Chris is a PhD candidate in the Department of War Studies. After completing a BA in the department, and subsequently obtaining his PGDL and LPC, Chris trained, qualified and practised as a solicitor, specialising in corporate finance and working in a leading international law firm. Chris completed an MA in International Peace and Security in the department in 2022.

Since March 2022 Chris has been co-leading an independent UK-based group supplying trucks, drones, medical supplies and other non-lethal tactical equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces.

Chris is a member of the War Crimes Research Group.

Research Interests: 

• Mobilisation
• Defence technology in Ukraine
• Civil-military relations in Ukraine
• International humanitarian law
• Civilians directly participating in hostilities

Thesis Title: 

Society-led mobilisation: civilian participation in the defence of Ukraine 

Thesis Abstract: 

Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Ukrainian society and civilians have contributed materially to the defence of the country, participating in the state’s mobilisational initiatives but also self-mobilising, outside of this state framework, to support Ukraine’s defence directly, effectively and at scale.

Historically and normatively, forms of mobilisation have been organised, funded and controlled by the state. Societal mobilisation has largely been confined to participation in such state-led initiatives, for example military conscription. In Ukraine, in contrast, strong levels of social capital, national identity and societal agency have provided the motivation, and close civil-military relations, institutional flexibility and technological advancements have provided the means, in each case for society and civilians to participate more directly in armed conflict.

This study collects qualitative data on the scope, scale and effectiveness of such contributions, as well as exploring the ways in which society and the state have been co-operating to leverage volunteerism. It addresses the central question of the significance and novelty, historically and normatively, of societal mobilisation and civilian direct participation in support of Ukraine’s self-defence against Russian aggression.

Supervisors: 

• Professor James Gow
• Dr Jade McGlynn