Dr. Ian Paterson

Biography

Ian Paterson joined the School of Social and Political Sciences in September 2018 and currently works as a Senior Lecturer in International Relations. He holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Glasgow (2018), an MSc in International Relations from the same institution (2014), and an MA (Hons) in History and Politics from the University of Dundee (2013). Previously, he taught at the University of Strathclyde and the University of the West of Scotland. His main research and teaching interests lie in the areas of international security studies and security theory, with a specialized focus on securitization, ontological security, and migration politics. He explores theoretical and methodological developments in securitization theory, proposing extensions that typically involve qualitative evaluations. Paterson's work aims to unpack the role of non-traditional security actors, such as religious elites and NGOs, in the process of (de)securitization and the broader attempts to contest security narratives. He also examines migration politics, particularly how migration is constructed as a threat and the drivers of immigration attitudes. Empirically, his work concentrates on Scottish politics, including devolved policy areas and Scottish foreign policy.

Research Interests

Experience