Biography

Christian Godwin is a PhD candidate with a focus on international relations (IR) theory. His research centers on three interconnected strands: the development of a theory of the state which collapses the first and second images to advance the concept of state nature, as opposed to human nature; a metatheoretical exploration of realism which identifies an essential paradigmatic ambivalence between restraint realism and limitless realism, with the former focusing on the defense of national or state identity and the latter desiring infinite territorial expansion; and, as the culmination of the two previous strands, the construction of a theory of libidinal power politics through the combination of Freudian psychodynamics and realist theory. In sum, Godwin’s theoretical framework treats the state as the primary unit of analysis and favors a drive theory explanation of state motivations, against structuralist arguments common in contemporary realism.

Godwin holds a BA in international studies from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington and an MA in international relations (with honors) from the University of Chicago. Before coming to the Ohio State University, he worked as a case researcher at Harvard Business School.