Dr Ciaran Gillespie

Biography

Ciaran is lecturer in International Politics, teaching on international relations theory, technology, security, terrorism and US Foreign Policy.

His research broadly considers indirect forms of international intervention across two pathways. The first, more traditional area critically considers the political economy of international military assistance programs involving transfers of equipment, funding and training. This stream focuses on US foreign policy and impacts on recipient state populations during the war on terror, particularly Pakistan.

The second stream considers cultural international intervention through digital frontiers- specifically through Virtual Reality (VR). He is currently writing a book on the global political implications of VR technologies, reflecting on the disruptive potential of a platform that promises to immerse users both visually, and emotionally in global affairs. The research raises questions about the international politics of technology, and the power of the tech sector to reshape social relations globally. He has conducted field work on VR applications in Israel and Palestine, Northern Ireland, and is a field leader in the utilisation of VR technology in the classroom.

Adminstrative Role

Ciaran is the Employability Director for the department, overseeing career development, the Professional Training Year and International Exchanges. For more information on the placements and exchange please e-mail Ciaran or visit the Department's PTY website.

Affiliations

British International Studies Association

International Studies Association

Awards

Graduate Teaching Assistant Scholarship, University of Surrey 2011-14

BISA Founders Fund Award 2015