Call for PhD applications

See cmi.no for details of how to apply. 

Humanitarian Diplomacy: Assessing Policies, Practices and Impact of New Forms of Humanitarian Action and Foreign Policy

Humanitarian negotiations have historically been conducted in situations of extreme insecurity and unstable political conditions, to secure access, assistance and protection for civilians. In the early 2000s, the concept of humanitarian diplomacy was coined, which is generally defined as “persuading decision makers and opinion leaders to act at all times and in all circumstances in the interest of vulnerable people and with full respect for fundamental humanitarian principles”. This includes negotiating for the presence of humanitarian organizations in a given country, negotiating access to civilian populations in need of assistance and protection, monitoring assistance programs, promoting respect for international law, and engaging in advocacy at a variety of levels in support of humanitarian objectives.  Against this background, this project studies the policies, practices and impact of humanitarian diplomacy as conducted by select state actors (Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates) and two major international humanitarian actors (the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross).

The PhD candidate will conduct multi-method research (including ethnography) to study the politics of negotiations and the diplomatic infrastructure of the United Nations. Fieldwork will be conducted at the UN headquarters in Geneva and New York and in other relevant locations.

Project leader: Antonio De Lauri.

Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) is seeking PhD candidates to conduct research in the framework of NORGLOBAL research projects, funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN). Two other PhD fellowships are open for applications as well; Refugees in the City: Displacement, Development and Donor Policies in the Middle East and The Politics of Youth Interventions in Africa’s Authoritarian Regimes.

See cmi.no for details of how to apply. 

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