Matt Sleat

Dr. Matt Sleat is a Reader in Political Theory at the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations, University of Sheffield. He has been affiliated with the university since 2007 and is renowned for his work in realist political thought, liberal philosophy, and international relations theory.

• Author of Liberal Realism: A Realist Theory of Liberal Politics (2013)
• Editor of Politics Recovered: Essays on Realist Political Thought (2018)
• Recipient of the 2020 BIAPT Mid-Career Prize

His research explores the intersection of realism and liberalism, addressing themes such as legitimacy, non-ideal theory, modus vivendi, and the ethics of cyberwar. His recent publications challenge traditional liberal frameworks and advocate for a more context-sensitive political theory.

Notable trends in his publications include critiques of liberal realism, analyses of political values, and ethical implications of global justice. His work spans journals like Political Theory, Review of International Studies, and European Journal of Political Theory.

• Scientific Awards: Britain and Ireland Association for Political Thought Mid-Career Prize (2020)
• Grants: Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2023–2024), British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2015)

Dr. Sleat supervises PhD students in areas like realist political theory and challenges to liberalism. He has edited journals including the European Journal of Political Theory (2014–2017) and Political Studies (2017–2023), and serves on the Executive Committee of the Britain and Ireland Association for Political Thought since 2023.