Robert Thomson

Robert Thomson is Professor of Political Science in the School of Social Sciences. He joined Monash in 2017, having previously held positions in the Netherlands (at the Universities of Groningen and Utrecht), Ireland (at Trinity College Dublin) and the United Kingdom (at the University of Strathclyde).

His research focuses on international comparisons of democratic representation, and various forms of international governance. In one area of ongoing research Robert and his colleagues are examining the conditions under which politicians keep and break the promises they make to voters when they enter government office. In another area of ongoing research Robert and his colleagues are seeking to understand negotiations in the European Union and how the EU operates on the international stage. He is author of Resolving Controversy in the European Union (Cambridge University Press), and a series of articles and book chapters on national, EU, and international politics.

Professor Thomson welcomes inquiries from prospective doctoral students. He advises doctoral students in a range of areas including: Democratic representation; national and international governance; and public policy. He has advised 12 doctoral students to completion to date, most of whom now have successful careers in prestigious universities.