Duncan Bell (born 31 December 1976)[1] is Professor of Political Thought and International Relations at the University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge. He is based at the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS).[2] He works principally on the history of modern British and American political thought, with a particular focus on ideologies of empire and international politics. His book "The Idea of Greater Britain" won the Whitfield Prize from the Royal Historical Society.
Duncan Bell received a degree in war studies at King’s College London. Upon graduating, Bell considered joining the military; but the transition to London from a quieter area, and the experiences he had there, changed his plans. He got his MA and PhD from the University of Cambridge.[3] He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2021. He is married to Dr Sarah Fine (Department of Philosophy, University of Cambridge).[4] They have two kids.