Society & Us Workshop (Understanding Power, Politics & Persuasion)

Dmitry Zavialov is a political scientist, curriculum specialist, and educator specialising in international relations, political rhetoric, and human rights. Originally from Tajikistan, he holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Otago (New Zealand), an MA in Human Rights and Multi-Level Governance from the University of Padua (Italy), and a Specialist degree (MA equivalent) in International Relations from Lomonosov Moscow State University.

He has extensive experience teaching university courses and contributing to academic research. He is the author of Whataboutism in International Politics: Russia and the UN Security Council (2008–2024), published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2025. Dmitry has professional experience across public, governmental, and international non-governmental organisations. He currently serves as a Learning Designer at Skills Institute in Auckland, New Zealand. He is also a lecturer at Free University, where he teaches a course on rhetoric in international relations, and a teacher of Public Speaking at Onehunga High School Adult Learning Centre. Beyond his core role, he leads community initiatives, including regular “Walk and Talk” meetups that promote conversation free from logical fallacies and manipulation.