Michał Zaręba

Michał Zaręba serves as Assistant Professor at the Department of Asian Studies within the Faculty of International and Political Studies at the University of Lodz, Poland. His academic profile centers on Mainland Southeast Asia's political dynamics, with specialization in hydropolitics, foreign policy analysis, and developmental challenges. Active in international research consortia including the European Commission's Horizon 2020 project "Competing Regional Integrations in Southeast Asia" since 2017, he maintains professional affiliation with the Association of Southeast Asian Studies in the United Kingdom (ASEASUK) from 2018.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Interfaculty Interdisciplinary Doctoral Studies in Humanities (University of Lodz, 2015) with dissertation "Hydropolitics of the Mekong River Basin: Between Conflict and Cooperation"
• Master's Degree in Sociology (Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 2010)

Dr. Zaręba's research examines conflict-cooperation dynamics in Mainland Southeast Asia through multiple analytical lenses. His hydropolitics work investigates transboundary water governance in the Mekong Basin, particularly China's upstream influence and dam impacts on downstream nations. Foreign policy studies analyze Cambodia-Vietnam relations including pandemic-era resentments, Vietnam-Russia military cooperation, and ethnic minority policies affecting Khmer communities. Developmental research explores contested commons management and resource governance challenges across the region.

Publication analysis reveals consistent thematic focus on Southeast Asian regional dynamics since 2015, with increasing emphasis on hydropolitics and pandemic impacts in recent years. His work spans theoretical frameworks (integration/conflict paradigms), empirical case studies (Mekong governance, South China Sea disputes), and practical policy analysis (Monitor Wietnamski series). Recurring methodological approaches include historical institutionalism and comparative policy analysis.

Scientific Awards:

• No formal scientific awards or fellowships documented in source materials

Grant activities include significant Horizon 2020 project participation since 2017 and ongoing collaboration with the University of Lodz's Center for Asian Affairs think tank since 2015. While specific student advisement details aren't provided, his faculty position implies undergraduate and graduate mentorship responsibilities within the Department of Asian Studies.

Professional networks encompass the Center for Asian Affairs (Lodz), ASEASUK, and international Horizon 2020 research teams. His institutional base within the Faculty of International and Political Studies provides interdisciplinary connections to political science, international relations, and security studies scholars.