Dr Anthony Billingsley

Anthony Billingsley is a Lecturer of International Relations at the School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UNSW. Anthony’s main research focus is the Middle East and international law. His specialist interests include political succession in the Arab world, the role of constitutions and law in the region, and the politics of the Gulf, Syria and Egypt. He is also interested in international legal issues such as the use of force and humanitarian intervention, and the impact of US foreign policy, especially on the Middle East. Anthony is currently engaged in research relating to the role of law, including international law, in the Middle East.

Research Areas

The role of law in the Middle East, Middle East politics, political succession in the Arab world, the politics of the Gulf, Syria and Egypt, international law

Current Research Project

Lawless lands?: The role of law in Middle Eastern political systems

This research project is based on the assumption of an historical and cultural unity across all countries of North Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Israel and Turkey. It also starts from the recognition that all countries of the region are accused of violating or abusing the rule of law, both domestic and international. In this context, Anthony is examining the interplay between law and politics in the various countries that make up the Middle East and North Africa. The research involves an examination of the development of municipal legal frameworks throughout the region as well as the role of constitutional law. It also looks at the impact of international law throughout the region and the region’s involvement in the international legal system. In all cases, it is intended to test the argument that the rule of law (domestic, constitutional and international) is a more significant force in the politics of the region that is generally assumed.

Postgraduate Research Supervision

Areas of Supervision

Middle East politics, international law, foreign policy, global politics

Teaching

Teaching areas

Middle East, international law, international relations, United States foreign policy

Current teaching

ARTS2811 International Law: Politics, Power and ideology

ARTS3810 International Relations Capstone Course

ARTS3813 The Middle East and International Law

POLS5160 The Middle East in Global Politics

Affiliation and Memberships

·      Faculty Standing Committee, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UNSW

·      Australian and New Zealand Society for International Law

·      Australian Institute of International Affairs

·      British Society for Middle East Studies

·      Gulf 2000 Project

·      International Law Association

·      Middle East Studies Association of North America

·      Royal Society of Asian Affairs.