J. Marshall Beier

Marshall Beier is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at McMaster University, where his work bridges critical international relations theory, security studies, and childhood-informed approaches. As a 3M National Teaching Fellow, he combines academic rigor with pedagogical innovation.

• Core Research: Militarization of childhood, children's rights in global governance, postcolonial security frameworks
• Leadership: Faculty Advisory Committee, McMaster Children and Youth University

Research Areas

His scholarship interrogates the intersections of indigeneity and security studies through poststructuralist lenses, challenging conventional international theory's Eurocentrism. The militarization of childhood project has produced an edited volume and special issues in Critical Studies on Security and Childhood journals.

Recent Trends

His 15 most recent articles (2018-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on:

• Decolonizing international relations theory
• Critical childhood and youth studies
• Visual economies of security
• Children's political subjecthood
• Postcolonial security governance
• Autonomous weapons and ethical implications

Awards & Memberships

• 3M National Teaching Fellow
• Member, Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Teaching

Offers courses on:

• Child/Youth Rights in Global Politics
• Theories of International Politics
• Causes of War
• Experiential Research Learning

Community Engagement

Active in McMaster Children and Youth University, developing programs that empower youth through critical education. Conducts comparative studies of similar initiatives outside North America.