Marek W. Rutkowski

Dr. Marek W. Rutkowski is a Lecturer in Global Studies at Monash University Malaysia, specializing in Cold War history in Asia. He holds a PhD in History from the National University of Singapore (2017) and an MA in International Relations from Nicolaus Copernicus University (2009). His research focuses on Cold War diplomacy in Indochina, Soviet Bloc-Asia relations, and decolonization processes. He is currently transforming his dissertation on India’s role in the 1954 Geneva Accords into a book manuscript and exploring Soviet Bloc interactions with Asia in diplomacy, development, and knowledge transfer.

**Education**:

• PhD in History, National University of Singapore (2017)
• MA in International Relations, Nicolaus Copernicus University (2009)

**Research Interests**: Dr. Rutkowski’s work bridges history, international relations, and development studies. He examines intra-Asian dynamics of the Cold War, non-aligned foreign policies, and the role of peacekeeping in decolonization. Current projects include analyzing Polish scientists in North Vietnam and co-editing a two-volume study on Western military powers in Asia with international collaborators.

**Awards**:

• NUS Fellow (Southeast Asia), 2023
• Png Poh Seng Prize for Best Graduate in History (NUS), 2012
• Visiting Fellowship, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (India), 2015

**Teaching & Grants**: He teaches Global Studies courses, emphasizing interactive methods and primary source analysis. He is a Chief Investigator in the 2022-2025 project Can Green Investors Drive the Transition to a Low Emissions Economy? and accepts PhD students. His pedagogical innovations include the Mekong Dam Simulation for political science education.

**Collaborations**: Dr. Rutkowski collaborates globally, co-editing The Malayan Emergency in Film, Literature, and Art (2025) and contributing to interdisciplinary projects on Cold War cultural memory and environmental policy.