Because of his European location, he also developed a strong interest in Russia and the geopolitical tensions surrounding Eastern Europe. Having previously served in the British Armed Forces, he took a particular interest in the legacy of Soviet strategic thinking and its interaction with Western approaches to international law and security.

Considering these national identities and geopolitical tensions, he began to develop a deeper interest in global instability more broadly, particularly due to his personal experience travelling through regions of Africa and witnessing the unrest and consistent instability in parts of the continent. His biggest concern is the political unrest in Sudan.