In the early twenty-first century, human communities face an array of complex political challenges, including climate change, disease pandemics, humanitarian disasters, ethnic and religious conflict, post-truth politics and ever-widening global inequities. These challenges are at once local and global in scope and are questioning traditional forms of sovereignty and nationhood.
For the Polis research network, these challenges serve as evidence that the study of politics and international studies is central in the drive towards a sustainable, tolerant, democratic and peaceful future.
Through our research, we aim to create advances in knowledge that can address the key challenges facing local communities and global politics. Our research focuses on significant policy debates, security challenges and humanitarian disasters, moving towards advancing democracy, peace and development.
Our politics and international relations staff research the critical local and global political challenges facing the 21st century.
Our members at the Centre for Future Defence and National Security research past and contemporary conflict and future prospects for peace.
At the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership, Polis members examine the causes and consequences of crises, emergencies and disasters across the globe.
Members from the disciplines of International and Community Development conduct research into the factors that shape poverty and inequality and evaluate the impediments to development.
When you study a PhD or postdoctoral research with Polis, you'll be supported by renowned researchers.
Polis members currently lead dozens of national and international research projects in partnership with stakeholders in government, NGOs, civil society and local communities.
The parliamentary careers and workplaces project examines the career trajectories and professional challenges faced by members of parliament before, during and after their time in parliament. The project develops tools for parliaments to better support their current and former members.
This project explores the ways social media, new encryption technologies and cyber-surveillance are deployed as a new battlefront, as coercive authoritarian structures, as enablers of resistance, and as ambiguous contributors to both security and insecurity of individuals.
Steered by our group leaders, our team consists of 400 united members from within and outside Deakin. They bring a range of disciplinary expertise based on decades of combined experience.
Professor Benjamin Isakhan is professor of international politics and the founding director of POLIS.
Dr Shannon Zimmerman is a lecturer in strategic studies at the Australian War College.
Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh, Research Professor
Dr Sam Balaton-Chrimes, Senior Lecturer
Dr Rebecca Barlow, Visitor
Professor Greg Barton, Chair In Global Islamic Politics
Associate Professor Danielle Chubb, Associate Professor in International Relations
Dr Rob Engen, Senior Lecturer, War Studies
Dr Peter Ferguson, Senior Lecturer
Dr Michael Finch, Senior Lecturer, History of War and Strategy
Dr Jules Gaspard, Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Technology
Dr Jade Guan, Senior Lecturer in International Politics and Strategy
Associate Professor Joshua Hallwright, Visitor
Associate Professor Ahmed Hashim, Associate Professor, War Studies
Associate Professor Michael Hatherell, Deputy Director, Centre for Future Defence and National Security
Professor Baogang He, Alfred Deakin Professor and Personal Chair in International Relations
Associate Professor David Hundt, Associate Professor of International Relations
Professor Benjamin Isakhan, Professor, International Politics
Dr Liam Kane, Lecturer, Military History
Dr Leanne Kelly, Research Fellow
Associate Professor Max Kelly, Associate Professor, International and Community Development
Emeritus Professor Damien Kingsbury
Associate Professor Costas Laoutides, Associate Professor, International Relations
Dr Daniel Mcavoy, Senior Lecturer in Humanitarian Assistance
Mary Ana McGlasson, Director, Centre for Humanitarian Leadership
Associate Professor Yamini Narayanan
Associate Professor Amy Nethery
Associate Professor Zim Nwokora
Karine Pontbriand, Lecturer, Cyber Security and Strategy
Dr Maria Rae, Senior Lecturer
Professor Michael Rainsborough, Professor and Director, Centre for Future Defence and National Security
Dr Geoffrey Robinson, Senior Lecturer
Associate Professor Josh Roose
Associate Professor Steven Slaughter, Associate Head of School, Teaching and Learning
Dr Emily Tannock, Lecturer, War Studies
Dr Adriano Tedde, Lecturer, Strategic and American Studies
Professor Miguel Vatter, Professor in Political Science
Associate Professor Matteo Vergani
Associate Professor Anthony Ware, Associate Professor, International and Community Development
Associate Professor Cai Wilkinson, Associate Professor, International Relations
Associate Professor Pichamon Yeophantong, Associate Professor, Strategic Studies
Professor Ihsan Yilmaz, Research Chair in Islamic Studies and Intercultural Dialogue
Dr Claire Yorke, Senior Lecturer
Dr Shannon Zimmerman, Lecturer, Strategic Studies
Collaborations are central to our work. We actively engage with a diverse range of domestic and international partners, including local communities, NGOs, civil society groups, state and federal governments, and multilateral bodies.
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you learn more about Polis research. Visit @POLIS_Deakin on Twitter for current news.
