Timothy J. Lynch

Professor of American Politics at the University of Melbourne

Parkville, Victoria, Australia

About

Timothy J. Lynch is professor of American politics and co-chair of the political science discipline at the University of Melbourne, Australia’s top-ranked university. Tim is one of the most widely read academic commentators in Australia. A columnist for The Australian newspaper (since 2023), his work has attracted millions of readers. An award-winning and best-selling author, his latest book, In the Shadow of the Cold War (CUP), has been called ‘a cogent, graceful, provocative account’ of American foreign policy from George Bush Sr. to Donald Trump. His books examine American power and prospects. Tim offers clear, incisive analysis of Donald Trump’s disruptive impact on global politics and economics. Tim brings a unique perspective shaped by years living in the United States. In 2022, he was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Wyoming (in the nation’s reddest state) deepening his understanding of America beyond the coastal narrative. His research and commentary challenge conventional wisdom, offering Australians a nuanced view of U.S. political development – and a hopeful outlook for America’s future. Tim is a regular speaker at the Australian Defence College, Canberra. He is the editor of the two-volume Oxford Encyclopedia of American Military and Diplomatic History. In 2016, he graduated from the Oxford Strategic Leadership Program at the Said Business School. Tim is a celebrated teacher and academic leader. He has developed some of the university’s most popular courses and co-created the sold-out, decade-long, 10 Great Books Masterclass, the most successful community education program in the institution’s history. A student of the Northern Ireland Troubles, Tim wrote his PhD (and first book, Turf War) on the Irish peace process. He interviewed the central players in that drama while based for three years in Dublin. This experience was crucial in shaping his grasp of power and diplomacy. He has worked with senior diplomats across his career. A dynamic and provocative public speaker, Tim has addressed boardrooms, investor forums, tech companies, and professional associations across Australia and the U.S. Twice a Fulbright scholar, Tim holds a PhD in political science from Boston College, USA. Born in Warwickshire and raised in Leicestershire, he is a citizen of Australia and Great Britain.

Experience

  • University of Melbourne (15 yrs 7 mos)
    • Professor of American Politics
      Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos

    • Co-chair political science discipline
      Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    • Associate Dean (International)
      Jan 2020 - Dec 2023 · 4 yrs

  • Fulbright Scholar at University of Wyoming
    Jul 2022 - Feb 2023 · 8 mos

    Milward L. Simpson Visiting Fulbright Professor at the University of Wyoming, researching ‘red state foreign policy.’

  • Visiting Professor at Renmin University of China
    Sep 2018 - Sep 2018 · 1 mo

  • Senior Lecturer at School of Advanced Study, University of London
    2005 - 2010 · 5 yrs

  • Lecturer in American Politics at University of Leicester
    2003 - 2005 · 2 yrs