Research Clusters

The Department of International Relations is a research centre that combines the general theoretical and empirical study of international and global politics with a focus on political dynamics and developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Our research agenda is dynamic, evolving and eclectic, and distinguished by our commitment to combining advanced theoretical inquiry with rigorous empirical research, contemporary with historical analysis, and global with regional perspectives. At any one time, our research efforts cluster around particular themes, issues and concerns that provide focal points for intellectual dialogue, collaboration, and publication between academic staff, graduate students, and visiting researchers. Over the years, our work in these areas has generated a highly regarded body of knowledge on global and regional politics, with strong regional specialisations on Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Below you will find details of our current research clusters.

Power and Legitimacy in World Politics

China in Global Politics

International Political Economy

Asia-Pacific Security

Peoples, Sovereignties, and Justice

The Politics of Global and Regional Environmental Governance

The Politics of Regionalism

Australian Foreign Policy