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Ed­die Ash­bee

Professor mso

Subjects
International relations Politics Nationalism Election China USA United Kingdom

Primary research areas

Populism and polarization

My work considers the rise of conservative populism and nationalism and the implications of all these trends for economic and social policy, politics, markets and business. How far have the growth of populist forces, the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s political ascendancy changed the character of political discourses, political parties, as well as the position of business interests and other lobbies? And, should current developments be regarded as aberration or an enduring shift?

Responding to the rise of China

Much of my current work also considers global relations and policymaking processes and the ways in which these shape the overall character of markets and business strategies. In particular, I look at the shaping and making of policy towards the rise of China in both Europe and the United States. My recent publications have assessed US policy responses to China’s Belt & Road Initiative and the UK’s 2015 decision to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Shifts and changes in US foreign policy trajectories

There is a third strand to my work. US foreign policy now dominates the headlines like never before. All the long-established certainties about alliances, friends and adversaries now not only appear to be in doubt but in jeopardy. Many questions have rightly been asked. Does the US have a clear and consistent strategic trajectory? Are the post-war alliances now beyond repair? And what are the consequences for Europe. Can it turn talk of greater self-reliance into a reality?

Global political economic and political shifts: causes and consequences

My work considers the character of contemporary economic and political shifts and the impact of these upon markets, firms and society more broadly. In particular, I look at two developments. First, I examine the ways in which the rise of populist and nationalist forces are reconfiguring politics and international relations. Are these developments now leading to DEglobalization? What public policy shifts should we expect? How will business interests and labour unions be affected? Is all of this a temporary aberration or an enduring shift? Second, the rise of China as it has become an economic superpower over recent decades has changed the character of labour and consumer markets. I consider the reactions and responses to China’s rise across the west as many governments have turned to securitization and protectionism. There has been immense soul-searching as China has moved into high-tech sectors and responses had shifted backwards and forwards between threats and efforts to secure an accord. Against this background, business strategies have inevitably been uneven and disorderly.  

I have published a substantial number of studies of these trends and provided many media commentaries. I also serve as the Danish head of the MSc Public Management and Social Development programme at the Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research in Huairou (just outside Beijing) and as PhD Coordinator for my department. 

Outside activities

I have no outside employments or activities