James Manicom, Background

James Manicom joined CIGI as a research fellow in August 2012. He is an expert in East Asia, the Arctic and global security, with a specialty in maritime issues. James holds a B.A. in international relations from Mount Allison University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in international relations from Flinders University in Australia.

An interest in military history contributed to James’ focus on global politics and security. During his undergraduate studies, he shifted from history to a contemporary study and analysis of international relations, war, peace and stability. While living in China in 2002 and in Australia from 2004 to 2009, James became interested in modern Asian history and security issues, leading to a specialization in Asia Pacific maritime issues. James first became aware of CIGI at the 2009 International Studies Association conference in New York City. After exploring CIGI publications, he began to consider his previous and ongoing work from the perspective of global governance rather than state-centric analysis.

Prior to joining CIGI, James studied in Tokyo at the Ocean Policy Research Foundation through a Japan Foundation fellowship. He also taught international relations at the Canadian Forces College, where he still teaches occasionally, and Flinders University. He held a SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada) post-doctoral fellowship at the Balsillie School of International Affairs and remains affiliated with the Asian Institute in the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. James continues to serve as a member of the executive of the Toronto Branch of the Canadian International Council.

James’ current research focuses on ocean governance and China; it explores the country’s changing interaction with the rules and institutions that govern international behaviour at sea. At CIGI, James is contributing to the development of the global security program and working on research projects that explore Arctic governance and East Asian security.

James currently lives with his wife in Toronto, where he enjoys exploring new foods and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.