John Philip Anderson

John Philip Anderson is a Professor and Deputy Head of School at the School of International Relations, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on religion and politics in post-Soviet regions, Europe, and the USA, with notable work on the Church of England’s political interventions and comparative religious establishments. He is affiliated with the Centre for Russian, Soviet and Central and Eastern European Studies and holds an external role as Visiting Professor at the College of Europe Natolin Campus since 2019.

Education: BSc Econ in Government, MSc Econ in Russian Government and Politics, PhD.

Research Interests: Anderson’s current projects include a book on the Church of England’s post-war political role and comparative analysis of religious establishments. His work intersects political theology, post-Soviet governance, and church-state dynamics, with recent attention to Putin’s Russia and UK immigration policies.

Grants & Projects: Led the Political history of the Church of England (Carnegie Trust, 2013–2014) and an EPSRC Academic Fellowship (2007–2012). Co-investigator on the ESRC-funded Centre for Russian, Central and East European Studies (2007–2011).

Awards & Activities: Peer-reviewed multiple journals, organized Ministry of Defence courses on post-Soviet security, and served as external examiner for PhD programs at LSE, UCL, and others. Actively engaged in BBC commentary on Kyrgyzstan and regional politics.

Key Contributions: Over 55 research outputs including articles on Suez crisis ecclesiastical responses, UK-Tory church linkages, and Putin-era religious-state relations. His work addresses UN SDGs related to peace, justice, and inclusive societies.