Phillip Ayoub

Phillip Ayoub is a Professor of International Relations at University College London (UCL), holding dual affiliations with the Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy. He serves as Co-editor of the European Journal of Politics & Gender. His research bridges international relations, comparative politics, and transnational advocacy, focusing on sexuality/gender rights, norm diffusion, and socio-legal change. He has held prior positions at Drexel University and Occidental College, and was a Max Weber Fellow at the European University Institute.

Education: PhD in Government (Cornell University, 2013); MA degrees from Cornell University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; BA from University of Washington.

Research Interests: Ayoub examines how marginalized groups' transnational mobilization drives socio-legal change, particularly regarding LGBT+ rights. His work analyzes resistance and advocacy dynamics, including global conservative networks opposing sexual minorities. Recent projects explore backlash politics, migration's role in queer activism, and the intersection of conflict and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Publications: His 2016 book When States Come Out and 2024 co-authored The Global Fight Against LGBTI Rights are landmark studies in queer geopolitics. Articles in top journals like American Political Science Review and Comparative Political Studies reveal patterns in rights diffusion and counter-mobilization.

• Awards: Fulbright Schuman Fellowship, Humboldt Chancellor Fellowship, ISA Book Award (2025), Henrik Enderlein Prize, Drexel Provost Award

Teaching & Mentoring: Courses on international relations, European politics, and LGBTQ+ politics. Recognized for mentoring via Drexel's Fellowships Faculty Mentor Award. Advises students on transnational rights research.

Grants: European Research Council Grant, Mellon Writing Fellowship, Cornell Sage Fellowship, multiple FLAS and postdoctoral fellowships.

Editorial Leadership: Editor of European Journal of Politics & Gender, contributing to scholarly discourse on gender and sexuality in global politics.