He has previously been a visiting fellow of the Rothermere American Institute, University of Oxford and Associate Lecturer in International Politics at the University of York. His research focuses on drone warfare, contemporary security policy, and the history of warfare. His work has appeared in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, International Journal of Human Rights, International Peacekeeping, and Asian Policy and Politics. James also provides analysis and current affairs commentary for the media. He has previously contributed to Rolling Stone Magazine, the BBC, the Guardian, Gizmodo, History Today, E&T, and ABC.