Sohyun Zoe Lee

Dr. Sohyun Zoe Lee is a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Queen’s University Belfast’s School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics. She holds a PhD from the London School of Economics (2018), an AM from Harvard University (2012), and a BA from Korea University (2009). Her research focuses on the political economy of free trade agreements (FTAs), regional integration in East Asia/Asia-Pacific, and South Korea’s foreign economic policy. She examines stakeholder interactions in FTA negotiations and state identity construction in global governance. Dr. Lee advises UK trade policy as a member of the Trade and Sustainable Development Domestic Advisory Group (2022–2027) and has collaborated with EU and South Korean government agencies. She teaches courses on international political economy and democracy, and has supervised multiple PhD students.

• Education:
  • PhD in International Relations, LSE (2018)
  • AM in Regional Studies - East Asia, Harvard (2012)
  • BA in International Studies, Korea University (2009)
• Awards:
  • UKRI AHRC Impact Acceleration Grant (2023)
  • Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Postdoctoral Grant (2018–2020)
  • Kwanjeong Educational Foundation Scholarships (2010–2017)
• Grants & Activities:
  • Visiting Fellow at World Trade Institute (2023)
  • Advisor to EU-ROK Policy Dialogue Facility
  • Author of policy reports for EU Commission and South Korean agencies

Her research bridges academia and policy, with publications in The Pacific Review and Contemporary Politics. She explores how middle powers like South Korea navigate global economic governance, emphasizing FTA negotiations and identity politics. Current research includes CPTPP dynamics and EU-China investment agreements.