Last week, I graduated from Oxford with an MPhil in International Relations, bringing an end to two intellectually stimulating years. I started at Oxford immediately after Durham, where I graduated with a First in history in 2023. When at Oxford, I focused my research mainly on Chinese foreign policy, writing a thesis on the role of Chinese historical memory in shaping Sino-British relations. Indeed, a highlight of my time there was getting funding from the university to go out to Beijing to interview experts and officials as part of my research. Apart from this, I also delved into Strategic Studies and the politics of the Former Communist Space, among various other topics. Outside of my studies, I also took part in a range of activities, such as being a Fellow at the Oxford China Policy Lab (OCPL) where I produced group and individual research projects on China and AI policy. Alongside this, I helped out at the Emerging Threats Group, a research group focused on the role of new technologies in warfare, and the general changing character of defence and security.

I am now looking forward to late September when I start the Civil Service Fast Stream — the government's flagship graduate scheme for training future leaders in the Civil Service. Over three years, I will be rotated across government departments, working on a range of pressing policy issues. I am looking forward to putting what I have learned at Oxford and Durham to good use!

                  Jonas Balkus, Old Hymerian 2014 -2020