Steven Wheatley

Steven Wheatley is Professor of International Law at the University of Lancaster. His recent work has focused on the implications of complexity theory for the study of international law, and he has just published The Idea of Human Rightswith Oxford University Press (2019), which examines the subject through the lens of complexity theory. Steven retains a long-standing interest in the relationship between international law and the theory and practice of democracy, including Democracy, Minorities and International Law(2005) and The Democratic Legitimacy of International Law(2010). He is presently examining the ways that international law regulates the place of outsiders in democratic politics, including the legality of outside states looking to influence the outcome of elections.

He is interested in the theory and practice of human rights and have just completed a book on "The Idea of Human Rights" that examines the issue through the lens of complexity theory.

He retains an interest in the democracy within and beyond the state and the notion of authority when applied to other minority communities, including ethno-cultural groups and indigenous peoples.

Before coming to Lancaster, he was Professor of International Law at the University of Leeds. He has also worked at the Universities of Liverpool, UWE, Bristol, and Central Lancashire.