Dr Patman, is an international relations expert and is most well-known for his analysis of the events of September 11 2001. As the Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, he appears regularly on TVNZ Breakfast News, RNZ National and NewstalkZB, commentating on international issues.

Dr Robert Patman’s fascination with politics started as a child as he grew up surrounded by vibrant ‘current events’ conversations at the family dinner table. He went on to study at the University of Lancaster, the University of Warwick and the University of Southampton.
He has authored and edited several books, including his most recent, ‘Strategic Shortfall: The ‘Somalia Syndrome’' and the 'March to 9/11’. He has also written numerous book chapters and contributed regularly to academic journals. Patman is known for his clarity, insight and sharp humour, making him the popular media commentator that he is. His students seem to agree – in 2007 they voted him in to the top twenty teachers at Otago University.