Miles Xavier

My broad regional focus has centred on the regional politics of east and southeast Asia. Especially of interest in the region is the study of both terrorism and counter-terrorism and maritime security. East and southeast Asia has seen some of the greatest international engagement within these spheres, especially due in part to both self-sufficient regional politics and militarised interests of colonial and imperial powers.

As mentioned, a focal point of my studies lies in Terrorism Studies, especially within the scope of critical studies. Having grown up in the post-9/11 era and the purported War on Terror, I seek to interrogate how states develop and operationalise counterterrorism policy, flaws and all. My thesis interrogates counterterrorism policy within the administration of Filipino president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, though I am also interested in counterterrorism and irregular warfare/contentious politics worldwide.

My theoretical background tends to bank on critical theories to uproot the foundations of knowledge within traditional political studies. My particular theoretical preferences tend towards post-colonial and post-modern approaches, especially within the realm of discourses and legitimacy. As of late, I have found utility in the works of Foucault, Mbembe, and Said, though I am always open to exploring new ways of knowing.