Mohammed Ayoob has been an instrumental figure in the realm of international relations theory. Most important are his views concerning sub-altern realism and state failure and decay. He has a BA in Political Science from Hyderabad University and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Hawaii.
He currently holds the position of University Distinguished Professor of International Relations at Michigan State University's James Madison College.
Ayoob was also a protege of Hedley Bull, and is an adherent of the "English School" of International Relations theory.