Toby is a Professor in the . He is also Kuwait Professor and Director of the Kuwait Programme, Middle East Centre. Toby currently serves as Iraq Research Director for the DFID-funded Conflict Research Programme (CRP). From 2013–18, Toby was Director of the Middle East Centre.
Toby's research concentrates on the evolution of the post-colonial state in the international system. The main focus of this work on the developing world is the state in the Middle East, specifically Iraq:
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The shift from the colonial to the post colonial with the birth and evolution of the state in Iraq.
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The use of coercive diplomacy in the post cold war world.
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How the application of sanctions on Iraq transformed the state, society and the economy.
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The Bush doctrine, the reordering of international relations and intervention in 'rogue' states.
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The causes and consequences of regime change in Iraq.
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The descent of Iraq into civil war.
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The development of American Counter insurgency doctrine and its application to Iraq.