Thorsten Bonacker

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Bonacker is a full professor and President’s Delegate for the European University for Peace, Justice and Inclusive Societies (EUPeace) at Philipps University of Marburg. He leads two master’s programs in peace and conflict studies and serves as spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Center 138: Dynamics of Security. His work bridges peace research, critical security studies, and postcolonial analysis.

• Affiliation: Center for Conflict Research (ZfK), Philipps University
• Leadership: CRC 138 spokesperson, EUPeace President’s Delegate

Research Focus:
Bonacker’s research explores the role of the United Nations in decolonization, reparations for post-violence victim groups, and atmospheres of political violence (e.g., affect theory applications). His methodological approach combines theory-oriented frameworks and case comparisons in Central and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, East Timor). Recent projects examine securitization, security practices in postcolonial independence, and affective dimensions of international bureaucracy.

Publications and Teaching:
His 15 most recent publications (2013–2025) analyze global security dynamics, transitional justice, and localized violence. Notably, he co-edited Securitization, Politicization and Social Differentiation in History (2025) and examined UN trusteeship as affective governance. He teaches peace and conflict studies, emphasizing curriculum development in post-war societies.

Awards and Collaborations:
Bonacker received the Anerkennungspreis für exzellente Hochschullehre (2007). He collaborates with institutions like the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF), Goethe University Frankfurt, and universities in Southeast Asia for the DAAD-funded SDG partnership program on peacebuilding curricula. He also engages in interdisciplinary networks such as Trace and VORTEX.