Sam Bither Email & Phone Number

I recently completed my MPhil in International Relations as a member of Kellogg College. Originally from New York City, I received my B.A in International Relations from Pomona College, where I studied Middle Eastern affairs and environmental politics. My undergraduate thesis, which was awarded the Cordell Hull Prize by the Pomona IR faculty, explored the effort to fund and construct large-scale hydroelectric dams in developing countries despite structural flaws and environmental risks.At Oxford, my research focused on the institutional choice of small states in global climate governance. I remain particularly interested in climate contestation processes and mechanisms, and the ongoing effort to extend global climate governance into other realms of global politics outside of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As part of this research, I interned at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, where I assisted Tribunal staff in preparing for Case 31: Request for an Advisory Opinion Submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law.In the following academic year, I will be a 2024-2025 Fulbright Student Researcher based in the Azores islands. My Fulbright research will include an ethnographic study of local fishing communities and an analysis of the challenges faced by autonomous regions like the Azores in accessing climate finance and participating in global climate governance.My research interests include: Global Environmental Governance; Small States in International Relations; International Cooperation and Institutions; Maritime Security; Ocean Governance; Sub-National Autonomous Regions and Substate Diplomacy.I welcome any inquiries about my research or work opportunities in the fields of ocean governance, sustainable finance/development, and international environmental affairs.

Listed skills include Research, Microsoft Office, and Public Speaking.