Robert Potter is a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University. His research interests include international security theory, Australian foreign policy, international norms, managing relationships in a changing security environment and human rights. Potter has been investigating how international security theory can be developed for specific use by middle powers. He is presently studying how security theory can be applied to the changing Asia-Pacific security environment. Previous published work by Potter has focused on how states cluster to alter or resist contemporary international norms. His specialisation in this area focused on exploring the works of Fukuyama and Huntington and developing common ground with complex interdependence theory as developed by Nye and Keohane.

Potter previously worked for various Government Ministers in Australia. He has also taught security and history of the Middle East. He received a Bachelor of International Studies and a MA (International Relations) from Flinders University.