I am a scholar in the fields of global political economy, international relations and comparative politics. I am a graduate of the University of Melbourne and received my PhD from the University of Adelaide.

I specialise in the study of statecraft. In this area I have developed the first unifying theory of the middle power concept, hybridisation theory, as presented in my book Middle Power Statecraft. My most recent books China's Strategic Priorities and Chinese Engagements focus on the great power, China.

My current research is on middle power statecraft theory, great power statecraft theory and a theory of the nature of hegemony in and from Asia.

I have research affiliations with universities and governments globally, and I am a Director of the East Asia Security Symposium and Conference, held annually at the China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing.

I teach courses on Global Political Economy, Global Development and South Asia at Bond University, and engage regularly with the public through newspaper articles, television and radio commentary and presentations at seminars and conferences.