Scott's empirical research interests center on the regional politics of Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on collective efforts combatting novel security issues. This has primarily been applied to Southeast Asia’s maritime security governance, but has since broadened out to consider the Indo-Pacific. His theoretical basis is on the role of trust in international relations, where he also engages with ideas regarding Communities of Practice. Scott has previously held postdoctoral positions at the Universities of Bristol and Leeds, and teaching positions at the Universities of Birmingham, Reading, and Bath.