Dr John Helferich

I am an early career researcher on European security and the changing international order, currently serving as a College Lecturer in Politics at Hertford College. My academic background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations (DPhil) from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in International Security (summa cum laude) from Sciences Po, Paris.

Research

My research explores European security and the changing international order, focusing on how extreme and evolving forms of cooperation and conflict shape transformations in the wider international system. My DPhil thesis developed a community-based account of European defence integration, analysing the social motivations underpinning three transformative phases of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and its relationship with NATO. Another strand of my work examines extreme conflict, particularly how terrorist groups have exploited new vulnerabilities in liberal democracies. I am committed to interdisciplinary research and draw on sociological, evolutionary, and psychological approaches to the study of international politics. My research has been supported by several competitive grants, including awards from the University of Oxford and the DAAD.

Teaching

I have a strong passion for teaching, lecturing, and curriculum design. As a College Lecturer, I teach the following undergraduate papers in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE): International Relations; The Politics of the European Union; International Relations in the Era of the Two World Wars; International Relations in the Era of the Cold War; International Security and Conflict; and The Practice of Politics.

I have also delivered the PPE lecture on the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and designed courses on Economic Statecraft and Sanctions as well as Contemporary European Politics for visiting student programmes at Oxford.

Research Engagement & Outreach

I am part of the COST Action Networking European Security Knowledge (2025–2029). As the UK representative, I chair the Working Group on Transfer of Knowledge, which organises events and exchanges across Europe to foster a pan-European community of scholars focusing on the study of security issues. Alongside my academic work, I enjoy engaging in outreach with students and young people through discussions on career development and international security debates.