Deirdre’s research examines political theories of citizenship, immigration and banishment, with a specific focus on Britain and empire. She is interested in developing political theories through historical and archival analysis, and her research considers how imperial politics continue to shape practices related to the institution of citizenship.

Deirdre is currently developing a monograph based on her PhD thesis, The Imperial Politics of Citizenship Revocation. It critiques normative theories of citizenship revocation, challenging established methodologies and idealised theories with a historically grounded account of citizenship. Deirdre conducts a historical survey of citizenship and related practices in Britain and empire, from transportation policies in the 18th century to Commonwealth citizenship in 1948 up to of the practice of citizenship revocation today. This research draws attention to the historical domination and oppression instituted through citizenship and the power relations behind the status. Drawing on feminist and decolonial interventions, it highlights the power dynamics that are reproduced through normative theories of citizenship. Her work has been published in Citizenship Studies.

Before joining LSE, Deirdre completed her PhD at Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) under the supervision of Professor Kimberly Hutchings and Professor Engin Isin. She has extensive teaching experience, teaching political philosophy at King’s College London, global history and public policy at QMUL and political theory at University College Dublin.