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Overview

Dr Alex Neads

Assistant Professor in International Security


Affiliations
AffiliationRoom numberTelephone
Assistant Professor in International Security in the School of Government and International AffairsRoom IM209, Al Qasimi Building+44 (0) 191 33 45657

Biography

Dr Alex Neads joined the Durham Global Security Institute as an Assistant Professor in International Security in 2021.

Alex's research explores the shifting construction and diffusion of military power, and its implications for international conflict and stability. He is particularly interested in the linkages between military change and innovation, domestic politics, and the conduct of war. His current research examines the diffusion of martial practices through military-to-military assistance activities, specifically the principal-agent politics of military capacity building and proxy sponsorship.

Prior to joining the School of Government and International Affairs, Alex held a research post at the Univeristy of Bath focusing on the implications of technological change for international security. He was also previously based at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom as part of Cranfield Univeristy, where he taught extensively overseas.

Alex read for his PhD in Strategy and Security at the University of Exeter. Additionally, he holds an MPhil in Modern British and European History from the University of Oxford, and a BA (Hons) in History from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Office Hours

Michaelmas Term 2022:

Tuesdays 10:00-11:00, in-person drop-in (teachings weeks 1-9 only).

Thursdays 09:30-10:30, online only via Teams (teaching weeks 1-8, 10). Email me to book in advance.

Epiphany Term 2023:

Wednesdays 10:00-11:00, in-person drop-in (teachings weeks 11-17, 19-20).

Thursdays 09:30-10:30, online only via Teams (teaching weeks 11-17, 19-20). Email me to book in advance.

Research interests

  • Construction and diffusion of martial power
  • Warfare and the history of war
  • Security (force) assistance, military capacity building, and defence engagement
  • Principal-agent theory and the use of proxies
  • Military change and innovation, including defence reform processes
  • Sociology of armed forces, especially military cohesion
  • Civil-military relations and the politics of defence

Publications

Chapter in book

Edited book

  • Galbreath, David J. & Neads, Alex (2020). Defence Studies. Critical Concepts in Military, Strategic, and Security Studies. Routledge.

Journal Article

Other (Digital/Visual Media)

  • Neads, Alex & Bury, Patrick (2019). Reforming the Army Reserve: A Response. Wavell Room.

Report

Supervision students