Yuan Yi Zhu – The Scholar Bridging International Law, Politics, and Public Debate
Who Is Yuan Yi Zhu?
Yuan Yi Zhu is a British-Canadian academic, political adviser, and writer who has built a distinctive reputation at the intersection of international relations, law, and public affairs. Known for his sharp intellect and eloquent prose, Dr Zhu has become a recognisable voice in both academic and policy circles. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of International Relations and International Law at Leiden University in the Netherlands, while maintaining active ties with the University of Oxford and several think tanks.
Dr Zhu’s professional journey embodies a rare blend of scholarly rigour, public engagement, and political experience — a combination that has allowed him to influence conversations across continents. From lecturing at world-class universities to advising policymakers in Canada and the United Kingdom, his career offers a fascinating portrait of an internationalist thinker shaped by multiple traditions and disciplines.
Academic Background and Early Achievements
Yuan Yi Zhu’s Education and Intellectual Formation
Born in April 1993, Yuan Yi Zhu demonstrated academic excellence from an early age. He studied Political Science and History at McGill University, graduating with First-Class Joint Honours and earning accolades such as the Allen Oliver Fellowship, the Moyse Scholarship, and the Cherry and Donner Prizes. His outstanding performance placed him at the top of his department.
Continuing his academic path, Zhu completed a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in International Relations and Politics at the University of Cambridge, where he graduated with Distinction and received the Gabrielle Sacconaghi Bacon Scholarship in International Relations.
He then pursued his Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.) in International Relations at the University of Oxford, supported by the Nuffield–DPIR Studentship and an SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship. His doctoral research focused on the theories and practices of sovereignty in Republican China (1911–1943) — an ambitious project that merged international law, political history, and Chinese statecraft.
Professional Experience and Academic Career
Leiden University and International Scholarship
Dr Zhu joined Leiden University as Assistant Professor of International Relations and International Law in 2022. His research explores the history of international order, sovereignty, public law, and the intersection of politics and legal theory. Within academia, he is recognised for bridging historical and contemporary debates on how legal norms shape global power structures.
Alongside his Leiden appointment, he remains affiliated with Nuffield College, Oxford, as an academic associate and with the University of British Columbia as a research fellow.
Oxford, Stanford, and Harris Manchester
Before Leiden, Zhu tutored International Relations and Politics for Oxford’s renowned PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) students across several colleges, including Pembroke and Harris Manchester. He also taught for Stanford University’s Oxford Programme, designing an original course in 2018 that introduced undergraduates to the intellectual history of global politics.
His Oxford teaching career, now approaching eight years, has influenced a generation of future diplomats, lawyers, and scholars.
Policy and Advisory Roles
Yuan Yi Zhu’s expertise extends beyond academia. From 2023 to 2024, he served as a Senior Policy Adviser in the House of Commons of Canada, working on legislative and policy matters of national importance. Earlier in 2024, he became a Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange, one of the United Kingdom’s most influential think tanks, contributing to debates on law, governance, and international policy.
His ability to navigate both academic research and political advising gives his commentary a uniquely grounded authority — one that bridges theory and real-world application.
Yuan Yi Zhu’s Writing and Media Presence
Contributions to Journalism
As a prolific writer, Dr Yuan Yi Zhu has contributed to prestigious outlets such as The Times (London) and The Spectator, offering thoughtful commentary on law, politics, and society. His essays often blend academic insight with public accessibility, addressing topics ranging from constitutional law and international relations to ethical questions in governance.
One of his most discussed essays was his critique of legalised assisted suicide and euthanasia, delivered at the Why Assisted Suicide Harms Us All conference in 2025. His talk, later summarised by the Life Institute, described the “slippery slope” as a “cliff edge”, arguing that once the “right to die” is legally entrenched, the scope of the law inevitably expands.
Yuan Yi Zhu on Twitter (X) and Bluesky
On social media, Yuan Yi Zhu is widely followed for his incisive wit and balanced political insight. His account, @yuanyi_z, has attracted over 70,000 followers since joining in 2014. His bio describes him as “Assistant prof of international relations and int law; former political adviser; book reviewer; all views personal.” He often comments on academic life, British and Canadian politics, and contemporary cultural debates — sometimes with a touch of dry humour.
Zhu is also active on Bluesky, under the handle @yuanyiz.bsky.social, where he continues similar discussions in a more reflective, long-form tone.
Yuan Yi Zhu and Jolyon Maugham: The Review That Sparked Debate
In 2023, Yuan Yi Zhu drew attention for his review of Jolyon Maugham’s book Bringing Down Goliath in The Times. Zhu’s assessment was scathing, describing the work as “pompous bloviating by a Twitter KC.” The review quickly circulated online, prompting Maugham to respond publicly on social media, accusing Zhu of bias.
The exchange encapsulated Zhu’s fearless approach to commentary: unflinching in critique, intellectually grounded, and unafraid to challenge powerful figures. It also cemented his reputation as one of the UK’s most articulate legal-political commentators.
Dr Yuan Yi Zhu’s Research Interests and Contributions
Focus Areas in International Law and Politics
Dr Zhu’s research weaves together international law, sovereignty, historical international relations, and constitutional theory. His scholarship examines how the rules and structures of international order evolve — and how non-Western political traditions interact with Western legal norms.
His ongoing projects include:
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A forthcoming book on the legal rules governing the extinction of states, a subject combining legal theory and political history.
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Studies of “decoupling” in international relations — the ways in which states disengage from global systems.
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Analyses of how sovereignty norms extend into cyberspace, reflecting the modern complexities of digital power.
Teaching and Mentorship
At Leiden and Oxford, Dr Zhu supervises students in historical international relations, international law, and Chinese foreign policy. He encourages interdisciplinary thinking and often reminds students that the line between political theory and law is far more porous than textbooks suggest.
Yuan Yi Zhu on Wikipedia and Public Recognition
While there is no standalone English-language Wikipedia page devoted to him yet, his work is cited across several Wikipedia articles — particularly in sections referencing The Times, The Spectator, and The Critic reviews. He appears in entries discussing British politics, law, and book criticism.
Given his growing influence in public debate and academia, it is likely only a matter of time before a dedicated Wikipedia profile appears.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Public records indicate that Dr Yuan Yi Zhu was born in April 1993, making him 32 years old. Although his academic and policy work dominate his public profile, occasional remarks on social media — such as light-hearted mentions of his wife — offer a glimpse of warmth and humour behind his scholarly exterior.
His voice on Twitter is a blend of erudition and levity. A viral tweet in 2025, in which he joked about his wife’s reaction to a “Hittite Steel” reference, showed the human side of an otherwise serious academic — reinforcing why so many followers appreciate his balance of intellect and personality.
Legacy and Influence
In an era when the divide between academia and public life often seems insurmountable, Yuan Yi Zhu stands out as a scholar who moves effortlessly between both worlds. He writes with clarity for general audiences while maintaining the methodological discipline of a researcher. His lectures, essays, and media appearances reveal a thinker committed to preserving intellectual seriousness in public discourse.
Whether analysing the transformation of international law, reviewing books that challenge political orthodoxy, or offering policy advice in national legislatures, Dr Zhu exemplifies what it means to be both a scholar and a citizen of the world.
Final Thoughts
Yuan Yi Zhu represents a new generation of public intellectuals: deeply grounded in scholarship, globally engaged, and unafraid of controversy. His academic contributions continue to shape debates on sovereignty and international order, while his writing influences policymakers and the public alike.
At only 32 years of age, he has already built an international profile that bridges continents, disciplines, and audiences — making Dr Yuan Yi Zhu one of the most intriguing figures in modern academia and political commentary today.
