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Benedict Baxendale-Smith

Benedict Baxendale-Smith

PhD Student

Research interests

  • Conflict
  • International relations
  • Security

Contact details

benedict.baxendale-smith@kcl.ac.uk
Benedict Baxendale-Smith
bbaxendalesmith

Biography

Benedict Baxendale-Smith is a PhD student in the Defence Studies Department. His research focuses on the Indo-Pacific Strategies of Australia, Canada and the UK amid the wider context of US-Chinese great power competition. With a focus on naval strategy, Benedict’s research examines how middle powers stand to impact the regional power balance of the Indo-Pacific.

As a comparative case study, his research examines how middle powers can navigate and fulfill security commitments whilst also pursuing their own defence policy objectives.

Benedict previously worked as an intern for the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Programme in Washington DC, researching and producing written analysis on European Security.

Prior to his PhD, Benedict earned his MA with distinction in International Relations from Durham University (2021) and BA in History from the University of York (2020).

Benedict is a member of the Royal United Services Institute and the Royal Society for Asian Affairs. 

Research Interests

  • US Grand Strategy
  • US-China Relations
  • Indo-Pacific Security
  • The Liberal International Order
  • UK Defence and Security Policy

Thesis 

What are the roles of middle powers in perpetuating U.S hegemony and responding to the perceived challenge of Chinese expansionism? Exploring the Indo-Pacific Strategies of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Supervisors 

  • Professor Andrew Dorman (First Supervisor)
  • Dr Zeno Leoni (Secondary Supervisor)

Publications

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