I specialise in the impact of Great Power intervention in the Balkans and Middle East, especially in terms of diplomacy and conflict.
I came to Birmingham after teaching spells at Leicester and Manchester universities. During my tenure at Birmingham I have developed a number of modules centred on the Eastern Mediterranean as well as developing my research interests in the region. In particular, the origins of the Second World War in Europe, with particular focus on the Italo-Abyssinian Crisis and its ramifications, the Anglo-Greek special relationship in both world wars, the Desert War, and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
Political, strategic and economic history of the modern East Mediterranean region (19th & 20th centuries). I am writing a book called Defending Greece against Nazi Germany: Diplomacy, Strategy and the Eden-Dill Mission. A chapter has been completed on Britain and the Italo-Abyssinian Crisis for G.B.Strang ed.Clash of Empires: International Responses to the Italian Invasion of Abyssinia (Ashgate, forthcoming). Beyond these I intend to write a history of the rise and fall of British dominance over the Suez Canal.
I am a committee member of the British International History Group, a member of the Royal United Services Institute and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Currently I am external examiner for the History department at the University of Hull. Contributor to History Today.