Dr Christopher Fuller

Dr Chris Fuller teaches modules related to the modern and contemporary United States, with a particular focus upon foreign policy. In addition, he lectures on themes of terrorism and counterterrorism, technology and security, and concepts of American empire and the Pax Americana. The historical roots of the War on Terror and its short, medium, and long-term consequences are an area of particular interest, as is the emergence of cyberspace and its role in shaping the late-twentieth century and early twenty-first.

In terms of teaching approach, Dr Fuller is dedicated to the development of transferable skills, in particular those which relate to different methods of communication and effecting change, such as writing policy briefs, recording podcasts and video essays, data visualisation, and public engagement, and is working toward incorporating the development of such skills into the curriculum of the modules he teaches. He also integrates roleplays and similar activities into his teaching as alternative forms of revision and applied learning. Finally, Dr Fuller is a firm supporter of the approach of ‘applied history’ – the active use of history to inform contemporary decision making, especially in the realm of foreign policy, and champions this disciplinary approach with his students.

Dr Chris Fuller completed his degree in History at Cardiff University in 2000, before progressing to complete a PGCE in History and teaching A-level History and Ancient History for seven years. He then moved into outreach work for the University of Southampton, where he created the Learn with US programme, which focuses upon the development of skills to aid sixth formers make the transition to higher education, in particular through supporting schools and colleges in the delivery of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). He completed his Masters and PhD part-time alongside this role, and joined Southampton’s History department as a lecturer in 2014 upon completion of his doctorate, but maintains a keen interest in working with schools and colleges.

Since being a member of the department, Dr Fuller has served as the Head of Admissions, recreating the Re-sourcing History programme, as well as developing numerous new modules at undergraduate and masters level focused upon contemporary history and security themes. He has also developed close links between the History department and the university’s Web Science programme, supervising three PhD students from this field. In addition, he has established a joint scholarship with the Imperial War Museum, exploring digital resources related to the ISIS terrorist organisation and British military engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya.

Dr Fuller’s research and publications focus upon contemporary security and technology issues, from counterterrorism methods to drone warfare, to conflict in cyberspace. In addition, he has featured in numerous documentaries, and provided policy guidance to organisations such as the United Nations and US Congress.