Max Lesch

Max Lesch is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) since 2022, focusing on international norm dynamics, politics of international law, and international practice theories. His work addresses contestation, enforcement, and lawmaking in human rights and peace/security law. He has held positions at Zeppelin University (2019-2022), Max Planck Institute (2018-2019), and University of Copenhagen (2018).

• PhD in Political Science (Goethe University Frankfurt, 2020)
• Master in International Studies/Peace and Conflict Research (2011)
• Bachelor in Politics and Society (University of Bonn, 2009)

His research spans international norm dynamics, contestation of global governance, and fact-finding mechanisms. Key areas include human rights enforcement, peace and security law, and China's Belt and Road Initiative. His 15 most recent publications analyze norm crises, BRI practices, torture prohibition, and informal human rights lawmaking.

Notable scientific achievements include the Max Weber Fellowship at the European University Institute (2024-2025) and ISA recognition for norm change research. As a co-chair of the PRIF Research Council (2024), he leads institutional research initiatives. His work bridges norm theory with empirical case studies on institutions like the UN and EU.