Twentieth century international history, with particular reference to the interaction of business interests, international relations and the coming of the Second World War.

Europe’s cultural heritage, especially the legacies of conflict and war.

My research focuses on the interaction of foreign policy with the practices of business, especially those of multinational enterprise, in the context of the interwar, international crisis and the coming of the Second World War. I examine, for example, how the liberal capitalist system was almost fatally undermined by the trauma and shocks brought about by the Great Depression, Financial Crisis and the rise of extremist ideologies. Such research can offer insights that help to inform not only a range of disciplinary experts but also those with general interests in the subject.

I also study the relationship between Europe’s rich cultural heritage and its peoples, particularly how the tangible and intangible legacies of conflict and war underpin the multiple identities of Europe and its nation states. My work seeks to reveal that which has been hidden, neglected or only partially recognised in terms of individual memories, institutional representations, and societal practices, and to show how cultural heritage can be of benefit to an increasingly diverse society.

I am a Professor of International History, and I have held several senior academic posts at Coventry University. As Principal Investigator or Co-ordinator, I have led several international research projects funded by national and pan-European agencies. I am a member of several professional and advisory bodies, and act in this capacity for UK Research and Innovation and European bodies such as Europe’s Joint Programming Initiative.