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Impact is a core part of our research in politics and international relations at ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, with academic staff regularly advising and working with senior officials in international organizations, national governments, political parties, and non-governmental organizations. From our research on the use of counter-narratives to challenge hate speech online to how to counter proxy actors in current conflicts to using AI in polling and surveys, the department ensures that its cutting-edge research in political theory, international relations, and comparative politics reaches those who need it most.

Our researchers work regularly with NATO and its centres of excellence (including European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid COE); Center of Excellence – Defence Against Terrorism; NATO Southern Hub), numerous UN agencies and missions (such as the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Department of Peace Operations; Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate; Office for High Commissioner for Human Rights), and national governments (including the UK, US, Germany, Sweden, Kenya).

Beyond institutional links, we work with local civil society organizations around the world – from Guatemala to Somalia. Our research centres – ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Ethics and Political Philosophy (REAPP), the Centre for Global Security and Governance, and the Centre for Political Behaviour and Policy Analysis – work to bring together our academics with policymakers and practitioners in a variety of formats to exchange knowledge and produce policy-relevant research that is both innovative and actionable.

Impact at ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ

Professor Harmonie Toros discusses how she uses her research on the role of civilians in conflicts marked by terrorist violence to support the work on local peacebuilders, particularly women, in Kenya and Somalia.

Strategic partnerships

We develop strategic partnerships with international institutions. For example, Dr Sarah von Billenbeck works closely with the UN, and Professor Dominik Zaum has worked with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Policy and practitioner exchanges

We have informal collaborations with relevant stakeholders that enable us to organise joint workshops, produce policy papers and provide consultation.

Media engagement

We share our research widely through media engagement. It is covered in major media outlets and social media platforms on a global scale.

Our academics are experts in their field and are regularly featured in the media, sharing their work, offering their expertise and giving opinions on current issues and affairs.


Recent media coverage

Examples of media exposure include:

  • Dr Matthias Kronke co-authors an article for  considering the impact of South Africa’s coalition government, a year on since its formation. 23 June 2025

  • Dr Derek Bolton appeared on BBS Scotland and BBC Radio Berkshire speaking about US involvement against Iran. June 2025 

  • Dr Kenton White writes for , discussing why Britain is unprepared to send troops to Ukraine. Republished by, 20 February 2025
  • Dr Kenton White was interviewed for radio on the US sending anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. November 2024 
  • Dr Miriam Sorace, , The Conversation,19 November 2024
  • Dr Derek Bolton provided regular live updates for radio while USA election voting was underway and the results came in. November 2024
  • Dr Derek Bolton was interviewed for radio on the impact of the USA election on international markets, European security infrastructure and the economy. November 2024
  • covered Dr Harmonie Toros talk discussing issues surrounding nonviolent responses to terrorism, conflict and political violence
  • Dr Joseph O'Mahoney, , Washington Post, 1 July 2017
  • Dr Vladimir Rauta, , The Conversation, 7 January 2020
  • Dr Sarah von Billenbeck and Nina Hall, , Duck of Minerva, 19 June 2018
  • Dr Kenton White writes for , discussing comments by the French president about Western ground forces potentially being deployed to Ukraine. Republished by.

Research centres

We work within a number of research centres. We collaborate on projects with academics from a range of disciplines across the University, as well as international organisations such as the UN.

Meet our experts

Our staff have exceptional knowledge in an impressive range of sociological and political topics and issues. Many of our academics are directly involved in influencing policy and international politics, sharing their expertise with governments and policymakers.

Our academics make headlines with their research and their input on current affairs. Keep up with the latest news from our Department.