Professor Simon Sweeney
Professor of International Political Economy

Profile

Biography

I joined the School for Business and Society full time in January 2011. I lecture on International Political Economy (IPE), international business, and the international business environment. I was previously at Sheffield Hallam University and at York St John University.  I’ve a long association with York, being a graduate (MA Linguistics and ELT, 1990) and working as an Associate Lecturer in three departments over several years.

In 2019 I was awarded a Senior Fellowship by the HEA/Advance HE. I am a Certified Management and Business Educator (Chartered Association of Business Schools).

In 2006 I won a National Teaching Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (HEA). I have always had a multidisciplinary approach to my work, having taught politics and International Relations, management, teacher training, English Language Teaching, modern foreign languages, European studies, and education studies.

Between 2006-13 I was one of 15 UK Socrates Erasmus Bologna Experts sponsored by the European Commission and the British Council. This involved promoting reform in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). I am the author of European Union in the Global Context (Routledge, 2024); Europe, the State and Globalisation (Longman, 2005; Routledge, 2016) and numerous books in the field of English Language Teaching and Business Communication.

I am the School’s International Students Coordinator and have a career-long interest in student mobility and internationalization.  

I occasionally run half marathons and like listening to the music of Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, and Radiohead.

Subject Group

Work Management and Organisation

Research

Overview

My PhD at the University of Leeds in the School of Politics and International Studiers was on the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The study explored relationships between power, bureaucratic politics, and Grand Strategy.

My main field of research and published work is European security and defence. I am interested in the politics of European Integration and the role of international institutions in the context of contemporary economic globalisation. I also engage in contemporary debate on the future of Europe and European security.

In addition, I research and write about pedagogy (teaching and learning practice) in relation to the student experience and internationalisation of higher education.

Publications

Full publications list

BOOKS and book chapters

• Sweeney, S. (2024) European Union in the Global Context. London: Routledge Taylor & Francis
• Sweeney, S. (2021) ‘European Union Common Security and Defence Policy’ Ch.24 pp.427-55 inHoerber, T, Weber, G, Cabras, I. (eds.) Routledge Handbook of European Integrations. London: Routledge.
• Sweeney, S and Reilly, J. (2021) ‘Erasmus and the Bologna Process: building integrated higher education, training and youth policy’ Ch.5 pp.86-112 in Hoerber, T., Weber, G., Cabras, I.(eds.) Routledge Handbook of European Integrations. London: Routledge.
• Sweeney, S. (2016) Europe, the State and Globalisation. Routledge, re-edition.
• Sweeney, S. (2009) ‘European integration and the construction of purpose: building partnerships for the global good’ Actas del IX Congreso ‘Cultura Europea’ Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, October 2007.
• Sweeney, S. (2007) ‘Globalization, Multiple threats and the weakness of international institutions: a community-based response’ in Clay, C, Madden, M. and Potts L. (Eds) Towards understanding community: People and places. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
• Sweeney, S. (2007) ‘9/11 disorder and the European response: the values of international society’, in Beitter, U. (Ed) Reflections on Europe in Transition. Peter Lang Publishing, New York.
• Sweeney, S. (2005) Europe, the State and Globalisation. Longman, Harlow.

JOURNAL ARTICLES European and international studies

• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2022) ‘Understanding the Ambition in the EU’s Strategic Compass: A Case for Optimism at Last?’ Defence Studies: Journal of Military and Strategic Studies 
• Sweeney, S, and Winn, N. (2021) ‘Do or Die? The UK, the EU and internal/external security cooperation after Brexit’ European Political Science. ECPR/Palgrave Macmillan. Link.   
• Sweeney, S and Winn, N. (2020) ‘EU security and defence cooperation in times of dissent: analysing PESCO, the European Defence Fund and the European Intervention Initiative (EI2) in the shadow of Brexit’ Defence Studies 20(3) 224-249. Link. 
• Sweeney, S. (2019) ‘Europeanisation and the transformation of EU security policy: post-cold war developments in the common security and defence policy’ European Security. Book review. Link. 
• Sweeney, S. (2018) ‘The European Union and EUFOR Althea’s contribution to a dysfunctional peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina: bureaucratic politics, emergent strategy? Journal of Regional Security 13(1) 3-38.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2017) ‘CSDP and the Open Method of Coordination: Developing the EU’s Comprehensive Approach to Security’ Journal of Regional Security. 12(2) 95-121.

HIGHER EDUCATION teaching and learning, and internationalisation

• Fischer, I., Sweeney, S., Lucas, M. and Gupta, N. (2024) Making sense of generative AI for assessments: Contrasting student claims and assessor evaluations. 22 (3) November. International Journal of Management Education. Link. 
• Sweeney, S. (2024) ‘Generative AI changes teaching and learning: how to protect the integrity of assessment’ Active Learning in Political Science (ALPS) @ University College London (UCL). Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘Academic dishonesty, essay mills, and Artificial Intelligence: rethinking assessment strategies’ HEAd’23 19-22 June. Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia. Conference proceedings. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘Who wrote this? Essay mills and assessment – Considerations regarding contract cheating and AI in higher education’ International Journal of Management Education 21(2) Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2022) ‘Combating the Essay Mill: where does responsibility lie?’ Forum Magazine. 50, 22-23. Learning and Teaching Forum, University of York. Link.
• Mollan, S. and Sweeney, S. (2022) ‘Geopolitics and business: implications for management education’. HEAd’22 24 May. Conference Proceedings. 1295-1302. Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia. Link. 
• Sweeney, S. (2021) ‘Revisiting learner-centredness with online provision’ Learning and Teaching Forum Blog University of York Learning and Teaching Forum. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) 'Teaching online in times of COVID-19: a view from within York Management School'. Learning and Teaching Forum Blog University of York Learning and Teaching Forum. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2019) ‘Adapting conventional delivery to cope with large cohorts: turning seminars into workshops and changing assessment’ 5th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd’19) Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia.  Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2018) ‘Student engagement: Key Skills, Social Capital, and Encouraging Learner Contributions to Module Resources’ Journal of Contemporary European Research. 14(3): 253-272. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2016) Engaging international students in content contribution to the teaching and learning process. Innovative Pedagogies York: Higher Education Academy. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2015) ‘Internationalisation and the use of electronic media in teaching and assessment: live webinars and audio feedback, some apparent benefits and drawbacks’ Enhancing e-Learning in the Social Sciences. C-SAP Online Journal. HEA. July. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2012) Going Mobile: Internationalisation, mobility and the European Higher Education Area British Council/European Commission/HEA. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2011) ‘Writing Learning Outcomes in Higher Education’ pp.171-5 in Learning Together: towards enhancing the co-creation of higher education. Aalto University: Helsinki, Finland.
• Sweeney, S. (2010) Bologna Process: responding to the post-2010 challenge Higher Education Academy, York British Council/European Commission/HEA. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2007) ‘Globalisation, economic development and the role of English’ Development Education Journal, June, pp.16-18. Development Education Association, London
• Sweeney, S. (2007) ‘European integration and the construction of purpose: building partnerships for the global good’ at IX Congreso ‘Cultura Europea’ Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona. 23-25 October.
• Sweeney, S. (2005) Work-life balance – the changing perception of adult English teaching in English Teaching Professional, Issue 41, November.
• Sweeney, S. (2007) ‘Globalisation, economic development and the role of English’ Development Education Journal 13.3, June.
• Sweeney, S. (2006) ‘Culture of International English’, English Teaching Professional, Issue 47, November.
• Sweeney, S. (2006) ‘Authentic materials: how to achieve a sense of authenticity in a course book’, Business English Special Interest Group Newsletter, IATEFL. Summer. 

Conference papers (Teaching and Learning)

• Sweeney, S. and Liu, X. (2024) Assessment challenges: traditional essays, reflective statements, and Generative AI. 9 September. CEGBI Annual Conference: Teaching and Learning, University of York.
• Sweeney, S. (2024) Making sense of chatbots, assessment and sensemaking: the AI-driven transformation of Higher Education. 20 May. Politics CPD. University of Sheffield.
• Sweeney, S. (2024) Making sense of chatbots, assessment and sensemaking: the AI-driven transformation of Higher Education. Online Dialogue, 24 January. Faculty of Social Sciences. University of York. 
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘Navigating the AI-driven digital transformation of Higher Education’ 26 September. Keynote speaker. Online Colloquium Online Education Dialogue, Tsinghua University.
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘Assessment and the challenge from artificial intelligence and contract cheating in higher education’. Advance HE: Teaching and Learning Conference 2023: Teaching in the spotlight: Shaping the future of teaching in HE. 4-6 July. Keele University.
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘Academic dishonesty, essay mills, Artificial Intelligence: rethinking assessment strategies’, CEGBI Annual Conference – Teaching and Learning track. 3 July, University of York.
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘Academic dishonesty, essay mills, and Artificial Intelligence: rethinking assessment strategies’. HEAd’23 19-22 June. Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia.
• Mollan, S. and Sweeney, S. (2022) ‘Geopolitics and business: implications for management education’. HEAd’22 23 May. Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia.
• Sweeney, S. (2022) ‘Combating the essay mill: designing assignment briefs and formative assessment strategies – with mixed results’ CABS LTSE Annual Conference Belfast. 25 May.
• Sweeney, S. (2022) Three decades of student mobility: Promoting the benefits of study abroad, student mobility, and work placements. Conference Keynote invited speaker: BUTEX Annual Conference. 7 April, University of York.
• Sweeney, S. (2021) ‘Cultural capital and management studies: engaging learners' lived experience in distance learning programmes’ CABS LTSE Annual Conference Online. 29-30 June.
• Sweeney, S. (2019) ‘Adapting conventional delivery to cope with large cohorts: turning seminars into workshops and changing assessment’ 5th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd’19) Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia.
• Sweeney, S. (2018) ‘Adapting conventional delivery to cope with large cohorts: turning seminars into workshops’ International MOBTS Conference, Maynooth, New University of Ireland 29 June 2018.
• Sweeney, S. (2018) ‘Mental health and well-being: Protecting students in times of anxiety’ PSA Annual Conference, Teaching and Learning: Cardiff, 26-8 March.

Conference papers (European and International Studies)

• Celik, B., Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2025) The EU response to migration from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Charting the waters between security and legitimacy. Online. BISA SWG. 17 January. University of Plymouth.
• Sweeney, S. (2024) European order and global politics: from values to geopolitics. 4 October. Juntendo University, Tokyo.
• Sweeney, S. (2024) The EU response to migration from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Charting the waters between security and legitimacy. 4-6 June. BISA ESWG at BISA Annual Conference. Birmingham.
• Sweeney, S. (2024) Bringing the UK back into EU foreign and security policy and upscaling Germany’s defence ambition: how the European pillar in NATO can deliver European defence autonomy. UACES SECEUR Working Group. 31 May. University of Surrey, Guildford.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2023) EU-UK Relations and the NATO Commitment: How Might CSDP and PESCO Attract London’s Attention? UACES Annual Conference Belfast 3-6 September.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2023) ‘The MENA migration crisis: mixed messages in the EU’s AFSJ/CSDP response’ BISA Annual Conference. Glasgow. 21-23 June.
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘The MENA migration crisis: mixed messages in the EU’s AFSJ and CSDP responses’ BISA Security Working Group, 20 January UCC, Cork.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2022) ‘Rhetoric and (un)reality – does the Strategic Compass point to strategic autonomy?’ BISA Annual Conference 15-17 June Newcastle.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2022) ‘NATO and CSDP Post-Brexit: Why the EU needs to step-up in NATO and bring the UK into CSDP’ BISA Annual Conference 15-17 June Newcastle.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2022) ‘Failure to Launch? Prospects for an EU Defence Policy and the Need for European Strategic Autonomy’ BISA SWG online 21 January.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2021) ‘Understanding the Ambition: What is the Strategic Compass about, what should it be about?’ BISA SWG, online 18 February.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) ‘CSDP Mediterranean operations: Is the EU’s 'Comprehensive Approach' in Deep Water?’ BISA SWG/UACES Annual Conference, online 10 July.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2020) Critiquing the effectiveness of EU NAVFOR MED Sophia - an example of the Comprehensive Approach to security? BISA SWG, Birmingham City University, 16-17 January.

THINKTANK commentary articles

• Sweeney, S. (2024) A challenge for Keir Starmer: to reset Britain’s security and defence relationship with the EU. Blog 22 July. Dublin City University: The Brexit Institute. Link. 
• Sweeney, S. (2024) European NATO: Common interests should drive security and defence integration. Commentary 11 March. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link. 
• Sweeney, S. (2023) ‘Updating the Integrated Review: an opportunity to deepen defence cooperation with Europe’. 8 March. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2022) ‘The Nuclear threat hanging over the Russia-Ukraine War, and the world’. 30 June. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link. 
• Sweeney, S (Contributing author, 2022) ‘The Long Read: The Russian Invasion of Ukraine’. 26 March. The Long Read. 26 March. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2022) ‘Western policy failures have facilitated Russia’s terror campaign’ Commentary 9 March. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2022) Has NATO and EU expansion provoked the conflict in Ukraine?’ Commentary 2 March. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2021) ‘Geopolitical rivalry fuels tensions across the Western Balkans’ Centre for International Security, Belgrade. Blog. 17 December. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2021) ‘Security and Defence: The Afghanistan Disaster and the Importance of an EU-UK partnership’ Commentary 31 August. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2021) ‘Believe in Britain: the simple message that won Brexit still works wonders for Boris Johnson’ 22 March. DCU Brexit Institute. Dublin City University. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2021) ‘Integrated Review: what does the future hold for UK defence?’ Commentary 17 March. KCK: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. and Winn, N. (2021) ‘Without a strong strategic partnership, Brexit will undermine EU and UK security’ ECPR Blog The Loop, 21 January. European Consortium for Political Research. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) ‘Why the EU avoided the cliff edge Brexit that many had feared’ 27 December. DCU Brexit Institute Dublin City University. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) ‘An inevitable failure of statecraft: the culture clash that is Brexit’ Commentary 11 December. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) 'The letter that Lord David Frost, the UK's Brexit negotiator, will not address to the British public' 3 December. DCU Brexit Institute Dublin City University. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) ‘Brexit, the US elections, and Covid-19: no hiding place for the UK government’ Commentary 6 November. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) ‘Deal or No Deal? EU-UK negotiations have hit the wall, but the end is not in sight’ Blog. 18 October. Dublin: DCU Brexit Institute, Dublin City University. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2020) ‘The internal security implications of Brexit’ Commentary 12 February KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.
• Sweeney, S. (2019) ‘Security, defence and Brexit: shared collateral damage for the UK and the EU’ Commentary 2 December. KCL: UK in a Changing Europe. Link.

External activities

Memberships

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy/Advance HE
• Associate consultant to Higher Education Academy/Advance HE
• Member of the University Association of Contemporary European Studies
• Member of the British International Studies Association
• Member of the Political Studies Association
• Member of British Academy of Management
• 2006-2013 Member of British Council-appointed UK Committee of Bologna Experts, supported by the European Commission. The Bologna Process supports the European Higher Education Area and is backed by 47 signatory states and the European Commission.

Teaching

Postgraduate

I teach mainly on postgraduate programmes in International Business and Strategic Management, especially International Political Economy and International Business. I also contribute to M-level online programmes, teaching strategy, and a module on the international business environment which explores trade, governance, and the role of international organisations. 

I have a strong interest in supervision, especially in supporting students on work placements, and visiting students who come to York through our international partnerships with universities around the world.