Derek McDougall is a Professorial Fellow in the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne. His academic focus is Asia-Pacific international politics, with particular reference to Australian engagement. His most recent book in this area is Asia Pacific in World Politics, 3rd ed. (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2024). Another interest is Commonwealth affairs, including membership of the international advisory board of The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and Policy Studies. In that capacity he attended the Samoa CHOGM in 2024.