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Robert Smith

Robert Smith

Lecturer in International Relations, Coventry University

the theory and practice of statebuilding; contemporary Iraqi politics; counterinsurgency strategies in post-conflict environments; and British foreign policy during the Blair era. His PhD thesis looked at the US-led reconstruction of the Iraqi state following the invasion in 2003.

Ongoing research considers the development of the Iraqi state since regime change, with particular interest devoted to the Kurdistan Regional Government. He is currently writing with Mark Garnett and Simon Mabon (Lancaster University) a textbook on British Foreign Policy since 1945. He has taught International Relations at Lancaster University and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He worked for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office within the Iraq Policy Unit in 2003-4, and recently operated as a political and security analyst based in Erbil, Kurdistan.

Research Areas:

Contemporary politics of the Middle East, especially Iraq
Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraqi Kurdish politics
Statebuilding and Nationbuilding
United States Foreign Policy
British Foreign Policy
Contemporary security issues and the “War on Terror;” Counterinsurgency
Human Rights.

Oil in Global Economy Series

Iraq: what happened to the oil after the war?

Jul 08, 2016 23:28 pm UTC| Insights & Views

Opponents of the Iraq war often highlight the importance of oil when explaining why the invasion took place. While leaders at the time denied it was a motivation there is no doubt the countrys huge oilfields did offer...

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Economy

Why China’s economy has hit a wall

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Vladimir Putin’s gold strategy explains why sanctions against Russia have failed

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Mentorship is key to improving social and economic outcomes for Black youth

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There’s an extra $1 billion on the table for NT schools. This could change lives if spent well

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Undersea cables for Africa’s internet retrace history and leave digital gaps as they connect continents

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Politics

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SpaceX Builds Spy Satellites for US; Russia Warns of Military Response

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Science

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The mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to what science alone can achieve

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What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here’s what the science says

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Our survey of the sky is uncovering the secrets of how planets are born

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Archeoastronomy uses the rare times and places of previous total solar eclipses to help us measure history

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Technology

Bitcoin Depot CEO Foresees Crypto ATM Revival with Impending Bitcoin FOMO Wave

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Ford Motor Slashes F-150 Lightning Workers as EV Sales Slow

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Wendy’s Signs Deal With PAR Punchh AI Platform to Advance Customer Loyalty Program

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Tesla Cybertruck Gears Up for Thailand, Steals Spotlight in Mexico

As Teslas Cybertruck prepares to debut in Thailand, excitement builds following its attention-grabbing tour in Mexico. Recent discussions hint at a potential Tesla gigafactory in Thailand, and the all-electric trucks...
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