focus on France and Cold War dynamics. Stewart joined UCL in 2015 after teaching at Queen Mary University of London and Sciences Po Paris. He holds a PhD from the University of Manchester (2011). His research explores Cold War liberalism, French intellectual exiles during WWII, and the legacy of philosophers like Raymond Aron and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Major works include Raymond Aron and Liberal Thought in the Twentieth Century (2020) and edited collections on French liberal thought since 1950. Teaching responsibilities include courses on the cultural Cold War, French occupation history, and new histories of liberalism. He serves as Teaching Fellows Lead Mentor in his department. His current research projects investigate Cold War liberalism's evolution and French intellectual networks in London during WWII. Student support hours are held weekly via Microsoft Teams and in-person at UCL's Gordon Square campus. Contact via email is encouraged for scheduling appointments.