Patricia O'Brien

Patricia O'Brien is an Adjunct Professor in the Asian Studies Program at Georgetown University, where she teaches on Pacific histories and futures. She also holds an Honorary Associate Professor position at Australian National University's Department of Pacific Affairs. Her work bridges historical scholarship and contemporary geopolitical analysis of Oceania.

Her research explores colonial legacies, cultural narratives, and identity politics across Samoa, Australia, and the Pacific. Key themes include indigenous sovereignty, gender representation in colonial contexts, and transnational networks.

O'Brien has written over 70 articles for outlets like The Conversation and The Diplomat, covering topics from constitutional crises to US-Pacific relations. Her books analyze historical figures and cultural dynamics, with recent focus on Samoa's 2021 Constitutional Crisis.

Honors include:

• J. D. Stout Fellowship (Victoria University Wellington)
• Kislak Fellowship (Library of Congress)