Karen Bennett

Dr. Karen Bennett serves as a part-time Lecturer in Securing Human Rights at the School of Advanced Study, University of London. Her academic career spans multiple institutions with a consistent focus on human rights implementation and protection mechanisms.

Her research interests center on human rights cosmopolitanism and the effectiveness of transnational networks as mechanisms for human security, with particular emphasis on security and protection for human rights defenders and civil society actors. Dr. Bennett approaches human rights through both theoretical frameworks and practical implementation challenges.

Dr. Bennett earned her PhD in Human Rights at London Metropolitan University, where she subsequently served as Director of the Human Rights and Social Justice Research Institute from 2013 to 2016. She also holds an MA degree in International Relations from the American University School of International Service and a BA degree in International Communications from Webster University.

Her professional experience includes significant work with:

• Multilateral organizations
• Research institutes
• Government bodies
• Non-governmental organizations

Dr. Bennett has developed research projects and led training programs across three continents—Asia, Africa, and Europe—working directly with civil society partners to address human rights challenges in diverse contexts.