International relations
Overview
The School has a global reputation for its research in international relations and political economy. Located in one of Australia’s leading universities, our research is focused on a wide and interconnected variety of contemporary challenges in domestic, regional and global politics, societies and economies. We are strongly committed to research that reflects the dynamic and trans-disciplinary nature of these challenges and we are constantly seeking to engage with others with complementary interests and concerns. We are an outward-looking group of early career, mid-career and established researchers committed to openness, inclusivity and research innovation.
Our research has particular strengths in international relations theory and ethics, global climate politics, comparative and international political economy, populism and world politics, great power politics and foreign policy, Australian foreign policy and security, gender in world politics, Asian regional politics and international relations, nuclear weapons and disarmament, and human security. Many of our collaborations are with researchers in other disciplines.
Our researchers have strong links with others working in universities and other research organisations in advanced countries as well as in the emerging world. Current research collaborations include projects with partners in Europe, North America, South America, and across Asia. Our research is published in leading journals and university presses, and we have a strong commitment to public research dissemination and engagement.
Research fields
Asia-Pacific | Comparative and International Political Economy | Development Studies |
Environmental Politics | Gender | Human Rights |
Human Security | International Ethics | International History |
International Institutions | Nuclear Weapons and Disarmament | Political Theory |
Postcolonialism |
Geographic regions of research
Australia and New Zealand | Central Asia | Eastern Asia | Melanesia |
Micronesia | Northern Africa | North America | Northern Europe |
Polynesia | Southern Africa | South America | Southern Asia |
South-eastern Asia | Southern Europe | Western Asia | Western Europe |
Our research projects
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Balancing national security and economic Interests in foreign investment
Dynamic interdisciplinary project featuring experts in Law and Policy at the University of Melbourne and Monash University.
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Comparative Network on Refugee Externalisation Policies (CONREP)
The Jean Monnet Erasmus+ Network grant CONREP is an international, interdisciplinary network of experts from six universities in Australia and Europe.
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Europe-Asia Security and Trade Network (EAST)
The Jean Monnet Erasmus+ Network on Europe-Asia Security and Trade (EAST) brings together an international, interdisciplinary network of experts.
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What makes a climate leader?
Developed countries’ responsibilities under the international climate regime.
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International literature review of approaches to state support for peace processes
The project comprises an international, interdisciplinary network of experts from University of Melbourne and from across Africa and Europe.
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Australian International Conflict Resolution
The Australian International Conflict Resolution (AICR) project has sought to contribute to a conversation on how Australian states might best be able to mobilise their resources to support conflict prevention and resolution programmes.