About

I am a Lecturer in Politics in the Department of Politics, University of Sheffield (UK) where I was previously Anniversary Research Fellow (2016-2018). Previously I was based in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies, University of Bristol.

Until I was 18 I lived a few miles from Middle Wallop Army Air Corps Centre (“The Camp”). One of my earliest memories – I was probably 4 or 5 – is of hiding, terrified, in my parents’ broad bean crop from the sky-ripping low flypast of the Red Arrows. People often ask me why I do the work that I do and this memory makes a compelling start to a tale of lifelong preoccupation with how military power figures in and shapes individual and broader international social and political life. Of course, it’s nowhere near as simple as that and ultimately I think we should all be asking questions about military power: what is it? how does it work? and what does it do?

I am Encounters editor of the journal Critical Military Studies with Susanna Hast.  This section of the journal provides an open-format space for original, creative work that explores alternative forms of critical engagement with military power. We encourage the critical use of form and contributions that explore diverse modes of representation. If you have an idea for a submission please do get in touch or find me at a conference or workshop.

Education

I have a PhD in Politics from the University of Bristol. My thesis, supervised by Professor Eric Herring and Professor Paul Higate, concerned the politics of American soldiers opposing the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It was examined by Professor Maja Zehfuss and Professor Jutta Weldes.

I also hold an MSc in Social Science Research Methods, an MSc in International Relations and a LLB in Law from the University of Bristol.