Yuka Kobayashi is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in China and International Politics at SOAS University of London. Currently on leave as a British Academy Global Innovation Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), she specializes in China's global governance strategies, economic diplomacy, and international law. Her research integrates fieldwork-based analysis of trade (Belt and Road Initiative/WTO), climate change, human rights, and technology. Education: LLB (Kyoto University, Public International Law specialization), MPhil & DPhil (Oxford University, International Relations). Research focuses on China's economic activities in Central Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands, alongside UK-Japan collaborative projects on geopolitical partnerships. Key advisory roles include specialist advisor to the UK government (2021) and advisory board member for Stiftung Asienhaus (2019-2021). Publications span over two decades, addressing China's compliance with international trade norms, climate diplomacy, and evolving global governance frameworks. Supervises PhD students examining China's Pacific Island strategies and EU-China tech competition dynamics.
Robert S. Ross is Professor of Political Science at Boston College and holds affiliate positions at Harvard University's John King Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and MIT's Security Studies Program. He specializes in Chinese security policy, East Asian security dynamics, and US-China relations. Ross has held visiting roles at institutions including Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University, reflecting his deep engagement with Chinese academic and policy communities. Education: B.A., Tufts University M.A. & Ph.D., Columbia University His research interests focus on the intersection of Chinese domestic politics and foreign policy, particularly in the context of power transitions and strategic competition. Key themes include Sino-American relations, regional security architecture, and the implications of China's rise for global governance. Ross has authored influential works such as Chinese Security Policy and Normalization of U.S.-China Relations , and his analyses frequently appear in journals like International Security and Foreign Affairs . Ross has advised U.S. government agencies and testified before Congress, emphasizing practical policy insights alongside academic rigor. His grants and fellowships include support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. He currently serves on multiple editorial boards and academic advisory committees, including the U.S.-China Working Group of Congress and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. His recent work explores Europe's role in the Asia-Pacific balance of power and the evolving U.S.-China strategic rivalry, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to contemporary geopolitical challenges.
Dr. Patrick Gill-Tiney is an LSE Fellow in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His work focuses on international order, major power relations, and the role of international institutions like the United Nations. He holds a DPhil from Oxford University, an MSc from UCL, and degrees from Oxford and the University of Maryland. His research explores the decline of interstate violence linked to liberal norms, the impact of subordinate monopolization on major power wars, and evolving UN peacekeeping norms. Previously, he was a Fixed-Term Lecturer at St John’s College, Oxford. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Key research interests include international security, regime type effects on peace, and the functional role of international organizations. His work has been published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution.
Wenjia Tang is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Media and Communications at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, contributing to Professor Terry Flew's ARC Laureate project "Mediated Trust". Her work examines digital platforms, media policies, and transnational media dynamics with emphasis on U.S.-China comparative frameworks. Her educational background includes: BA from Sichuan University MA from University College London (UCL) PhD from the University of Sydney Dr. Tang's research spans platform regulation, streaming media business models, and transnational technology policy, with specialized focus on cultural creation in social media, recommendation algorithms, and geopolitical implications of AI, virtual reality, and metaverse technologies. She analyzes how digital platforms navigate regulatory environments while shaping global content ecosystems. Her 2023-2025 publications reveal consistent thematic focus on Chinese digital platforms' global expansion strategies (WeTV, Tencent Video), regulatory challenges in emerging technologies (NFTs, metaverse), and data sovereignty frameworks. This body of work demonstrates methodological emphasis on comparative analysis between Western and Chinese tech ecosystems, particularly regarding content localization, policy adaptation, and geopolitical tensions in digital markets. Currently working on the ARC Laureate "Mediated Trust" project investigating digital media trust mechanisms, Dr. Tang has no documented graduate student supervision. Her research directly informs policy discussions through submissions like the News Media Assistance Program response. She operates within the Mediated Trust research team, an ARC-funded initiative examining trust architectures in algorithmic media environments, with particular attention to cross-cultural regulatory approaches.
Professor Stephan Frühling is a leading academic in strategic and defence studies at The Australian National University's (ANU) Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. He specialises in Australian defence policy, nuclear weapons, NATO, and alliance dynamics. His research bridges academic analysis and policy impact, contributing to national security strategies such as the 2016 Defence White Paper. He has held key administrative roles, including Acting Head of his Centre (2022), Associate Dean (2016–2022), and inaugural Director of the ANU Master in Military Studies program (2011–2013). His international experience includes a Fulbright Fellowship at Georgetown University (2017) and research roles at NATO's Defence College (2015). His research focuses on deterrence theory, Indo-Pacific security, and alliance resilience, with a particular emphasis on Australia's strategic position amid rising great power competition. Recent work examines NATO-Asia partnerships, extended nuclear deterrence, and the evolving role of Australia-US alliances in regional stability. Professor Frühling's projects include Pathways of Deterrence: Causal Chains of 21st Century Signalling (2024–2027) History of Strategic Policy since 1976 (ongoing) AusCSCAP DFAT-funded diplomacy initiatives His 146+ publications span books, policy papers, and peer-reviewed articles, addressing topics such as force development in small/middle powers, nuclear strategy, and regional security dynamics. His work is cited widely in policy circles and academia, reflecting its practical relevance to contemporary strategic challenges.
William Reno is Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. With a PhD from the University of Wisconsin (1992), he has established himself as a leading scholar in African politics, conflict studies, and international relations. His career spans over three decades of research on state collapse, insurgency, and security assistance in fragile states, with particular expertise in West Africa and the Horn of Africa. His educational background includes a B.A. from Haverford College (1984), M.A. from the University of Chicago (1985), and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin (1992). Reno has held significant administrative roles including Director of the Program of African Studies (2012-2018) and currently serves as Department Chair since 2019. He previously served as non-resident Fellow at the Modern War Institute of the US Military Academy and has extensive experience as the department's graduate director. Reno's research focuses on the comparative politics of Africa, politics of violent conflict, political effects of foreign military assistance, and asymmetrical warfare. His work examines how patronage-based regimes operate in weak states, the evolution of insurgency in Africa, and security assistance strategies in fragile contexts. He has conducted extensive field research in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, and Congo, with particular attention to how state collapse reshapes political authority and armed group behavior. His scholarship reveals critical insights about why contemporary African insurgencies differ from earlier anti-colonial movements in their organizational capacity and political programs. Reno has supervised numerous doctoral students who have gone on to prominent positions in academia, government, and military institutions. His advisees include scholars examining topics ranging from minority communities in conflict zones to military effectiveness in African states. Many of his students have military backgrounds or policy experience, reflecting Reno's own engagement with practical security challenges. He has secured significant research funding including Fulbright-Hays Fellowships, Boren Fellowships, and support from organizations like the Social Science Research Council. Reno maintains active research collaborations with scholars globally, particularly through his work with the Program of African Studies. His current projects focus on the politics of security force assistance, political economy of jihadism, and armed groups in contexts of state collapse. His scholarly approach combines deep area expertise with theoretical innovation, often challenging conventional wisdom about conflict dynamics in fragile states.
Ziad Majed serves as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Middle East Pluralities within the Department of History and Politics, holding the Elliott E. Burdette Professorship of Middle Eastern Studies. His academic focus centers on Lebanese, Syrian, and broader Arab political affairs, with sustained engagement in civil society reform campaigns since 1994. His educational foundation includes: PhD in Political Sciences from IEP - Sciences-Po, Paris DEA in Political Sciences from IEP - Sciences-Po, Paris MA in Arabic Literature from the American University of Beirut BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut Majed's research critically examines political transitions, civil society dynamics, and democratization challenges across the Arab world. His work demonstrates deep expertise in Lebanese consociationalism, Syrian revolutionary movements, and the interplay between foreign occupation and local authoritarianism, consistently addressing themes of state failure and resistance. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a clear trajectory from Arab Spring studies toward contemporary analysis of counter-revolutionary processes, Russian and American geopolitical interventions, and the fragmentation of state authority in Syria and Lebanon. The corpus maintains rigorous focus on occupation politics, sectarian governance crises, and regional power rivalries. Professor Majed actively contributes to public discourse as Coordinator of The Arab Network for the Study of Democracy and opinion writer for Al-Quds Al-Arabi, while serving on boards of Lebanese, Syrian, and French cultural institutions and lecturing internationally at major festivals and conferences.
Rebecca Lissner is a Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and a former professor at the U.S. Naval War College, where she served in the Strategic and Operational Research Department within the College of Operational and Strategic Studies. She has held senior national security roles in the Biden-Harris administration, including Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President, advising on U.S.-China competition, Ukraine, AI, and climate policy. AB in Social Studies, Harvard University MA and PhD in Government, Georgetown University Lissner’s research focuses on American grand strategy, the future of the liberal international order, and U.S. global leadership. She explores how the United States can adapt its foreign policy to maintain influence amid rising powers and domestic political shifts. Her work emphasizes reimagining, rather than restoring, the post-World War II international system through strengthened alliances, democratic coalitions, and strategic innovation. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on grand strategy, U.S. foreign policy after Trump, NATO and European security, and the evolving liberal order. These works span journals like Foreign Affairs , Foreign Policy , and Washington Quarterly , highlighting her expertise in strategic planning, crisis management, and alliance politics. Themes include the resilience of international institutions, the need for strategic coherence, and the importance of proactive leadership in shaping global norms. Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Lissner has advised national security leadership and presidential campaigns, including those of Biden, Harris, and Clinton. She has contributed to major policy documents such as the Biden administration’s National Security Strategy and led contingency planning on Russia-Ukraine. Her media engagement includes commentary for CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and writing in The Atlantic and Washington Post , demonstrating broad influence in both policy and public discourse. She has held research affiliations at Georgetown University, Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania, Yale’s International Security Studies, and Columbia’s Saltzman Institute, reflecting a robust academic network. While no formal lab or team is specified, her collaborative work with Mira Rapp-Hooper and leadership in government strategy teams indicate active participation in high-level research and policy teams.
Simon Chadwick is a Professor of Sport and Geopolitical Economy at Skema Business School in France. He specializes in the intersection of sports, geopolitics, and economic transformation in the Middle East, particularly focusing on Gulf states' strategic investments in global sports ecosystems. His research examines how nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar leverage sports to diversify economies, enhance soft power, and address unemployment. Key themes include the commercialization of football leagues, privatization of sports clubs, and the role of multinational corporations in shaping regional sports markets. Chadwick’s recent articles analyze the Gulf’s pursuit of the 2036 Olympics, the integration of esports into national strategies, and the challenges of building fan loyalty in the Saudi Pro League. His work also explores the economic implications of acquiring European football clubs and the long-term sustainability of Gulf-led sports initiatives. He has contributed to debates on 'sportswashing' and argues that Gulf investments extend beyond PR to systemic economic restructuring. His insights are frequently cited in analyses of Saudi Vision 2030 and its sports-related giga-projects like Neom and Diriyah.
Prof. Nana de Graaff is a Full Professor of Global Politics and Networks at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). She leads the ReGlobe research group on globalization and decoupling and is Principal Investigator of an NWO-funded project on the Geopolitics of Europe-China Tech Decoupling. Her research focuses on China-West relations, US foreign policy, and energy geopolitics, with a particular emphasis on elite networks and transnational dynamics. Education : - PhD in Political Science (cum laude, 2013), VU Amsterdam - MSc in International Relations (2006), VU Amsterdam - Political Science studies at Free University Brussels Research Interests : - International Political Economy - China's global economic engagements - US foreign policy elites and networks - Energy industry geopolitics Recent Research Projects : - Globalization Unraveling? Europe-China Tech Decoupling (NWO VIDI, 2024-2028) - China in Europe Research Network (CHERN) (EU COST Action, 2019-2023) - Fraying Ties? Networks in the UK Oil Sector (ESRC, 2019-2022) Awards : - 2023 Nominee for Faculty Senior Research Award - 2016 Best Junior Lecturer of VU’s Faculty of Social Sciences - Multiple grants including NWO VIDI and Individual Talent Grant Advisory Roles : - Chair, China in Europe Research Network (CHERN) - Executive Council Member, Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics (SASE) - Editorial Board Member, Routledge RIPE Series - International Advisory Board Member, International Affairs (Oxford)
Shuxian LUO is an Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, specializing in Indo-Pacific maritime security, Chinese foreign policy, and U.S.-China relations. Her research focuses on crisis management mechanisms, territorial disputes, and geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea and Yellow Sea. She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS (2021), an M.A. in China Studies from Johns Hopkins SAIS (2016), an M.A. in Political Science from Columbia University (2008), and a B.A. in English Literature from Peking University (2007). Her current book project analyzes China's escalation strategies in maritime disputes, while ongoing research includes studies on Sino-Russian relations, Hong Kong’s Baodiao movement, and Arctic geo-economic interests. Her recent publications explore AI risks in U.S.-China crisis management, China’s conciliatory posture toward South Korea, and ASEAN’s role in great power competition. Dr. Luo’s work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world policy implications, emphasizing the interplay between military tactics, legal frameworks, and diplomatic signaling in conflict prevention. She frequently publishes in journals like China International Strategy Review and the Journal of Contemporary China, and contributes to policy analyses for institutions like Brookings and War on the Rocks.
John Brobst is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and International Studies at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences. His academic work centers on modern imperial and strategic history, with a focus on the British Empire, maritime power, and intelligence affairs. Education: Ph.D. in History, University of Texas at Austin M.A. in History, University of Texas at Austin B.A. in History and Geography, University of Kansas His research explores the intersections of geopolitics, grand strategy, and naval history, particularly in the Indian Ocean region during the 20th century. He has published on topics including the Great Game, Cold War maritime competition, and British imperial decline. His book The Future of the Great Game examines post-colonial defense strategies in Asia, and he continues to work on a new project analyzing great power rivalry and maritime strategy during the Cold War. His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on strategic geography, naval limitations, and international security dynamics, especially in South and Southwest Asia. These works span journals such as Geopolitics , Middle Eastern Studies , and The Journal of Military History , demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement across history, political science, and strategic studies. Dr. Brobst teaches undergraduate courses including History of Sea Power since 1890 , Secret Intelligence: Great Game to Five Eyes , and Decline and Fall of the British Empire , reflecting his expertise in maritime empires, intelligence history, and global power transitions. He has contributed articles and reviews to several academic journals, including Commonwealth and Comparative Politics , Orbis , and edited volumes on European-American relations in the Middle East. While no formal awards or fellowships are listed, his sustained scholarly output indicates active participation in the academic community. Dr. Brobst advises students in historical research and international studies, though specific advisees are not named. He is currently working on a book project examining Cold War maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean, signaling continued scholarly productivity. He is affiliated with no named research labs or teams, but his work aligns closely with strategic and imperial history research communities.
Thomas Michael Sattich is an Associate Professor at the University of Stavanger , affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Department of Media and Social Studies . His research focuses on geopolitical implications of sustainability transitions, particularly energy policy interdependence and EU-China relations. PhD in Political Science and Economics Expertise in qualitative methods, mixed methods (cluster analysis), and data visualization Lead researcher on EU-funded digital climate negotiation simulation projects His recent publications examine renewable energy geopolitics, industrial policy competition, and sustainability education frameworks. Methodologically, he specializes in Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and network analysis, contributing to debates on energy security and regional cooperation.
Elena Korosteleva is a Professor of Politics and Global Sustainable Development, and Director of the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD) at the University of Warwick. She holds dual doctoral degrees from the University of Bath (2001) and Belarusian State University (1997). Her academic roles include Jean Monnet Chair of European Politics (awarded twice by the European Commission), and Visiting Professorships at Oxford Belarus Observatory, LSE IDEAS, and the College of Europe. She previously held senior positions at the University of Kent (Founder of Global Europe Centre) and Aberystwyth University (Director of Centre for European Studies). Her research focuses on resilience, governance, and EU external policies in Central Eurasia. Key projects include Horizon Europe’s SHAPEDEM-EU (2022-25), GCRF COMPASS (2017-22, shortlisted for THE Best International Collaboration), and the Belarus Oxford Observatory (2021-23). Her work bridges complex systems theory with policy analysis, emphasizing local ownership and adaptive strategies. Elena has authored over a dozen books, including *Belarus in the 21st Century: Between Dictatorship and Democracy* (2023) and *Resilient Communities of Central Eurasia* (2023). Her peer-reviewed articles address EU-Russia relations, Eastern Partnership dynamics, and post-Soviet resilience. Awards include recognition for policy impact and academic excellence from the European Commission and Times Higher Education. Her advisory roles span UK and EU institutions, including the British Academy, FCDO, and European Parliament. She advises national governments in Eurasia and collaborates with NGOs like TEPSA and SIDA. A media commentator for BBC, France24, and Sky News, she bridges academic research with public discourse on geopolitical crises and democratic challenges.
Dr Fumihito (Fumi) Gotoh is a Lecturer in East Asian Studies at the University of Sheffield, affiliated with the School of Languages, Arts and Societies. He previously served as a Teaching and Research Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick (2017–21) and completed his PhD in Politics and International Studies there in 2018. His research focuses on Japanese and East Asian politics, international political economy, and comparative capitalism, particularly examining resistance to globalization, financialization, and digitalization. He has extensive experience in corporate credit analysis, having worked at major financial institutions like Industrial Bank of Japan, Merrill Lynch, and UBS Investment Bank for 20 years before academia. Education: PhD in Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick (2018) Master’s in International Political Economy, London School of Economics His research interests delve into the interplay between social norms and global economic systems, analyzing divergent paths of consumer credit, vehicle electrification, and corporate governance models across Japan, China, and Anglo-American countries. Current work emphasizes the globalization-financialization-digitalization nexus and its societal impacts. Notable publications include studies on Japan’s resistance to American financial hegemony and the political economy of credit rating agencies. Scientific Awards: Nikkei Credit Analyst #1 Rank (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009) Advising and grants details are not explicitly listed, but his research is supported by interdisciplinary collaborations, including co-editing works on US-China rivalry and multilateralism. His career transition from finance to academia brings unique insights into the politics of finance and technology, bridging practical industry experience with theoretical research.
