Achievements
Contributing to Understanding and Education
Associate Professor Jean Bogais
With a Doctorate of Philosophy (sociology) from Paris-Sorbonne, I bring over 35 years of diverse experience as both an academic and practitioner specialising in international security and violence.
Between 2012 and 2024, I have held the position of Associate Professor of Sociology at The University of Sydney in the School of Social and Political Sciences. My expertise extends internationally, evidenced by my senior non-resident appointments in prominent institutions in Singapore, Bangkok, Berlin, Paris, Geneva, and Washington.
My principal research interests have included the sociology of culture, the sociology of emotions, and international security, with a specific focus on the intersection of terrorism and the environment.

Associate Professor Jean Bogais
With a PhD from Paris-Sorbonne, I bring over 35 years of diverse experience as both an academic and practitioner specialising in violence, particularly political violence.
Since 2012, I have held the position of Associate Professor of Sociology at The University of Sydney in the School of Social and Political Sciences. My expertise extends internationally, evidenced by my senior non-resident appointments in prominent cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Berlin, Paris, Geneva, and Washington.
My principal research interests include the sociology of culture, the sociology of emotions, and international security, with a specific focus on the intersection of terrorism and the environment. By applying a socio-psychological lens, I explore the identities and behaviours of individuals and networks supporting terrorism in environmental contexts.

-
Academic InterestsREAD MORE
-
Understanding the AftermathREAD MORE
-
Addressing Human ErrorREAD MORE
-
Educating Future GenerationsREAD MORE
Academic Interests
International Security
My research and teachings have been focused on violence, international security, systems thinking, and ethics. I have a significant knowledge and experience in the psychology of recruitment by terrorist organisations and have created specialist courses that I – and other specialists – have taught at the highest level of Australian Defence. I also developed courses in international security at the NTU in Singapore.
Teaching and Supervision
I was a founding member of the Centre for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney and delivered courses for 10 years in the School of Social and Political Sciences, and in the Business School.
I served as a member of the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of The University of Sydney between 2016 and 2021. I was an accredited supervisor at Ph.D Level.
Associations (past and present)
- Member of the Sydney Southeast Asia Research Centre.
- Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of The University of Sydney


International Appointments
(past and present)
- Senior Fellow, RSIS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Senior Research Fellow, CPG, Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, Bangkok
- Senior Associate/Advisor, Center for Strategic and International Security (CSIS), Washington D.C., U.S.
- Global Studies Institute, Geneva.
Understanding the Aftermath
The Khmer Rouge regime, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, left an indelible mark on the nation's history. An estimated two million lives were lost during this dark period, characterised by extreme brutality and inhumanity. In the wake of such atrocities, it becomes imperative to delve into the factors that enabled these events, explore the motivations behind them, and reflect on the lessons we can learn to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Investigating the Past
My work, alongside other specialists, has focused on investigating the harrowing events of the Khmer Rouge era. By examining the circumstances that allowed such violence to occur, we aim to shed light on the complexities of human behaviour in times of crisis.
Understanding who was complicit in these actions and why they were allowed to happen is crucial for ensuring accountability and fostering a more just society.
Addressing Human Error
At the DCD Global conference in Singapore, I posed a critical question:
"Are there better ways to deal with human error?"
This inquiry is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where mistakes can have dire consequences.
By analysing human error within the context of international relations and security, we can develop frameworks that minimise risks and enhance decision-making processes.


Educating Future Generations
I recently had the privilege of speaking to high school students at the Alliance Française of Canberra about the pervasive issue of 'Fake News'.
In an age where misinformation can shape public perception and influence actions, it is vital to educate young minds about critical thinking and media literacy.
By empowering the next generation with the tools to discern fact from fiction, we can foster a more informed and resilient society.

New Methodologies in International Security
Recently, I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote address at the Center for Peace and Governance (CPG) at Thammasat University in Bangkok. There, I discussed new deconfliction methodologies in complex violence-related negotiations. In a world rife with conflict, innovative approaches to conflict resolution are essential. By embracing new strategies, we can work towards more effective international security measures that prioritise peace and human rights.
Academic Interests
International Security
My research and teachings have been focused on violence, international security, systems thinking, and ethics. I have a significant knowledge and experience in the psychology of recruitment by terrorist organisations and have created specialist courses that I–and other specialists–have taught at the highest level of Australian Defence. I also developed courses in international security at the NTU in Singapore.
Teaching and Supervision
I was a founding member of the Centre for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney and delivered courses for 10 years in the School of Social and Political Sciences, and in the Business School.
I served as a member of the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of The University of Sydney between 2016 and 2021. I was an accredited supervisor at Ph.D Level.
Associations (past and present)
- Member of the Sydney Southeast Asia Research Centre.
- Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of The University of Sydney
International Appointments (past and present)
- Senior Fellow, RSIS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Senior Research Fellow, CPG, Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, Bangkok
- Senior Associate/Advisor, Center for Strategic and International Security (CSIS), Washington D.C., U.S.
- Global Studies Institute, Geneva.


Understanding the Aftermath
The Khmer Rouge regime, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. An estimated two million lives were lost during this dark period, characterised by extreme brutality and inhumanity. In the wake of such atrocities, it becomes imperative to delve into the factors that enabled these events, explore the motivations behind them, and reflect on the lessons we can learn to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Investigating the Past
My work, alongside other specialists, has focused on investigating the harrowing events of the Khmer Rouge era. By examining the circumstances that allowed such violence to occur, we aim to shed light on the complexities of human behaviour in times of crisis.
Understanding who was complicit in these actions and why they were allowed to happen is crucial for ensuring accountability and fostering a more just society.
Addressing Human Error
At the DCD Global conference in Singapore, I posed a critical question:
“Are there better ways to deal with human error?”
This inquiry is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where mistakes can have dire consequences.
By analysing human error within the context of international relations and security, we can develop frameworks that minimise risks and enhance decision-making processes.

Educating Future Generations
I recently had the privilege of speaking to high school students at the Alliance Française of Canberra about the pervasive issue of ‘Fake News‘.
In an age where misinformation can shape public perception and influence actions, it is vital to educate young minds about critical thinking and media literacy.
By empowering the next generation with the tools to discern fact from fiction, we can foster a more informed and resilient society.

New Methodologies in International Security
Recently, I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote address at the Center for Peace and Governance (CPG) at Thammasat University in Bangkok. There, I discussed new deconfliction methodologies in complex violence-related negotiations. In a world rife with conflict, innovative approaches to conflict resolution are essential. By embracing new strategies, we can work towards more effective international security measures that prioritise peace and human rights.

In The Media
I have had a significant media presence over the years as regular analyst and commentator (especially across Asia) mostly with Chanel News Asia, CNBC, CNN.

Me listen
1 July 2024
Professor Jean Jonathan Bogais has been featured on a podcast discussing the civil war in Myanmar.
LISTEN TO: The fate of the sanctioned Myanmar junta amid a civil war
Channel News Asia
4 February 2021
Channel News Asia interviewed Professor Jean Bogais from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and the Business School about the political situation in Myanmar.

The Australian
12 June 2019
The Australian reported on an ethics course jointly run by the University of Sydney Business School and the Royal Australian Navy, quoting course coordinator Professor Jean Bogais from the Business School.
10 News First
28 January 2019
10 News First quoted Associate Professor Jean Bogais on the huge protests in France and why they are occurring now.