Rahul Mukherji is a Professor at the Department of Political Science, South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University. He has held visiting positions at institutions including the University of Goa, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and Fudan University. His research spans Indian politics, political economy, international relations, and climate policy. Education: PhD in Political Science, Columbia University (1999) M.Phil and MA in South Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (1992, 1990) Bachelor in Economics (Honours), Delhi University (1988) Mukherji examines democratic backsliding , climate governance , and political economy of reforms in India. His recent work explores the intersection of COVID-19 and authoritarian trends , alongside state capacity in welfare delivery. Scientific Awards NUS Award for Research Excellence (2014, 2012) President’s Fellow, Columbia University (1997-1999) Ambedkar Overseas Fellow in International Relations (1993-1996) Mukherji serves on the editorial boards of journals like India Review , Pacific Affairs , and Governance . He is series editor for Oxford Institutions and Development in South Asia and editor of Indian Politics and Policy .
Prof. Dr. Jan Eckel is a Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at the University of Freiburg . His academic career includes prior professorships at the University of Tübingen (2016-2021) and the University of Cologne (2015-2016). He researches human rights history , transnational politics , and globalization discourses since the late 19th century. Research Focus: Interactions between state/non-state actors, Cold War dynamics, decolonization, and ethical governance frameworks. Grant Involvement: DFG-funded projects, including SFB 923 sub-project on globalization narratives (1990s-2000s). His 15 most recent publications analyze globalization discourses, human rights evolution, and transnational conflict resolution, with keywords spanning 20th-Century History , Political Science , and Conflict Studies . Scientific Awards include the 2024 Opus Magnum Scholarship and multiple honors for historical analysis excellence. He advises seven doctoral students in contemporary history and globalization studies.
GIGA German Institute of Global and Area StudiesGermany
Thomas Richter is a leading academic and Professor at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) , where he serves as Lead Research Fellow and Head of the Research Programme "Accountability and Participation" . His work focuses on the institutional and material determinants of authoritarian rule , executive personalization , and global political economy , particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region. Education: PhD in Political Science (summa cum laude) at the University of Bremen (2008); studies at Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His research explores the interplay of rentier statehood and economic reforms , civil society under authoritarian regimes , and shrinking civic spaces . Recent projects include the Merian Center for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) and the Monitoring System and Transfer Platform Radicalisation (MOTRA) , funded by BMBF and DFG. Richter has published extensively on topics such as anti-Semitism , executive power dynamics , and public opinion on military service in Germany. He has received notable awards, including the Lijphart/Przeworski/Verba Data Set Award (2017) and the Gero Erdmann-Preis für vergleichende Area-Forschung (2022) . His collaborative work spans institutions like the WZB Berlin and Université de Tunis . Richter is also a co-editor of the Perspectives on the Maghreb series with Amsterdam University Press.
Prof. Dr. Aurel Croissant is a full Professor of Political Science at the Institute of Political Science, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg. His academic career spans institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA) and fellowships from prestigious bodies including the East West Center Honolulu and the Korea Foundation. Editorial Leadership: Editor-in-Chief of Democratization , and serves on editorial boards of journals like International Studies Review and Asian Politics & Policy . Research Focus: Comparative analysis of democracies and autocracies, civil-military relations, autocratization, democratic resilience, terrorism, and political violence in East/Southeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula. Advisory Roles: Member of academic advisory boards for institutions including the Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGI) and the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI). His recent publications examine democratic backsliding, civil-military dynamics in autocracies, and pandemic governance. Awards include fellowships from the National Endowment for Democracy and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. He has advised numerous PhD students and collaborates extensively with international scholars.
HUANG Fei is a Professor of Chinese History and Society in the Department of Chinese Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Tübingen, Germany. She has held this position since 2020, following a Junior Professorship at the same institution from 2014 to 2020. Her academic journey began with a BA in History from Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, 2005) and culminated in a PhD in Chinese Studies from Leiden University (2012). University: University of Tübingen School: Faculty of Humanities Department: Department of Chinese Studies Academic Rank: Professor Email: fei.huang@uni-tuebingen.de Her research spans an interdisciplinary terrain, combining landscape studies, environmental history, history of the body, cultural geography, historical anthropology, art history, and material culture studies . Her work primarily investigates China’s historical development from the 16th to the 20th century, with a regional focus on Southwest China, especially Yunnan, and thematic attention to frontier dynamics, urban environments, and the interplay between natural resources and cultural memory. Professor Huang’s recent publications reveal a consistent and evolving scholarly trajectory centered on the transformation of natural and urban landscapes. Her research on hot springs —such as Huaqing Hot Springs—explores their roles in public health, urban planning, and ideological representation in modern China. Her earlier work on Dongchuan examines how imperial and local actors reshaped frontier landscapes through cultural representation, religious practice, and economic interests. Articles on sulfur manufacturing, bathing culture, and Tusi succession highlight her ability to connect local practices with broader global and environmental networks. Scientific Awards and Recognition: No specific awards or fellowships are mentioned in the provided texts. Advising and Grants: She supervises PhD and Master’s theses in Chinese history and culture, though specific student names are not listed. No explicit mention of grants or funded research projects is made in the texts, but her extensive publication record in top-tier journals suggests active research engagement. Labs and Research Teams: She is affiliated with the Department of Chinese Studies at the University of Tübingen and participates in interdisciplinary research within the Faculty of Humanities. Her work often involves collaboration with scholars in anthropology, geography, and environmental history, as evidenced by her co-taught courses and international academic engagement.
Prof. Dr. Rachid Ouaissa serves as University Professor and Head of the Department of Middle Eastern Politics at the Center for Near and Middle Eastern Studies (CNMS), Philipps University of Marburg since March 2009. He concurrently holds affiliations with the Center for Interdisciplinary Religious Studies and Center for Conflict Research at the same institution, and maintains active roles in Berlin-based research networks including EUME and the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin. His academic formation includes a PhD from the University of Leipzig (2004) supervised by Prof. Hartmut Elsenhans, preceded by undergraduate studies at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (1994-1999) where he received the DAAD-Preis in 1997. His scholarly trajectory includes a Visiting Scholarship at Dalhousie University (2008) and prior research positions at the University of Leipzig. Ouaissa's research program centers on Middle Eastern and North African political dynamics with four interconnected pillars: cultural-identitarian political movements (comparing BJP in India and Algerian parties), moderate Islamist parties as potential EU partners, state-class behavior during resource scarcity (Iraq case study), and fundamentalist movement development (FIS in Algeria vs. Mahdia in Sudan). His conceptual innovation emphasizes blocked middle classes mobilizing religious identity to challenge state power, while his recent work develops 're-configuration' frameworks for understanding post-Arab Spring transformations. His publication trajectory from 1999-2021 reveals evolving scholarly priorities: early work focused on Algerian state formation and political Islam, shifting toward comparative cultural-identitarian movements (2007-2009), then moderate Islamist parties' foreign policy (2009-2012), with contemporary research addressing Hirak protests and theoretical re-configuration models. The corpus demonstrates consistent engagement with Algeria while expanding to regional comparative frameworks, particularly through co-edited volumes on Maghreb entanglements and MENA transformation processes. His scientific recognition includes: DAAD-Preis der Martin-Luther-Universität (1997) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung PhD Fellowship (2000-2002) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship (1998-1999) Professor Ouaissa has secured major research funding including two German Research Foundation (DFG) projects: 'New Cultural-Identitarian Political Movements' (2007-2009) and 'Moderate Islamist Parties as EU Partners' (2009-2012). He actively mentors emerging scholars through the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung's doctoral programs and serves on its selection committees, while his policy engagement manifests through frequent media contributions analyzing Algerian protests and regional dynamics for outlets including Le Monde, El Watan, and Deutsche Welle. He leads the Department of Middle Eastern Politics at CNMS while contributing to the university's interdisciplinary research infrastructure through the Center for Interdisciplinary Religious Studies and Center for Conflict Research. His international scholarly integration is evidenced by co-editing the book series 'Politik und Gesellschaft des Nahen Ostens' and 'Studien zur Geschichte und Zeitgeschichte Westasiens und Nordafrikas', alongside editorial leadership of the journal META (Middle East Topics and Arguments).
GIGA German Institute of Global and Area StudiesGermany
Prof. Aurel Croissant is a Professor of Political Science at Heidelberg University's Institute of Political Science. His research focuses on comparative democracy, authoritarianism, civil-military relations, and political systems in Asia-Pacific. He holds editorial roles at journals like Democratization and has authored/co-authored over 300 publications. Key works include Democratic Regressions in Asia and Routes to Reform: Civil-Military Relations and Democracy in the Third Wave . He has been a Fellow at institutions such as the East West Center and the National Endowment for Democracy. His team includes doctoral candidates like Nikitas Scheeder. He advises on democratic resilience, autocratization, and regional governance, contributing to projects like the Bertelsmann Transformation Index and Sustainable Governance Indicators. Education: MA (1996), PhD (2001) from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; postdoctoral work at Heidelberg University. Tenure-track Assistant Professor (2004) at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, before joining Heidelberg in 2006. Research Interests: Civil-military relations, democratization, authoritarianism, Asian politics, conflict studies. Notable Publications (2020–2025): Explores pandemic governance ( Democracy, State Capacity and the Governance of COVID-19 in Asia-Oceania ), democratic resilience, and regional militarization trends. Recent works analyze South Korea's democratic resilience, autocratization patterns in Asia, and military roles in authoritarian regimes. Awards & Fellowships: Recognized as a Fellow by the East West Center, Korea Foundation, and others. Editorships of journals and book series, including Democratization Special Issues Series .
Elisabeth Piller is Assistant Professor of Transatlantic and North American History at the Department of History, University of Freiburg. She serves as Senior Fellow in the FRIAS Project Group “Post-war Periods” (October 2024 – September 2025) and leads research on U.S. humanitarian aid and its geopolitical implications in the 20th century. PhD (2018) and MA (2011) in History BA (2008) in History and Religious Studies Her research focuses on American foreign policy, transatlantic relations since the 19th century, cultural diplomacy, and the evolution of modern humanitarianism. Key projects include analyzing post-WWII U.S. aid as a catalyst for global hegemony and revisiting WWI blockades' role in shaping humanitarian infrastructure. Recent publications highlight her expertise in blockades, humanitarian corridors, and postwar reconstruction. She has co-edited volumes on The Blockade in the Era of the World Wars (2024) and Humanitarianism and the Greater War (2023). Awards include the Transatlantic Studies Association-Cambridge University Press Book Prize (2022) and Friedrich-Ebert-Preis (2020).
Prof. Dr. Heike Bungert is a leading scholar in North American History at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , focusing on ethnic migration, cultural history, and civil religion. Habilitation (2004) and Doctorate (1995) from German institutions Extensive teaching career since 2000, including visiting roles at UC Berkeley and Columbia University Her research bridges: German-American identity formation through festivals and cultural practices Transnational university history and academic networks Civil religion in US patriotic holidays Native American representation in film and collective memory Key article trends: 19th-20th century German migration patterns Academic institutions in transnational contexts Civil religion analysis in political rituals Historiography of indigenous peoples Scientific Honors : Heisenberg Fellowship (DFG, 2005) DAAD and DFG research fellowships Stuart L. Bernath Prize (1995) As a supervisor , she has guided doctoral research on topics like: Russian-American periodicals Symbolic communication in colonial legislatures Evangelical responses to immigration
Prof. Anita Gohdes is a Professor of International and Cyber Security at the Hertie School in Berlin, funded by NXP Semiconductors Germany and supported by Stifterverband. Her research focuses on cyberpolitics, state violence dynamics, and large-scale quantitative analyses of state actions. Previously, she held an Assistant Professorship in International Relations at the University of Zurich and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. Since 2009, she has collaborated with the Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG). She advises international organizations like the German Federal Foreign Office, World Bank, and UN on state fragility and security. Her book Repression in the Digital Age (Oxford UP) examines surveillance and censorship in modern authoritarianism. She leads research at the Centre for International Security, exploring intersections of technology and global security. Awards include the German Dissertation Prize in Social Sciences (Körber Foundation) and the Walter Isard Prize (Peace Science Society) for her Mannheim University doctoral work. Her recent research spans AI governance, civil resistance in digital contexts, and pandemic-era polarization. She has published in top journals like the American Journal of Political Science and Nature Human Behavior .
Dr. Achim Rohde is a Middle East historian serving as Research Fellow at the University of Hamburg's Asia-Africa Institute and Head of Memorial Development at the Lower Saxony Memorials Foundation. He holds a doctorate from Freie Universität Berlin and has held academic positions at institutions including Philipps University Marburg, Goethe University Frankfurt, and TU Berlin. Research Focus: Modern Middle East history (20th/21st century), gender studies, memory politics, and critical analysis of Orientalism and educational systems. Publications: 15 most recent articles span topics from Jihadist masculinity to post-2003 Iraqi education reforms , Tunisian democratization , and German academic discourse on non-Christian religions . Teaching: Courses on Arab Spring legacies, Islamic popular culture, and gender dynamics in Middle Eastern societies across multiple universities between 2002-2021. Academic Network: Collaborations with institutions like German Institute for Global Area Studies, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, and editorial work on comparative Middle East studies. Key Projects: Contributions to Social Contexts of Rebellion in Early Islamic Period (SCORE) , InterSaME , and RomanIslam Center for transcultural empire studies.
Oliver Janz is Professor of Modern History at the Department of History and Cultural Studies at Free University of Berlin, where he has been teaching since 2007. He previously served as Dean of the Department from 2017-2021 and has held visiting professorships at institutions including the German Historical Institute in Rome, University of Bern, and University of Trient. His academic leadership extends to editorial roles for multiple book series and journals focusing on modern Italian history, transnational history, and World War I studies. Doctorate (1991): Freie Universität Berlin - History of Protestant clergy in Prussia 1850-1914 (summa cum laude) Magister Artium (1985): Freie Universität Berlin - History Studies (1978-1985): History, Philosophy and Sociology at University of Heidelberg, Bielefeld, and Freie Universität Berlin Professor Janz specializes in several interconnected research areas that examine European history through transnational and comparative lenses. His primary focus is on the history of World War I, particularly examining commemoration practices, the cult of fallen soldiers, and the war's transnational dimensions. He has extensively researched the history of the European bourgeoisie, nation and nationalism in Europe, and the intersection of family, gender, and political identity. His work on Italian history spans from the Risorgimento through the Fascist period, with particular attention to religious and cultural dimensions of political movements. Janz is a leading scholar in transnational history methodology, exploring how historical phenomena transcend national boundaries and how comparative approaches can illuminate shared European experiences. Janz's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on memory, commemoration, and the cultural dimensions of warfare, particularly World War I. His work reveals how societies process collective trauma through rituals, monuments, and narratives that intertwine religious, familial, and national identities. The international encyclopedia project 1914-1918-online represents a significant contribution to digital humanities, creating a global platform for understanding the war's multifaceted impacts. His research increasingly examines the digital representation of historical memory, bridging traditional scholarship with contemporary digital culture. Research fellowship from the DFG (2000-2004): "The Cult of the Fallen: Soldiers in Italy during the First World War" DAAD Fellowship (1996): "Exchange of Young Scholars between Italy and Germany" Fellow of the FAZIT-Stiftung (1990) Maison des Sciences de l'Homme Fellowship (1985) Fellowship Grant from the "Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes" (1979-1985) Professor Janz has supervised numerous master's students at Freie Universität Berlin, with thesis topics spanning European history from the 19th century to the contemporary period. His students have examined subjects including war commemoration, gender history, colonial encounters, and political movements across Europe. As editor of the "1914-1918-online" International Encyclopedia of the First World War, he has coordinated significant international research funding. His leadership extends to multiple research projects including Collaborative EuropeaN Digital/Archival Infrastructure (CENDARI), Making War, Mapping Europe, and studies on German Soldiers and the Ottoman Empire. Janz leads the research team focused on World War I studies at the Friedrich-Meinecke-Institut, which includes multiple researchers working on the 1914-1918-online encyclopedia project. His team collaborates with international partners across Europe and beyond, creating a network of scholars dedicated to transnational approaches to war history. The research group maintains strong connections with institutions including the German Historical Institute in Rome and participates in the Berlin Program for Advanced German and European Studies.
GIGA German Institute of Global and Area StudiesGermany
Hager Ali is a Doctoral Researcher at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), specifically affiliated with the GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies, and is part of the GIGA Doctoral Programme since October 2018. Ali also serves as an External Editor for the thematic series "Autocracies with Adjectives" at the Loop, ECPR's Political Science Blog since March 2022, and maintains a career as a freelance journalist since 2010. German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) - Institute for Middle East Studies (2018-present) Central European University (CEU) - Teaching appointments (2025) Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH) - Teaching appointments (2024) Ali's research focuses on civil-military relations in the Middle East and North Africa, military coups and civilian control of armies, authoritarian regimes and institutions, regime stability and destabilization, party systems and cleavages, and German military deployments in the MENA-Region and Sahel. The doctoral dissertation examines "Praetorianism in the MENA-Region: Military Governance and Civilian Control across Regime Types." Ali's work demonstrates sophisticated methodological approaches to understanding authoritarian resilience and military politics through comparative analysis. Ali's publication record reveals a consistent focus on Sudanese politics and civil-military relations, with increasing attention to contemporary conflicts since 2022. The research combines theoretical insights from comparative authoritarianism studies with detailed empirical analysis of military institutions and political transitions in the Middle East and North Africa. Recent work shows a growing emphasis on practical policy implications, particularly regarding peace negotiations in Sudan and the role of civilian actors in conflict resolution. Shortlisted for the Best Blog Award of 2022 by ECPR's Political Science Blog "The Loop" (2023) Ali actively contributes to academic discourse through conference presentations, policy papers, and media commentary. Recent engagements include serving as a discussant at the ECPR General Conference 2024 on "Trends in autocratic practices and behaviors" and scheduled lectures on the Sudan conflict in 2025. Ali has established collaborations with institutions like the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) and maintains strong connections with academic networks across Europe. As a member of the GIGA research programme on Accountability and Participation, Ali contributes to interdisciplinary research on governance and political institutions. Ali participates in multiple ECPR Standing Groups including Political Methodology, Political Violence, Comparative Political Institutions, and Critical Peace and Conflict Studies, demonstrating engagement with diverse methodological and theoretical approaches to political science research.
Simon Thijs is a Researcher at Philipps-Universität Marburg, affiliated with the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 138 'Dynamics of Security' since April 2014, focusing on subproject A01. His research centers on hostage practices in the Roman Republic, combining historical analysis with interdisciplinary approaches. Education: Magister in History/Archaeology/Romanistik (2003–2009), Universities of Trier and Leuven First state exam in History and French (2012) Research Interests: Simon explores military and political strategies in ancient contexts, particularly hostage-taking in the Roman Republic. His work bridges classical studies, military history, and political dynamics, with a focus on reconstructing historical narratives through primary sources. Publications: He has authored articles on Roman hostage practices and co-authored a DVD on ancient Egyptian cultural studies. His 2016 Athens Journal of History publication highlights his expertise in Roman security dynamics. Collaborations: Engaged with interdisciplinary teams in CRC projects, reflecting his commitment to collaborative research in historical studies.
Dr. Juliana Tappe Ortiz is a Research Associate (PostDoc) and lecturer at the Department of International Relations / Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Tübingen, within the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. She joined in February 2025 and is affiliated with the Centre for International Relations/Peace and Conflict Research (CIRP). Her research explores political leadership, gender, and armed conflict dynamics, with a regional focus on Latin America. PhD, University of Hamburg MPhil in Latin American Politics, University of Oxford B.A. in International Relations and Romance Studies, University of Erfurt Her research interests center on how individuals—especially state and rebel leaders—make decisions during armed conflicts. She investigates how combat experience, gender, and social psychology influence political behavior and peace outcomes. Her work critically engages with peace agreements, rebel leadership survival, and public support for peace, particularly in Colombia, El Salvador, Niger, and Timor-Leste. Juliana's recent publications span top journals including Journal of Peace Research , Journal of Conflict Resolution , and Civil Wars . Her work reveals patterns in how military training shapes rebel strategies, how leaders transition from war to peace, and how social dominance orientation affects peace support. She also contributes to debates on decolonizing knowledge production in German academia. Research Fellow, University of Bergen Postdoctoral Researcher, GIGA Institute Visiting Scholar, Columbia University She has advised on peace processes and published policy-oriented analyses, including studies on female leadership in Africa and political psychology in Colombia. She has not received explicit awards listed in the text but maintains a strong publication record in peer-reviewed venues. Dr. Tappe Ortiz contributes to teaching and research mentorship at Tübingen and is actively involved in the academic community through CIRP. She does not lead a standalone lab but collaborates within a broader research team focused on peace and conflict.
