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Gary P. Freeman, Chair BAT 2.116, Mailcode A1800, Austin, TX 78712 • 512-471-5121

Peter Harris

MA, University of Edinburgh; MSc, University of London

Doctoral Candidate
Peter Harris

Contact

Biography

My dissertation examines the responses of great powers to rising states. When do great powers acquiesce to or facilitate the rise of other states, and when do they instead opt to stymie the rise of a potential rival? Theoretically, I propose a model that pays attention to international structure, domestic politics and the agency of key decision-makers. Empirically, I provide a comparative historical analysis of Anglo-American responses to rising states between 1890 and 1990.

I also have an active research interest in the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, a British Overseas Territory. I have published on this base through the lens of the Anglo-American 'special relationship' and am currently working on projects dealing with the human and environmental implications of the base. Through this research agenda, I am able to connect the high politics of grand strategy with the micro-foundational aspects of states' foreign policies.

My work has appeared or is forthcoming in several peer-reviewed journals: African Affairs, Anthropology Today, Journal of Transatlantic Studies and Review of International Studies.  In addition, I have contributed book reviews to Political Studies Review.

Before moving to Austin, I worked in London as a Parliamentary Analyst for a political intelligence company

Find me on Academia.edu.

 

Interests

Power transition theory; transatlantic relations; approaches to International Relations; comparative foreign policy; security studies.

Education

University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. candidate, Department of Government
M.A. Government

University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies
M.Sc. International Politics - Distinction

University of Edinburgh
M.A.(Hons) Politics - First Class

University of British Columbia
Junior Year Abroad

Publications

* = peer-reviewed

Articles


Forthcoming. The Transatlantic Divide in (Undergraduate) International Relations. Journal of Transatlantic Studies, in press.

2013. Decolonising the Special Relationship: Diego Garcia, the Chagossians and Anglo-American RelationsReview of International Studies 39(3): 707-727.*

2013. Dead End or Crossroads? The Chagossians Fail in Strasbourg. Anthropology Today 29(3): 26.*

2011. Not Just a Military Base: Reframing Diego Garcia and the Chagos IslandsAfrican Affairs 110(440): 491-499.*


Book Reviews

2013. Marc Trachtenberg, The Cold War and After: History, Theory, and the Logic of International Politics. Reviewed in Political Studies Review 11(3), in press.

2012. Sandra J.T.M. Evers and Marry Kooy (eds.), Eviction from the Chagos Islands and Laura Jeffery, Chagos Islanders in Mauritius and the UK. Reviewed in African Affairs 111(444): 503-506.

2012. Charles A. Kupchan, How Enemies Become Friends: The Sources of Stable Peace. Reviewed in Political Studies Review 10(1): 113-114.

2012. Daniel Wirls, Irrational Security: The Politics of Defense from Reagan to Obama. Reviewed in Political Studies Review 10(1): 159-160.

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