
Dr Christopher Holmes
Associate Dean (Doctoral Studies), Interim
- Senior Lecturer in International Political Economy
Currently on sabbatical until January 2024
Research interests
- Economics
- Politics
- Policy
Biography
Christopher Holmes was recently awarded funding by Friends Provident Foundation and Barrow Cadbury Trust to run a deliberative democracy project on economic policy in the UK: The Citizens’ Economic Council on the Cost of Living. The project takes place in spring 2023 and you can find out more at the project website and via the project twitter account.
Christopher joined King’s in July 2016 having previously held lectureships at the University of Warwick and the University of Southampton. He received his PhD from the University of Warwick in 2010.
Research
Christopher researches on various aspects of political economy in national and international contexts, all united by a fundamental interest in the role of economic ideas in public debate and policy processes. This includes interests in:
- The relationship between democracy and capitalism
- The political economy of finance and money
- The history of economic ideas
- Applications of the thought of Karl Polanyi
- Alternatives to GDP in policy-making
He has published extensively on contemporary applications of the thought of Karl Polanyi. He also publishes on issues in monetary and financial regulation, environmental governance, the history of economic ideas and various other topics.
He was awarded a Leverhulme Research Fellowship for the 2014-15 academic year, which funded research pertaining to a subsequent research monograph . The book situates various strands of post-2008 economic populism in the context of long-run change in the history of ideas (reviews here and here).
Teaching
Christopher Holmes has taught a wide variety of modules on finance, money, economic thought and international political economy in general. He currently teaches Introduction to International Economics modules for first-year undergraduate students.
Office hours
Christopher is on research leave from January 2023 to January 2024.
PhD Supervisions
Christopher is happy to consider enquiries from PhD applicants looking to work in any areas related to his research interests.
Expertise and public engagement
Christopher is happy to discuss on issues in British and European political economy, particularly relating to finance and regulation.
Research

The International Political Economy Research Group
International Political Economy research group focuses on the examination of contemporary socioeconomic and political dynamics of crisis and limitations of European and global order.
News
Panel examines what lies ahead for prime minister at special event
Rishi Sunak’s fledgling premiership was in the spotlight at special panel event hosted by the Department of European and International Studies.

New project will give citizens a say on major economic issues
A new project launched by a King’s College London academic will give citizens a say on the big economic issues affecting the UK.

Success for school staff at annual awards
A member of the student experience team in the School of Politics and Economics (SPE) was among the winners at this year’s King’s Education Awards.
Doctorate was no ordinary challenge for Charles
Completing a PhD is no ordinary undertaking, even during the best of times.

Agnieszka looking at pathway to better policy after PhD pass
King’s student Agnieszka Widuto hopes the insights gained during her PhD research will help shape more effective policymaking in the future.

Events

Back on Track or Off the Rails? British Politics under Rishi Sunak
Has Rishi Sunak managed to navigate British politics through choppy waters or is there more turmoil to come in the next 12 months?
Please note: this event has passed.
Research

The International Political Economy Research Group
International Political Economy research group focuses on the examination of contemporary socioeconomic and political dynamics of crisis and limitations of European and global order.
News
Panel examines what lies ahead for prime minister at special event
Rishi Sunak’s fledgling premiership was in the spotlight at special panel event hosted by the Department of European and International Studies.

New project will give citizens a say on major economic issues
A new project launched by a King’s College London academic will give citizens a say on the big economic issues affecting the UK.

Success for school staff at annual awards
A member of the student experience team in the School of Politics and Economics (SPE) was among the winners at this year’s King’s Education Awards.
Doctorate was no ordinary challenge for Charles
Completing a PhD is no ordinary undertaking, even during the best of times.

Agnieszka looking at pathway to better policy after PhD pass
King’s student Agnieszka Widuto hopes the insights gained during her PhD research will help shape more effective policymaking in the future.

Events

Back on Track or Off the Rails? British Politics under Rishi Sunak
Has Rishi Sunak managed to navigate British politics through choppy waters or is there more turmoil to come in the next 12 months?
Please note: this event has passed.