Eric Stollenwerk

Dr. Eric Stollenwerk is a Research Fellow at the GIGA Institute for African Affairs and an Affiliated Senior Research Fellow at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). He holds a PhD in Political Science from Freie Universität Berlin. His research focuses on governance in areas of limited statehood, interreligious peace dynamics, and security perceptions in post-conflict settings. He has been involved in major projects such as the EU-funded EU-LISTCO initiative and contributes to resilience-building strategies in the EU’s neighboring regions.

Education includes a PhD (Dr. rer. pol.) from Freie Universität Berlin (thesis: A Virtuous Circle of Governance?), an M.A. in Political Science, and a B.A. in Political Science and German Literature from the University of Göttingen. His work bridges academic research and policy advice, with affiliations spanning institutions like Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.

Research interests emphasize the interplay between governance effectiveness and legitimacy, the role of religious actors in conflict and peace processes, and security dynamics in fragile states. His recent publications explore interreligious peace frameworks and resilience strategies in conflict-affected regions. He actively engages in international conferences and lectures on topics such as EU foreign policy and governance challenges in Africa and the Middle East.

Professional memberships include the German Political Science Association (DVPW), American Political Science Association (APSA), and International Studies Association (ISA). His teaching includes courses on governance theory and EU neighborhood policies at Freie Universität Berlin.