Nathan Critch is a Researcher affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science , focusing on critical political economy, governance, and British politics. His work examines state responses to crises, productivity stagnation, and the political economy of AI as techno-solutions to economic and political challenges. Research output highlights his expertise in industrial strategy, fiscal policy, and techno-solutions. Recent publications address Labour's governance models, Treasury orthodoxy, and the evolving role of public inquiries in crisis management. The trends in his research output emphasize intersections between economic governance, statecraft, and contestation by social movements. His collaborations span national case studies in Britain, with a focus on policy analysis and political economy frameworks.
Tony Barta is an Adjunct Research Fellow in the Department of History at La Trobe University, Australia, specializing in Genocide Studies with emphases on colonial contexts (particularly Australia and New Zealand), Nazi Germany, and historical representation in media. His research critically examines connections between disparate genocidal events through frameworks like the 'black armband'/'white blindfold' historiography debates and the weaponization of Darwinian theory. His educational background includes: MA from the University of Otago Barta's research explores foundational questions in historical understanding: Structural analysis of genocide beyond individual intent Intersections between scientific theory (especially Darwinism) and genocidal ideology Representation of historical trauma in film and television Critical examination of national narratives that minimize colonial violence Comparative frameworks linking Australian Indigenous genocide with Nazi atrocities His publication trajectory since the 1980s demonstrates consistent engagement with genocide recognition politics, evolving from early analyses of Holocaust consciousness in Australia to recent contributions on British colonial genocide. Works like his 2005 'Mr Darwin's Shooters' (34 citations) reveal enduring focus on how intellectual frameworks legitimize violence, while 2023's Cambridge World History chapter shows continued relevance in contemporary genocide scholarship.
Marcia Nichols, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Rochester, affiliated with the Center for Learning Innovation (CLI). Her academic work bridges humanities and health sciences through interdisciplinary scholarship focused on medical education, gender studies, and critical pedagogy within contemporary university structures. Her educational background includes: B.A. in English from Missouri State University M.A. in English from Missouri State University Ph.D. in English from the University of South Carolina Dr. Nichols' research examines the intersections of literature, medical humanities, and gender studies with particular emphasis on women's health history, science communication, and neoliberal impacts on academic labor. Her scholarship critically analyzes how medical knowledge is constructed and communicated, especially regarding gendered bodily experiences, while developing innovative interdisciplinary teaching frameworks that challenge traditional disciplinary boundaries. Analysis of her 2019-2025 publications reveals three dominant thematic clusters: (1) medical humanities curriculum design integrating biochemistry and physiology with cultural studies; (2) qualitative investigations into women's reproductive health perceptions and historical medicalization; and (3) critical examinations of academic labor conditions, racial justice pedagogy, and science communication challenges in polarized environments. Her methodological approach consistently employs mixed-methods and qualitative frameworks to explore embodied knowledge and institutional power dynamics.
Juraj Janto is an Associate Professor at the Department of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology , Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava. His work spans ethnology, cultural anthropology, and historical research with a focus on material culture and urban environments. Academic affiliation: Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Arts Department: Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology Advisory role: Contact for students in ethnology and cultural anthropology Research interests include: Ethnology of socialism and post-socialism Urban ethnography (housing estates, residential neighborhoods) Applied ethnology for community development Anthropology of space and architecture Traditional Slovak culture and its modern interpretations Water-related cultural phenomena Recent publications analyze water's cultural significance across historical periods, timber rafting traditions, socialist urban transformations, and ethnological approaches to heritage. His methodological focus combines field ethnography with archival and digital documentation. Key collaborative projects: Museum heritage studies Current research: Post-socialist urban memory Teaching: Introduction to Traditional Folk Culture textbook
Temur Umarov serves as a Research Fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center, specializing in Central Asian political dynamics and Sino-Russian relations within the post-Soviet space. His work provides critical analysis of regional stability, leadership transitions, and great power competition affecting Eurasia. Education: Bachelor's degree in International Regional Studies (Sinology) from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) Double-degree Master's in Global Economy from the Moscow Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and Beijing University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) Umarov's research centers on the interplay between domestic governance and foreign policy in Central Asian states, with particular focus on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. He examines how authoritarian regimes navigate multi-vector diplomacy amid competing Russian, Chinese, and American interests, while analyzing threats from Taliban resurgence and resource-driven geopolitical contests. His methodology combines regional expertise with international relations theory to forecast stability risks. Analysis of his recent publications reveals escalating scholarly attention to leadership succession crises, Taliban-related security threats, and the weaponization of economic dependencies. The research trajectory shows increasing emphasis on China's expanding security footprint and the erosion of traditional Russian dominance in Central Asia. Scientific recognition: Carnegie-Tsinghua Center Young Ambassadors Program fellowship Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Central Asian Futures Program fellowship Umarov maintains no disclosed academic advising relationships but leverages prior professional experience in CIS business development with Lifan Group to inform his policy analysis. His industry background provides unique insights into economic statecraft dimensions of Central Asian geopolitics. As part of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace network, Umarov contributes to high-impact policy research through collaborative projects across global Carnegie centers, focusing on actionable strategies for regional conflict prevention and great power negotiation frameworks.
Ji-Young Lee is an Associate Professor of International Relations at the School of International Service, American University , holding the C.W. Lim and Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies chair. Her scholarship bridges historical and contemporary analysis of East Asian security dynamics , U.S. alliance networks , and Sino-Korean relations . Doctorate in Government from Georgetown University Master’s in Security Studies and Political Science from Georgetown University and Seoul National University Undergraduate in Political Science and Diplomacy from Ewha Womans University Her research focuses on historical international relations , Chinese hegemony in East Asia, and the domestic legitimation of power in asymmetric alliances. Recent work examines U.S.-China competition and its impact on Korean Peninsula geopolitics , including military intervention logic and alliance politics. Notably, her 2016 book China’s Hegemony: Four Hundred Years of East Asian Domination redefined Sinocentric order analysis by emphasizing domestic political needs of smaller states in shaping regional hierarchies. Current book project The Great Power Next Door (Columbia University Press, under contract) extends this framework to Chinese military intervention patterns in Korea. Academic Awards : Academy of Korean Studies Research Grants (2013-2020) Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship (2009-11) Korea Foundation-Mansfield Foundation Scholar (2013-15) James A. Kelly Korean Studies Fellowship (2010-11) Professional Impact : Featured speaker at International Studies Association conferences (2013-2019) Research presented at UC Berkeley , Keio University , and Beijing University
Xiaoye Zhang is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at De Montfort University, affiliated with the School of Applied Social Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Her work bridges criminology, social sciences, and performance studies, with a focus on ethnographic research in Chinese prisons. Education: PhD in Criminology, City University of Hong Kong MA in Applied Theatre, Goldsmiths, University of London BA in English, Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College Her research centers on Chinese criminology , prison sociology , offender rehabilitation , and gender and crime . She employs ethnographic and narrative methodologies, often integrating performance and theatre as both research tools and rehabilitation mechanisms. Her work critically examines how reform, exemplarity, and cultural practices function within Chinese penal institutions. Her recent publications explore themes such as labor market reentry for female ex-prisoners , background music in prisons , prison theatre , and narrative rehabilitation , reflecting a consistent focus on the human and cultural dimensions of punishment. These works span journals in criminology, media studies, and sociology. Scientific Engagement: Member, Asian Criminology Society ORCID: 0000-0002-3580-8259 Xiaoye Zhang actively engages in public scholarship through a Yixi talk, a co-founded blog on prison sociology, and the podcast Prison Desires . She has also served as a consultant for two Chinese prisons on arts-based rehabilitation. She teaches courses including Prison, Punishment and Society and Offender Rehabilitation and Desistance , and has presented her research internationally in the UK, China, Norway, Japan, and Hong Kong. She also facilitates drama workshops in criminal justice settings and supports victims of domestic violence through volunteering, demonstrating a strong commitment to applied and socially engaged research.
Huiwen Gong is Associate Professor of Regional Studies and Innovation at the Business School of the University of Stavanger, Norway. She is affiliated with the Department of Innovation, Leadership and Marketing, where she conducts research and teaches in economic geography, innovation studies, and sustainability transitions. Her research focuses on the geographies of sustainability transitions, Sino-German industrial dynamics, regional foresight, and the geography of innovation, with a particular emphasis on battery value chains in China and Europe. She has conducted extensive field research in the video game, blockchain, and battery industries across China, Germany, and Switzerland. Her current work investigates how corporate and state actors are building battery value chains under geopolitical tensions, with attention to local socio-economic and environmental impacts. The most recent publications highlight trends in technological innovation systems, regional development pathways, sustainability transitions, and energy communities. Her work spans disciplines including economic geography, innovation policy, and environmental studies, with a strong comparative and forward-looking orientation. Scientific Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (top 5% of proposals in Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020–2022) She is currently leading a Norwegian Research Council-funded project on Nordic battery value chains (12 million NOK). Her teaching includes courses on the geography of sustainability transitions, innovation studies, economic geography, and the geography of innovation. She has advised interdisciplinary research teams and collaborates widely across Europe and China. Huiwen Gong is actively involved in research on energy communities and regional innovation systems, contributing to theoretical and policy debates on green industrial transformation and sustainable development.
Mariano González Delgado is a Professor in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Education and Language at the University of La Laguna. His work focuses on the history of education, curriculum studies, and the transnational influences on educational policy, particularly in Spain during the Franco regime and the Transition period. He has extensively researched UNESCO's role in educational modernization, the historiography of curriculum, and the representation of historical events in textbooks. His academic contributions include over 47 journal articles, 28 book chapters, and two books. Key areas of research include the analysis of educational systems in Colombia, the impact of international organizations on Spanish education, and the historical evolution of teacher training. He has directed one doctoral thesis and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects exploring education policy and transnational educational reforms. Dr. González Delgado’s work bridges historical analysis with contemporary educational challenges, emphasizing the role of curriculum as a site of socio-political negotiation. His research often intersects with international relations and the globalization of educational practices, particularly in the context of Cold War-era policies and modernization efforts.
Sofie Bedford is an Associate Professor (Docent) in Political Science and affiliated researcher at Uppsala University's Institute for Russian and Eurasian Studies (IRES). She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stockholm University and an MA in Peace and Conflict Research from Uppsala University. Her research focuses on post-Soviet Eurasia, particularly Azerbaijan and Belarus, exploring topics such as authoritarianism, political mobilization, and Islamic activism. Current projects include analyzing Swedish development aid's impact on gender equality in Armenia and Georgia, and studying security mindsets in the South Caucasus. She has led VR-funded projects on opposition dynamics in electoral autocracies and authored/co-authored numerous academic publications. Education: Ph.D. in Political Science, Stockholm University MA in Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University Research Projects: Following Swedish Aid (FoSAid): Examines gender equality and sexual rights discourses in Eastern Europe. Security, Equality, and Mindsets in South Caucasus (SEMS): Analyzes regional security through societal mindsets. Building Sustainable Opposition in Electoral Authoritarian Regimes: Investigates opposition dynamics in Belarus and Azerbaijan. Her research interests span hybrid regimes, democratization, autocratic politics, and the interplay between religion and state in post-Soviet contexts. She has taught at the University of Vienna and Webster Vienna Private University, and her work frequently addresses the societal impact of conflict and authoritarian governance. Notable Contributions: Expert on opposition dynamics in Azerbaijan and Belarus. Leading analysis on the paradox of democracy promotion reinforcing non-democratic regimes. Pioneering work on the role of Islamic activism in post-Soviet politics. Her recent publications highlight upgrading authoritarianism in Azerbaijan, the 2020 Belarusian election's destabilizing effects, and the societal impact of war in Azerbaijan.
Erla Thrandardottir is a Lecturer in Global Development at the Global Development Institute, specialising in the legitimacy and legitimation of non-governmental authority. Her research examines NGO legitimacy frameworks, trust dynamics, and the practical application of David Beetham’s theory on power legitimation. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through studies on global norms, localisation, and civil society roles. Erla teaches courses like Planning and Managing Development, Development Fieldwork, and Development Management Actors. She has led modules on Poverty and Development and Global Political Economy. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical NGO accountability challenges, emphasizing transparency and trustworthiness in international contexts. Recent research trends focus on INGO representation (e.g., Greenpeace India case studies), legal status ambiguities, and bridging legitimacy gaps. She frequently publishes in journals like Global Governance and British Journal of Politics and International Relations , with over 25 activities including conference organisation and policy engagements.
Huang Chin-Hao is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS). His research examines international relations and security dynamics in Asia, with empirical focus on China, Southeast Asia, and U.S.-China strategic interactions. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and a degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. His research explores patterns of cooperation/conflict in Asia, emphasizing how regional states develop norms and institutions for security. Key themes include China's power projection, Taiwan's identity politics, environmental governance, and historical state formation. His work integrates theoretical rigor with policy relevance, frequently cited in international media and policy circles. Huang's publications demonstrate consistent focus on Asian security architecture, Chinese foreign policy evolution, and institutional mechanisms for conflict mitigation. Recent works analyze U.S.-China-Taiwan triangular relations, ASEAN's role in environmental crises, and historical analogies for contemporary power transitions. Awards & Honors: Project Syndicate's Forward Thinkers list (Top 30 global voices in international affairs) American Political Science Association Foreign Policy Best Paper Award (2014) Lee Kong Chian NUS-Stanford Distinguished Fellowship (2018-2019) T.V. Paul Best Book Honorable Mention (2022) He advises governments, foundations, and corporations on Asian strategic affairs and has testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Previously, he researched at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Jonathan Art Chu serves as Presidential Young Professor (Assistant Professor) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, where he examines how humanitarian institutions, liberal democratic norms, and public opinion shape international behavior in conflict zones. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis to address pressing questions in global security and governance. Education: B.A. in Political Science, UC San Diego Ph.D. in Political Science, Stanford University Postdoctoral Fellow, Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania Chu's scholarship centers on Comparative Politics, Democracy, and International Relations with specialized focus on norm diffusion, public opinion formation, and wartime conduct. He employs rigorous experimental methodologies—including survey experiments and observational studies—to investigate how moral judgments influence perceptions of humanitarian intervention, how international organizations legitimize military coalitions, and how liberal ideology shapes foreign views of China. His work consistently demonstrates how identity and institutional cues mediate citizen responses to international crises, revealing nuanced pathways for policy influence. Analysis of his publication record shows a cohesive trajectory examining legitimacy mechanisms in international affairs. Early work established foundations in norm compliance (e.g., POW treatment studies), while recent publications pivot toward institutional validation processes—particularly how bodies like NATO harness public opinion to justify military action. Methodologically, he integrates survey experiments with cross-national data to uncover causal relationships between normative appeals and policy support, with increasing emphasis on great power dynamics and humanitarian crises. Scientific Awards: Finkelstein Paper Prize for outstanding contribution to International Organization studies Weber Paper Prize for innovative research in Religion and Politics Leonard Davis Genocide Prevention Fellowship at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (2025-26) Chu's academic leadership includes chairing the Master in International Affairs program at LKYSPP and serving on editorial boards for Journal of Politics , International Studies Quarterly , and Journal of Experimental Political Science . His research receives support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, while his civic engagement manifests through founding CivicPulse—a non-profit advancing evidence-based policy—and managing Stanford's Survey Lab. Current projects focus on genocide prevention mechanisms and the psychological foundations of humanitarian intervention. His laboratory infrastructure combines academic rigor with practical application: as founding Director of Research for CivicPulse, he develops tools for measuring civic health, while his Stanford Survey Lab experience informs methodological innovations in cross-national polling. The 2025 book Social Cues: How the Liberal Community Legitimizes Humanitarian Wars (Cambridge University Press) synthesizes this work into a unified theory of institutional legitimation.
Prof. Tobias Herbst holds a dual academic role as Professor at the Hochschule für Polizei und öffentliche Verwaltung NRW and as Privatdozent at the Juristische Fakultät der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin . His expertise spans constitutional law, data protection, and European Union law with a focus on public law, legal philosophy, and health-related legal frameworks. Research Interests: - State legitimacy and constitutional theory - GDPR compliance and digital governance - Medical ethics in biobanking and AI-driven healthcare - Historical legal analysis of Weimar constitutionalism - European federalism and legal integration Publications: - Authored/co-edited books on constitutional legitimacy and EU law - Over 50 peer-reviewed articles in journals like German Law Journal , ZRP , and EuDML - Regular commentary on German and EU legal codes (e.g., Datenschutzgesetz, Versammlungsgesetz NRW) Awards: - 2003 Europapreis (VBKI) for Legitimation durch Verfassunggebung - DFG grants for publications on constitutional law Academic Activities: - Co-chair of the Biobanken-Symposium series - Lectures on medical data governance at EU institutions and German federal agencies - Active member of the Arbeitskreis Ideengeschichte der Rechtsphilosophie Key Projects: - Legal frameworks for AI in healthcare - Cross-border data governance in EU member states - Historical jurisprudence on Spinoza and Kant
Prof. Dr. Dr. hc Luís Greco is a full professor and Chairholder of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Foreign Criminal Law, and Criminal Law Theory at Humboldt University of Berlin since 2017. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he holds a LL.M. from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and a Doctorate and Habilitation from the same institution. His academic career includes roles as a research assistant, visiting professor, and faculty member at universities in Germany, Brazil, and Argentina. Greco specializes in criminal law fundamentals, white-collar crime, criminal procedure, and legal philosophy. His research emphasizes international collaboration, reflected in projects across Brazil, Taiwan, China, and Latin America. He has supervised over 100 foreign scholars and edited major legal commentaries, including the 14th edition of the Leipzig Commentary on the Criminal Code. His work spans over 100 publications, including monographs on objective imputation theory and procedural law foundations. Key awards include the Max Weber Prize (2011) and Berlin-Brandenburg Academy Prize (2021). Greco also edits academic series and contributes to debates on legal reform, including Brazil’s Penal Code modernization. He actively engages in teaching, advising, and international legal exchanges, maintaining a focus on the ethical and philosophical dimensions of criminal law. His leadership in academic networks and editorial roles underscores his global influence in legal scholarship.
