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 researchers examine 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 conflicts 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.
Undertaking a PhD at Deakin is an opportunity to work with and be mentored by renowned researchers.
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. His research interests include political science and international relations, Middle East politics and heritage destruction and reconstruction.
Dr Shannon Zimmerman is a lecturer in strategic Studies at Deakin University in the Centre for Future Defence and National Security. Her research investigates peace and stability operations, specifically how peacekeepers protect civilians in conflict environments characterised by asymmetric threats.
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 Research Unit 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.
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.
Get in touch to learn more about research in Polis, or to work or study with us.
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