Robert Coates

Dr. Robert Coates is an Assistant Professor in the Sociology of Development and Change at Wageningen University & Research. His work focuses on political ecology, environmental governance, disaster studies, and urban development in Brazil. He holds a PhD from King's College London and has prior experience with NGOs and travel writing. His research explores vulnerability in urban peripheries, disaster policies, and the intersections of citizenship and environmental politics.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, King's College London (2017)
• MSc in Globalization & Latin American Development, University of London (2011)
• MSc in Postcolonial Politics, Aberystwyth University (2003)
• BSc in International Relations, Nottingham Trent University (2001)

Research Interests:

Coates investigates urban hazards, environmental governance, and the socio-political dimensions of disasters. His work emphasizes Brazil’s rapidly urbanizing regions, analyzing flood and landslide vulnerability, conservation vs. extractivism debates, and post-truth politics.

Publications & Projects:

His recent work includes studies on Bolsonaro’s Brazil, flood risk management, and convivial conservation. Coates co-edited the 'EDUCEN Culture & Urban Disaster' handbook and leads projects on urban Latin American politics and housing renovation policies in the Baltic region.

Awards:

• Finalist, Harvard University’s Ph.D. Dissertation Award in Latin American Politics (2017)

Advising & Grants:

Coates supervises PhD candidates on topics like Chilean urbanism, Baltic housing renovation, and political ecology in Rwanda. He advocates for academic independence from fossil fuel industries and contributes to transdisciplinary conservation strategies.

Labs/Teams:

He is affiliated with the Disaster and Conflict in Times of Crisis group and teaches courses on urban disaster governance, natural hazards, and development sociology.