I consider myself a historian of humanitarianism and crisis response. My research is squared predominantly in the often underappreciated Inter-War period. Here, I explore the development of British humanitarianism, with particular emphasis on its response to famines in the Soviet Union.

The thesis aims to challenge the preconceived notions surrounding the West's response to the Great Ukrainian Famine of 1932-33 (aka the Holodomor). Often it is assumed and asserted that information on the famine was limited and the response almost non-existent. However, through a greater, deeper analysis into press material written before, during, and after the famine, it will be asserted that knowledge was much greater than previously presumed. Furthermore, through the use of parliamentary papers and debates, Cabinet minutes and Foreign Office materials, one finds a much closer and engaged state-level relationship with the famine that has otherwise been claimed. 

Beyond this study, my research interests lie in the history of famine, political violence and genocide, particularly in former and current communist/socialist states. Within these contexts, I take a particular interest in diplomatic relations during times of crisis and the political and ideological narratives that develop around these times.