Politics and International Studies Research and expertise
Research and expertise
Our work is highly international in orientation, and our academic expertise spans the globe.

Our research
The School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research into international development, international relations and politics. Our international focus means we have expertise covering Africa, North America, Asia, the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
Our centres and groups
Our academic staff undertake research in both specialist and interdisciplinary centres and groups. Key areas are listed below.
Centre for Democratic Engagement
Collectively our aim is to analyse and theorise changing forms of political engagement in an unstable and unpredictable political moment.
More on Centre for Democratic EngagementGlobal Development
Our global development specialists research global inequalities and contribute to the university's interdisciplinary Centre for Global Development and the Centre of African Studies.
More on Global DevelopmentEuropean Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
The ECR2P is dedicated to advancing the responsibility to protect principle through research, education and policy dialogue.
More on European Centre for the Responsibility to ProtectCentre for Global Security Challenges
With multi-method expertise in the study of security this centre focuses on how security is framed, perceived, and experienced.
More on Centre for Global Security ChallengesLeeds Institute for Data Analytics
Bringing together researchers and data scientists within the University from various disciplines, including POLIS, to raise the bar in standards of data quality, access, protection and exploitation.
More on Leeds Institute for Data AnalyticsContemporary Political Theory
Our current research activities span a range of areas united by our common interest in the interface between political theory, cultural values and practical politics.
More on Contemporary Political TheoryImpact
The academic, practitioner and policy-making perspectives of our academic team provide insight into the major political, economic, social and cultural issues of societies across the globe.
Our experts advise governments, provide commentary to the media, work with non-governmental organisations and engage with communities around the world.
Our experts
The school brings together academics from across political, international relations, and development disciplines. Our expertise covers all the main regions of the world.
More on Our expertsResearch degrees
Join our research community and pursue your passion with the support of our expert academics. Learn more about PhD and MA by Research options available.
More on Research degreesNews
Upcoming events
“*EVENT* Book Launch Panel Seminar "Political Dynamics of State Recognition: Between Norms & Power" Join us to he… t.co/3SwVNBz92U” -
About 8 hours ago
“Join @CDE_Leeds on Thursday 12th December for a Postgraduate Workshop at 3pm. This workshop will focus on the Gen… t.co/s6BVh4lDJQ” -
2 days ago
“RT @UniversityLeeds: Dr Neil Winn from @POLISatLeeds assesses the divisions facing #NATO heads of state as they meet in London. Dr Winn… t.co/pdVhDeB0Sq” -
3 days ago