Politics dominates the national news headlines on a daily basis, from stories on Government activity and the economy through to international conflict and security. The University’s academic experts are regularly called upon for these stories by the media, as their research often plays a significant role in influencing policy decision making and international relations that can affect many people around the world. This research also informs their teaching at Kent. Here are just some of the key worldwide current affairs that our experts from the School of Economics, Politics and International Relations are contributing to.
UK/EU relations
Five years on from the UK leaving the European Union, there is often comparison, reflections and predictions of the impact of this. Professor Richard Whitman, a Professor of Politics and International Relations and an expert in UK-EU foreign, security and defence policy relations, regularly comments on the changing landscape of UK/EU relations following Brexit. His most recent commentary looks at the current Labour government’s EU relations five years on. Professor Whitman’s previous press coverage has included BBC radio and television, CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC, Newsweek, Reuters, the International Herald Tribune and the Wall Street Journal.
Donald Trump’s presidency
The US elections dominated the news agenda in 2024 and with Donald Trump being elected US President for a second term this hasn’t slowed down. Dr Andrew Wroe, Senior Lecturer in American Politics and an expert on Trump, has been called upon regularly by Heart FM, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Kent and KMFM to give his thoughts on topics such as Trump’s election race and what his next Presidency may hold. Dr Wroe also contributed to Newsweek magazine about the US election race.
Dr Rubrick Biegon, Lecturer in International Relations, is an expert on US foreign policy and has provided expert opinions on how US foreign policy may look during a Trump’ presidency. Dr Biegon has also been called upon by regional radio to give his thoughts on Trump’s election race.
Middle East
From the Israel-Gaza war to airstrikes in Yemen and changing governments in the Middle East, Dr Yaniv Voller (Senior Lecturer in Middle East Politics) is regularly called upon by international media for his views. Dr Voller specialises in the geopolitics of the Middle East, the foreign policies of Middle Eastern states, providing explainers to the media on current situations and what could happen next in the region. His coverage has included Al Jazeera and BBC World Service.
UK economy
The UK economy is ever changing, and with the Labour government coming into power in 2024 we are seeing yet another shift in policies and use of public money. Dr Alfred Duncan is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at Kent, specialising in labour market outcomes. His research exploring economic business recovery during Covid-19 has attracted attention from the Telegraph and Financial Times. He has also been called upon to discuss the likes of 95% mortgages and cost of living and energy price rises by regional broadcasters ITV Meridian and BBC Radio Kent.
Dr Amanda Gosling, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Head of the School of Economics, Politics and International Relations, is an expert in labour economics and the gender pay gap. Her research on the ‘motherhood penalty’ pay gap had widespread media coverage in 2022 including the Guardian and the Daily Mirror.
Food economics
Food trade is regularly in the news, for example, how Brexit has affected EU trade deals, the impact of climate change and world conflicts affecting food trade supply internationally. Professor of European Agricultural Policy, Sophia Davidova, has participated in a range of international research projects and since 1989 has been involved in advisory work to government agencies in Central and Eastern European countries. She has contributed expert commentary on rainfall’s impact on food security and the previous UK Government launching a scheme to incentivise farmers to retire which led to a national broadcast interview on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today show. Meanwhile, her research into the impact of Brexit on farmers achieved press coverage across the UK.
Dr Adelina Gschwandtner is a Senior Lecturer in Economics and her recent research focuses on the economics of happiness, particularly in regard to preferences towards Organic Food and the relationship between lifestyle and happiness. Her research has been featured in national titles such as the Daily Mail and Stylist Magazine, and international titles such as the Times of India.