Michelle Bentley

Michelle Bentley is a Professor of International Relations and Director of the Centre for International Security at Royal Holloway, University of London. She specializes in weapons of mass destruction, US foreign policy, and security taboos. Her work bridges academic research with policy-oriented analysis, particularly focusing on chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons dynamics.

Education: BSc SocSci (Hons), PGCert, PGDip, MSc SocSci, PhD

Research Interests: Her interdisciplinary research explores how political rhetoric shapes weaponization norms, with a focus on:

• Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) taboos
• US foreign policy continuities
• Terrorism and counter-radicalization strategies

Publications: Recent work includes acclaimed books like The Biological Weapons Taboo (2023) and peer-reviewed articles in International Affairs and Security Studies. Her 2024 analysis of chemical warfare in Ukraine highlights strategic ambiguity in modern conflicts.

Awards: Recipient of the BISA Teaching Excellence Award (2022) and multiple Royal Holloway teaching commendations for innovative methods like social media engagement in political education.

Engagement: Active media contributor with analyses featured in Vox and The Conversation, addressing topics like US-Iran tensions and the political impact of Trump biopics.

Leadership: Oversees the Gender Institute and Conflict, Violence and Terrorism Research Centre, fostering interdisciplinary security research.