Non-Resident Fellow
Indo-Pacific Studies Center
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Hello, I am Dr. Rogelio Leal
Political Scientist & Confucian Enthusiast
I study how ideas shape the political order—focusing on how Confucian and Chinese philosophical traditions continue to inform contemporary political thought and international relations in China and the broader Indo-Pacific.
My research examines the intersection of moral philosophy, cultural tradition, and practical governance. In particular, I explore how ethical and philosophical frameworks can contribute to more balanced and responsible approaches to political authority, leadership, and international affairs in the contemporary world.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
- PhD, Political Science and China Studies
King’s College London and the National University of Singapore
- MSc (1), Mathematical Models in Economics and Finance
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
- MA, International Studies (emphasis Public Administration)
Lindenwood University
- BSc, Political Science (minor Criminal Justice)
Lindenwood University
RESEARCH INTERESTS
RESEARCH INTERESTS
• IR Theory
• Confucian Political Philosophy
• Chinese Political Thought
• Chinese Foreign Policy
• Ethical Governance and Political Authority
• Security in the Indo-Pacific
• Economic Statecraft
PUBLICATIONS
PUBLICATIONS
Essay Review of The World on Edge (Studies in Continental Thought), written by Edward S. Casey, Journal of Chinese Philosophy 50, no. 1 (2023), 108-115. →
“China in Transition: Culture, Ideology, and Global Affairs,” Research Projects, China-Mexico Studies Center (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 2022). →
“Confucian Political Ideology and the New Silk Road,” Sino-Foreign Cultural Exchange Center. Selected Papers from the “Young Sinologists Training Program.” China Social Sciences Press, 2022. →
“Confucius for non-Confucians: Understanding China from ‘without’,” in Competition and Cooperation in Social and Political Sciences, eds. I. R. Adi and R. Achwan (Taylor & Francis Group, 2018). →
Review of Confucianism as a World Religion: Contested Histories and Contemporary Realities, by Anna Sun, Journal of International and Global Studies 6, no. 1 (2014): 183-186. →
TEACHING
TEACHING
My work is guided by a simple question:
How can wisdom from the past illuminate the complexities of the modern world?
I explore Confucianism and Chinese political philosophy as living traditions—sources of insight into questions of virtue, governance, and global order.
My research moves between philosophy and international relations, seeking ways to harmonise ethical reflection with the realities of statecraft and global politics.
I believe that revisiting these enduring ideas can help us imagine a more balanced and humane political future.
Foundations of Political Science
Introduction to Political Science — Overview of political systems, key concepts, and approaches in political analysis.
Classical Political Thinking — Examination of foundational thinkers and ideas shaping Western and Eastern political thought.
IR & Comparative Politics
International Relations Theory — Study of major theoretical paradigms explaining global politics and international order.
Comparative Politics — Analysis of political institutions, governance models, and state-society relations across regions.
International Relations & Conflict Resolution — Exploration of diplomacy, negotiation, and peacebuilding within global conflict dynamics.
Regional and Global Studies
Asia-Pacific Region — Political, economic, and strategic developments shaping contemporary East and Southeast Asia.
Regional Scenarios of the Contemporary World — Comparative perspectives on regional integration, governance, and security challenges.
Global Challenges — Investigation of transnational issues including climate change, migration, technology, and global governance.
Political Economy
International Trade & Economics — Introduction to global economic systems, trade policies, and political dimensions of economic diplomacy.
I approach teaching as a dialogue—an invitation for students to think critically about how ideas, values, and power shape our world.
My courses draw on classical and contemporary perspectives to explore questions of ethics, governance, and global responsibility, promoting both intellectual curiosity and reflective citizenship.
My courses draw on classical and contemporary perspectives to explore questions of ethics, governance, and global responsibility, promoting both intellectual curiosity and reflective citizenship.
CONTACT
CONTACT
Email: rogelioleal@gmail.com
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