Author | Geopolitical Analyst | Academic
Dr Edward Howell is a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Oxford and Marshall Research Fellow at the Pharos Foundation. Edward’s research specialises on the international relations of East Asia, with particular expertise on the Korean Peninsula.
Edward’s latest book, A NEW AXIS OF UPHEAVAL: North Korea, Russia, China, Iran, will be published later in 2026 and can be pre-ordered here.
PRE-ORDER NOW to receive your copy before the release date of 3 december 2026!
PRAISE FOR A NEW AXIS OF UPHEAVAL
“An eye-opening and enthralling book bursting with insights about the complex relationships between North Korea, Russia, China and Iran. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand our increasingly turbulent world.” Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads
“A timely and well-informed book about an extremely consequential development in global affairs. Howell’s understanding of the alignment of these autocratic powers is unparalleled. Should be required reading for all students of national security and foreign affairs.” Victor Cha, former National Security Council Director of Asian Affairs, White House, and author of Korea: A New History of South and North
“Howell expertly lays out the dangerous dynamics of the “axis of upheaval” and what that means for global security. His sobering assessment about the resilience of this partnership is a clarion call for the US and likeminded countries to take urgent action.” Jung H. Pak, Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2021–4), and author of Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer’s Insights into North Korea’s Enigmatic Young Dictator
“Howell’s expertise and experience shine throughout the book. A well-written and original contribution.” Ramon Pacheco Pardo, Professor of International Relations, King’s College London, and author of Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop
“Howell visualizes a new Eurasian Pandora’s Box or the ‘Axis of Upheaval’ that aligns the largest real-estate on earth through four mismatched but powerful dictatorships. Regardless of internal leadership changes, this axis will continue to challenge the wider West for years to come.” Chung Min Lee, Senior Fellow, Asia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
“Edward Howell lucidly lays out the dangers—and the limitations—of this ‘quartet of chaos’ as they seek to upend the international order, and shows that we should not underestimate their ability to wreak havoc on the world.” — Anna Fifield, author of The Great Successor: The Secret Rise and Rule of Kim Jong Un
