Dominic Johnson received his D. Phil. from Oxford University in evolutionary biology and a Ph.D. from Geneva University in political science. His work revolves around how new research on human nature is contesting the foundations of theories of international relations, the causes of war, and conflict resolution. He has published two books. His first book, Overconfidence and War: The Havoc and Glory of Positive Illusions, finds that common psychological biases to validate overly positive images of ourselves, our control over events, and our future, play a key role in the causes of war. His second book, Failing to Win: Perceptions of Victory and Defeat in International Politics, discusses popular misperceptions that have led to undeserved victories or defeats in international wars and crisis. His latest research concentrates on the impact of evolutionary legacy, theory of mind, and religion in the origins of human conflict and cooperation.