Dr. Jonathan Benney

Biography

Jonathan Benney is a Lecturer in Chinese Studies at Monash University. He has held various academic positions, including roles at Macquarie University and the University of Oklahoma as a postdoctoral fellow. His research focuses on political communication in modern China, with a particular emphasis on political campaigns, new media, visual culture, and design processes. He studies the development of the concept of rights in China and how rights are used in conflict resolution. Benney received his PhD from the University of Melbourne in 2010, and his notable work includes the monograph "Defending Rights in Contemporary China," published by Routledge in 2013. He actively engages in teaching, coordinating several introductory Chinese courses and Honours programs. Benney also collaborates with secondary schools through outreach programs. He is involved in various academic committees and has served as an associate editor for the Asian Studies Review. His research interests include the intersection of education and activism, particularly in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Benney welcomes inquiries from prospective postgraduate students.

Research Interests

Courses