Phillips Payson O'Brien

Phillips Payson O'Brien is a Professor of Strategic Studies and serves as the Head of the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews. His academic work focuses on international relations, strategic studies, and military history. He has held editorial roles, including serving on the board of War in History (2014–2020).

Research interests include modern conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, leadership analysis of historical figures such as Churchill and Stalin, and strategic decision-making during major wars. He has authored influential books such as The Strategists (2024) and contributed to policy-relevant studies.

He has been involved in projects like the Carnegie Research Workshop Grant (2022–2024) and initiatives linking Scottish academia to EU think tanks. His work has impacted Ukrainian defense strategies, with findings cited in public policy contexts.

He has served as an external examiner for undergraduate programs and participated in activities like the US Election Forum (2016) and consultancy for the Liberation Route Europe project.