Tim's research and writing interests include:

• political theory (patriotism, multiculturalism, deliberative democracy);
• the history of political thought (development of liberal and nationalist ideologies);
• Australian politics (Labor history, federation, the culture wars); 
• British and American politics (especially relating to class, race and solidarity);
  
• social criticism and interpretation (public intellectuals and culture);
  
• free speech; and
  
• political economy (globalisation, role of government, economics of immigration).
  

He graduated from the University of Oxford with a Doctor of Philosophy in political theory in May 2010.

Tim has previously taught undergraduate tutorials in Oxford on nationalism and the political theory of liberalism.