Sam McCallister

Profile

I began my PhD at the University of Leeds in October 2025, following a BA (Hons) in Politics and Theology & Religious Studies (2023) and an MSc in Political Science (2024), both from the same institution.

My MSc thesis laid the groundwork for my doctoral research, introducing the theoretical framework I now develop further: the unintended soft power consequences of Western media scrutiny on Gulf states' hosting of sports mega-events. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on the intersection of politics, religion, and global development.

My research is supported by the University of Leeds POLIS Scholarship.

Research interests

My research interests lie at the intersection of international relations, soft power, and political communication, particularly within the context of sport. I am especially interested in how states respond to external criticism and how international narratives can simultaneously undermine and reinforce political legitimacy.

My current work develops the concept of Rallying Counter-Disempowerment (RCD), which examines how attempts to weaken a state’s soft power can paradoxically strengthen it by fostering regional solidarity and counter-scrutiny.

Qualifications

• MSc Political Science
• BA Politics and Theology & Religious Studies

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Global Security Challenges