John Heathershaw

Professor John Heathershaw is a leading scholar in International Relations at the University of Exeter, specializing in conflict, security, and development in post-Soviet Central Asia, alongside theological dimensions of global politics. He holds a PhD from the LSE and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the US. His research bridges political theology and international relations, addressing topics such as transnational kleptocracy, authoritarian conflict management, and the decline of Christendom's political influence.

Education:

• PhD in International Relations, LSE (2007)
• Second PhD in Divinity (ongoing), Bristol Baptist College (University of Aberdeen)
• MA, International Politics, University of Hull (1999)
• BSc, International Politics and History, Aberystwyth University (1997)

Research Interests: His work spans three core areas: 1) Conflict and peacebuilding in authoritarian contexts, 2) Kleptocracy and transnational corruption, and 3) Political theology and religion's role in global politics. Recent projects include analyzing UK complicity in enabling kleptocracy and theorizing 'apocalyptic realism' in political violence.

Awards & Grants: Over £1.5M secured as PI, including a £219k grant on kleptocracy enablers (2024-27) and a £47k Leverhulme Trust Fellowship (2021-22). Notable outputs include Indulging Kleptocracy (2024) and Security After Christendom (2024).

Professional Roles: Former Visiting Faculty Fellow at University of Notre Dame, board member of Central Eurasian Studies Society, and advisor to UK parliamentarians on Central Asian policy.