Redefining global influence: Expert insights on International Relations

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, International Relations provides a vital pathway for driving meaningful change.

As global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, security threats and technological advancements intensify, the need for expertise in International Relations continues to grow. While traditional areas like diplomacy, foreign affairs and international organisations remain essential, the field has evolved into an interdisciplinary domain, bridging diverse sectors to address the pressing issues of our time.

Leaders with cross-cultural fluency and an in-depth understanding of global dynamics—spanning foreign policy, sustainability and international political economy—are critical to shaping policy and influencing global practices. These individuals are key to tackling the interconnected social, political, economic and environmental systems that define our collective future.

The rapid progression of government, international institutions, business, healthcare, research and humanitarian efforts demands innovative and adaptable leadership. Professionals with a deep understanding of global challenges, coupled with cross-sector expertise, are uniquely equipped to navigate complexity and deliver impactful solutions. Researchers and academics with this multidisciplinary skillset are especially well-prepared to address the demands of our rapidly evolving world and to lead transformative change.

This article showcases the work of two leading academics in UTS's International Relations courses, Dr Jess Gifkins and Dr Caitlin Biddolph. Together they form a powerhouse of global-level knowledge, life experience and innovation across a wide spectrum of topics, including the mechanisms of the United Nations, international governance and law, transitional justice, queer theory, and atrocity prevention.

Meet the visionaries shaping the field

Her work spans the day-to-day practice of International Relations, with research centring around two main themes. The first is decision-making within the UN, particularly the Security Council, multilateral diplomacy and mechanisms for early warning of mass violence.

The second is the implementation of the ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P), a UN-endorsed framework that aims to prevent atrocities such as genocide and war crimes. Her work includes case studies on conflicts in Sudan, Libya and Syria, and the persecution of LGBTQI+ people.

Dr Gifkins has published widely in leading Australian, European and international journals, as well as in books, and both traditional and new media. Recent examples include:

• A book published by Oxford University Press titled Inside the UN Security Council: Legitimation Practices and Darfur, which analyses informal practices and the lack of formal rules within the council’s decision-making processes, both in general terms and in the case of Sudan’s Darfur (2023)
• An analysis of the evolution of early warning systems for mass atrocity crimes within the UN Secretariat in International Peacekeeping (2023).
• An article on the need to include a queer lens in atrocity crime prevention research and policy in International Affairs (2023)

She previously won an award for her research, in collaboration with Professor Jason Ralph, on the politics of diplomatic practices within the United Nations Security Council.

As well as providing critical insights and thought leadership through her research, Dr Gifkins’ work has been applied by policy leaders across government and the UN. Examples include:

• Her work on queering atrocity prevention has been discussed in the UN Security Council and cited in reports by the UN General Assembly and the UK government
• Her earlier research on the UK’s standing in the UN post-Brexit was launched in the Palace of Westminster in London by a former British Ambassador to the United Nations

Dr Gifkins also holds an honorary position as the Queering Atrocity Prevention Research Fellow with UK think-tank Protection Approaches, where she brings together communities and organisations working to address the persecution of LGBTQI+ people in conflict zones.

She focuses on queer, feminist and decolonial approaches, including rethinking conventional views of International Relations, and amplifying diverse and often marginalised perspectives.

She also researches transitional justice, a set of mechanisms designed to respond to past and ongoing human rights abuses in different societal contexts, including conflict-affected, transitioning and established democratic societies.

Dr Biddolph has published numerous articles in both Australian and international journals, as well as books and book chapters. Her recent publications include:

• A book published by Oxford University Press titled Queering Governance and International Law: The Case of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). This study examines how gender, sexuality and racial hierarchies are reinforced via international legal and governance mechanisms, and analyses ways in which these structures can be queered and dismantled to enable justice for oppressed groups (2025).
• A section on queer approaches in the textbook Thinking World Politics Otherwise: A Diverse Introduction to International Relations, that was co-edited with Cai Wilkinson, which challenges conventional understandings and brings in diverse and critical perspectives (2025).
• An article on Queering the Global Governance of Transitional Justice, that advocates for organisations such as the UN, the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to recognise and include anti-LGBTQI+ violence and queer decolonial critiques in transitional justice processes (2024).

Dr Biddolph has also published more broadly on a range of topics, including queering cybersecurity, feminist research practices and postgraduate teaching approaches. She is currently an Honorary Associate with the University of Sydney’s Centre for International Security Studies.

The impact of their research in International Relations

The breadth of research conducted by Dr Gifkins and Dr Biddolph has wide-ranging implications for different aspects of International Relations, including governance, politics, law and queer theory. The relevance and practical applications of their work can be illustrated via three key themes in their work.

Possibilities for reform within the United Nations

At a time when the UN is facing increased scrutiny and calls for reform, an in-depth understanding of UN bodies and mechanisms is vital for those working in the global arena.

Dr Gifkins’ studies into decision-making within the UN provides a deep dive into the complex processes that drive the workings of different UN bodies and how these have evolved (or failed to evolve) over time. She offers proposals for informal reform of the United Nations Security Council, which are more feasible than formally changing the membership or removing the veto.

Her recent book on the UN Security Council, for example, states that although decisions made by the Security Council impact billions of people, the rules guiding those decisions are often informal and unwritten. It examines these processes through the case study of the conflict in Darfur, drawing insights that can be applied to improving responses to present-day situations.

Building visibility of LGBTQI+ perspectives in international governance 

In her co-authored report titled Queering Atrocity Prevention, Dr Gifkins states that, although LGBTQI+ communities have been the targets of mass atrocity crimes and identity-based violence since the Holocaust, their experiences are not well known and are often ignored in policy approaches and research.

Dr Biddolph’s work also emphasises the invisibility of LGBTQI+ perspectives in international legal frameworks and institutions. Her research demonstrates that evidence of violence and war crimes against this community is largely missing in international criminal justice forums, and that transitional justice institutions (including the UN, ICTJ and ICC) have a history of excluding LGBTQI+ people and perspectives.

Through their work, both researchers examine global case studies of LGBTQI+ persecution, including in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Chechnya, the UK, Hungary and the former Yugoslavia. They discuss how lessons learnt can help in integrating LGBTQI+ focused expertise and policy in responses to these human catastrophes, and to ensure that the voices and needs of marginalised communities are included in atrocity prevention.

The importance of queering all aspects of International Relations

The work of both Dr Gifkins and Dr Biddolph apply queer theory to all aspects of International Relations. This is to ensure that principles such as fairness, integrity, human rights and justice are applied equally to marginalised groups across areas such as international law, transitional justice, global politics and atrocity prevention.

For example, in Dr Gifkins’ work on Queering the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) framework for atrocity prevention, she explores the need to integrate queer theory into international governance. Her findings include the need for communities that work on atrocity prevention:

• To remove their “cisheteronormative blindfold”, which privileges those who are heterosexual or identify with the gender they were assigned at birth; and
• To engage with intersectional approaches on atrocity prevention, which recognise that different aspects of a person’s identity (such as race, religion, gender and sexuality) can create overlapping systems of discrimination.

Dr Biddolph’s work also aims to challenge and rethink orthodox views on International Relations and global politics, in order to incorporate diverse perspectives that have historically been marginalised in these disciplines.

Building ethical and inclusive diplomacy

The areas of research discussed here are ever more important in today’s context. The resurgence of far-right extremism both globally and in Australia, as well as rising homophobic violence and a backlash against diversity and inclusion initiatives, are negatively impacting LGBTQI+ and other diverse communities. These issues need to be addressed on a global scale.

Cutting-edge academics like Dr Gifkins and Dr Biddolph are playing a vital role in building a robust body of literature and thought leadership in these critical areas of International Relations.

Their work aims to challenge traditional frameworks and to build contemporary understanding that enables those working in the global arena to fully practice ethical and inclusive diplomacy as well as manage the many complexities in this field.

Why choose UTS Online for your Master of International Relations?

UTS Online’s Master of International Relations designed for professionals seeking to excel in advanced roles across governance, business, world politics, research, consultancy and the humanitarian sector. This course equips you to make a meaningful impact within globally focused organisations.

Comprising 12 subjects, the course is 100% online and fully flexible. In addition to International Relations, it offers specialisations in business, technology management, sustainability, strategic communication and health, as well as a ‘flex’ stream that enables you to choose options that best suit your career goals.

The course can be completed in as little as two years, with dedicated student support all the way. For those requiring a pathway into the Master of International Relations, UTS Online also offers the Graduate Certificate in International Relations.

Career outcomes for International Relations graduates

Career options for graduates are both varied and highly rewarding. A postgraduate international relations degree can open doors to roles across government agencies, NGOs and international organisations, offering dynamic work and life experiences across borders. Graduates may find opportunities in fields such as diplomacy, politics, the arts, education, humanitarian aid and even the military.

Potential career paths include:

• Foreign Policy Advisor
• International Affairs Specialist
• Diplomatic Officer
• Global Development Manager
• International Business Consultant
• Humanitarian Program Coordinator
• Trade and Investment Analyst

In Australia, Master of International Relations graduates earn an average starting annual salary of $90,000, with enormous potential for growth and career progression.

With UTS Online, you’ll be studying at a university with a strong global reputation. In 2025, UTS was ranked in the top 100 universities globally by QS World University Rankings and it’s also in the top 10 in Australia for graduate employability.

Chart your course in global affairs with UTS Online

UTS Online’s Master of International Relations will enable you to build an advanced toolkit of knowledge and skills to address urgent global challenges, shape world politics, influence foreign policy and lead meaningful change around the world.

You’ll benefit from higher education study led by progressive and cutting-edge thought leaders like Dr Gifkins and Dr Biddolph, who bring extensive expertise and in-depth understanding of important areas such as world politics, international systems, international justice and atrocity prevention.

Discover how leading academics at UTS are redefining International Relations through critical research and global impact. Learn more about the Master of International Relations and how you can be part of the next generation shaping global change.

Speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor today on 1300 477 423 for further information or to discuss admission requirements.