Associate ProfessorCai Wilkinson

Areas of Expertise

• Critical Security Studies: International politics and security in Eurasia; Non-traditional and societal security; Securitization theory (sociological approaches)
• International Relations: Norms socialisation and localisation; Feminist/Queer/Trans IR.
• Gender and Sexualities: Politics of gender and sexuality; Straightness/cisheteronormativity; Experiences of queerness/transness.
• Research Methods: Interpretive research methodologies; Fieldwork methods.
• Experiential Learning: Intercultural communication; immersive study experiences; simulation-based learning; work-integrated learning; internships; team-building and leadership; reflective learning and practice; simulation-based learning.

HDR Supervision Availability

I am not available for new supervisions until early 2026. 

However, I am available to discuss potential HDR projects that are within the broad area of International Studies (i.e. International Relations and related fields including Area Studies) and engage with issues of genders and sexualities, queerness/transness, LGBTQ+ politics, societal security, geopolitics of "traditional values" and norm contestation, and/or the politics of knowledge production using critical interpretivist methodologies. My main geographical area of expertise is post-socialist Eurasia, especially Russia and Kyrgyzstan, but I am open to projects focused on other locations subject to ensuring the supervisory panel has appropriate area expertise overall. 

If your project fits these parameters, please send me an email with the following information: 

• A short description of your project that includes reference to relevant concepts/theories/ideas (200-300 words plus reference list)
• A brief summary of your academic qualifications including details of any dissertations/theses that have been successfully completed (title, word length, final mark), any peer-reviewed publications (include DOI if available) and other outputs, any accredited/credentialled/certified research training that you have completed
• A statement of motivation outlining why you wish to undertake a HDR and your suitability to do so.

It is recommended that you review the information about how to apply for a research degree at Deakin before contacting me.