Prof. Astrid H. M. Nordin

Professor Astrid Nordin holds the Lau Chair of Chinese International Relations in the Lau China Institute, King’s College London. She has a background in journalism, and significant global experience contributing media commentary, policy advice, and public speaking.

Astrid’s research draws on Chinese sources, traditions, and cultural phenomena, to understand current Chinese affairs, as well as broader questions about China’s role in future world relations. She has published dozens of academic articles and several books, including China’s International Relations and Harmonious World (2016). She has authored articles in non-academic outlets such as the New Statesman, and regularly contributes expert commentary to outlets such as the BBC, ABC Australia, South China Morning Post, and France 24.

Before joining King’s College London in 2021, Astrid was Professor of World Politics and Founding Director of Lancaster University China Centre. She has significant experience developing institutional partnerships with Chinese institutions, setting up and leading academic organizations, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects across humanities and the social and natural sciences. She has studied at Peking University, Jilin University, City University Hong Kong, the University of Warwick, and holds a PhD from the University of Manchester. Her working languages include English, Swedish, Chinese, French, Spanish, Norwegian and Danish.

Sub-specialities:

Professor Astrid Nordin is an expert on China's politics and foreign relations.

Astrid’s research develops critical conceptual tools that draw on Chinese and other global traditions of thought, and uses these to understand global challenges as they relate to China’s growing global role - from the Belt and Road Initiative, through sustainable cities, to practices of censorship and resistance. She is especially interested in how Chinese political rhetoric and identity is shaped in relation to 'Western' identities, politics, and concepts, and its great power competition with the US. As such, her research deals with nationalism, racism, and identity politics in relation to China and its relations with the world. Astrid has also done research on the use of Chinese traditional concepts in current political rhetoric; on the role of emotions, friendship, and harmony in China's foreign policy; and on contemporary Chinese online governance.

Beyond these specific research interests, she is happy to provide general media commentary on Chinese current affairs and foreign relations, especially in relation to Europe and the United States.