Dr. Anna Powles

Anna Powles is an Associate Professor with the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand. Her research, publications and policy engagement focus on Pacific diplomacy, geopolitics, defence and security; New Zealand foreign and defence policy; and the global privatisation of security.  In 2025 she was awarded the University Research Medal for Exceptional Research Citizenship (Whaowhia Ngā Kete o Te Wānanga) and was the recipient of the New Zealand Women in Security Award (2025). She is a co-founder of the Research Network on Pacific Defence and Security; and sits on the Steering Committee of The Pacific Dialogue, a Track II geopolitics and security mechanism hosted by the University of the South Pacific. She is a Visiting Fellow at the Pacific Regional Security Hub, University of Canterbury, a non-resident fellow at the National Bureau for Asian Research, and an expert associate of the National Security College in Canberra.  Her work has appeared in journals including International Affairs, Asia Policy, Australian Journal of International Affairs, Georgetown Journal of Asian Affairs; she has co-edited two books, as well as authored multiple book chapters, commentary pieces and policy reports. Powles previously worked in complex humanitarian emergencies and security sector reform, including with the United Nations, Norwegian Refugee Council, and International Crisis Group.

Email contact: a.r.powles@massey.ac.nz