Postgraduate Research Students

Yehia Abdulla

Yehia Abdulla is a second-year PhD candidate in International Relations. His research is situated at the intersection of political extremism, ideological appropriation, and digital radicalization.His doctoral work examines the ideological convergence between white nationalist movements and Islamic theological extremism—two frameworks often portrayed as fundamentally oppositional. His dissertation explores how concepts such as "White Sharia" and "White Jihad" have emerged within far-right discourse, reflecting a strategic appropriation of jihadist rhetoric to reinforce white supremacist narratives.

He also investigates how certain European far-right figures have expressed admiration for Shia militant groups, highlighting the selective borrowing that underpins these ideological crossovers. Through an intersectional approach, his research analyzes how militarized masculinities and digital ecosystems facilitate this convergence.

Before beginning his doctoral studies, Yehia earned a BA in Journalism Studies from Cairo University and an MA in International Relations from the University of Aberdeen. He has worked for over eight years as a correspondent in the Middle East, contributing to outlets including VICE, Al Arabiya, and Al Jazeera.

Henry Bird

Henry is a first year PhD student researching "how effectively can Britain employ unconventional warfare tactics in future conflicts?".

His research interests are largely focused on sub-threshold, irregular, hybrid, asymmetric and unconventional approaches to modern warfare. This also includes intelligence, proxy warfare, covert operations and special forces. He has specific interest in researching current and future applications, approaches and practices of unconventional warfare in the context of potential large-scale combat operations. 

Prior to PGR studies, Henry completed a BSc in Armed Forces studies, and a Masters in International Relations - both with dissertations focused on actors and activities in unconventional warfare. He also has experience as a Private Soldier with the Army Reserve, having completed training as an infantry Assault Pioneer; as well as currently working professionally as a Strategic Intelligence Analyst. 

Melvyn Fookes

Melvyn is a chartered accountant. Having completed his business career, he entered higher education, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the Open University before achieving an MA in International Relations at the University of Nottingham. He is a PhD candidate in the School of Politics and International Relations

.Melvyn's research focuses on proxy war and the application of theory to inform our understanding of the sponsor/proxy relationship. It examines how the advent of regional powers in the international order requires a reassessment of how proxy war is interpreted, investigating connections among protagonists that drive actions and build experiences. It explores how the ideas and interests of actors create the power dynamic between sponsor and proxy. An aim is to reveal what moulds the power dynamic that can assist policymakers in making better choices.

Lee Richards

David Stanton

David researches the role of medical intelligence (MEDINT) in conflict, disaster, and humanitarian settings, examining how it can be integrated into broader intelligence cycles to enhance operational decision-making.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he holds a BA in History from Oregon State University and completed the Cambridge Security Initiative’s International Security and Intelligence Programme. He brings over 18 years of experience in emergency services, including more than a decade as a Special Rescue paramedic operating in austere, high-risk and conflict environments.

Alongside his research, David teaches wilderness and expedition medicine at the University of Nottingham and serves as a faculty member with World Extreme Medicine.