Sarah Percy

Sarah Percy is an Associate Professor and Director of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Students at the School of Political Science & International Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Queensland. She joined UQ from the University of Western Australia in 2016, where she previously held a position before her appointment as University Lecturer and Tutorial Fellow in International Relations at the University of Oxford (Merton College).

• M.Phil, Balliol College, Oxford (Commonwealth Scholar)
• D.Phil, Balliol College, Oxford (Commonwealth Scholar)

Sarah Percy's research focuses on international security and the history of war, with particular emphasis on unconventional combatants. Her work spans mercenaries, private military companies, piracy, women in combat, international law history, and weapons control. She approaches these topics through a historical lens, examining how past developments in warfare shape contemporary practices and norms. Her research methodology combines historical analysis with contemporary case studies to provide insights into enduring security challenges.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on norm dynamics in international relations, particularly regarding unconventional combatants. Her work shows increasing attention to gender dimensions in warfare, culminating in her 2023 book 'Forgotten Warriors: The Long History of Women on the Front Line.' Maritime security, especially counter-piracy operations, remains a strong thread throughout her scholarship, with notable contributions to understanding international cooperation in naval responses to piracy.

• Commonwealth Scholar at Balliol College, Oxford
• Army History Research Grant (2021-2026) for 'Women in Combat: The Australian Story'
• Research featured in testimony to U.S. Congress on women in combat
• Work cited in production notes for 'Captain Phillips' film

Sarah Percy actively supervises doctoral students across diverse topics in international relations, including protracted conflicts, gender dynamics in employment, ontological security in defense forces, and responses to Chinese geostrategy. Her research has secured significant funding, including a five-year Army History Research Grant examining women's combat roles in Australia. She has presented her work at prestigious venues including the United Nations, Princeton University, New York University, and major think tanks like RUSI and IISS.

Professor Percy maintains strong connections with policy communities and media outlets. Her research on piracy has been presented to the Royal Navy and DFAT's Counter-Piracy Conference. She is a regular media commentator, appearing on ABC Radio National, BBC, CBC, and NPR, and has contributed to publications including The Guardian, USA Today, and The Conversation. Her radio series 'Why the Cold War Still Matters' and 'An Object in Time' demonstrate her commitment to public engagement with historical and international security issues.