Biography
Dr David E. Kenyon is an interdisciplinary scholar of international relations and security, specialising in urban violence, security policy, and the dynamics of violence and governance. He holds a joint PhD in International Relations from King’s College London and the University of São Paulo.
His research examines the dynamics of urban violence, with a particular focus on Rio de Janeiro. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, his work explores how state and non-state armed actors including drug trafficking organisations and paramilitary groups shape systems of governance, legitimacy, and everyday life in contexts of chronic insecurity. His broader research interests include international security, comparative urban policing, informal governance, illicit economies, and the politics of fear.
David’s work contributes to ongoing debates in international relations, security studies, and social policy. His current research agenda includes projects on the supposed legitimacy of non-state armed actors, police experiences of trauma and fear, and the social policy implications of persistent urban violence.
He is a research affiliate at Escola de Segurança Multidimensional (ESEM-USP) and a Board Member of the Anglo-Brazilian Society, contributing to initiatives that strengthen academic and cultural links between the United Kingdom and Brazil.
Research
- Conflict
- Security
- Urban Violence
Further details
Research
Latin American Security Research Group
The Latin American Security Research Group (LAS) gathers experts working on international relations, defence and security in Latin America.
Centre for Conflict & Health Security
The Centre for Conflict & Health Security is a new cross-faculty centre of excellence to understand the relationships between conflict and security (covering human, national and international perspectives) as a key determinant of health, especially in fragile and conflict affected States.
Features
Another Day of Terror in Rio de Janeiro - is this a new paradigm?
David Kenyon examines the use of deadly force by the police in Rio de Janeiro.
Everyday violence and resistance in Rio de Janeiro
PhD student David Kenyon writes about the lives of ordinary residents caught between the violence of militia groups and police forces.
Research
Latin American Security Research Group
The Latin American Security Research Group (LAS) gathers experts working on international relations, defence and security in Latin America.
Centre for Conflict & Health Security
The Centre for Conflict & Health Security is a new cross-faculty centre of excellence to understand the relationships between conflict and security (covering human, national and international perspectives) as a key determinant of health, especially in fragile and conflict affected States.
Features
Another Day of Terror in Rio de Janeiro - is this a new paradigm?
David Kenyon examines the use of deadly force by the police in Rio de Janeiro.
Everyday violence and resistance in Rio de Janeiro
PhD student David Kenyon writes about the lives of ordinary residents caught between the violence of militia groups and police forces.