Mitja Sienknecht

Mitja Sienknecht is a Research Fellow at the University of Münster’s Chair of Global Governance (Prof. Antje Vetterlein) and a former Visiting Researcher at the WZB Research Unit Global Governance. His academic journey includes roles as a Senior Research Fellow at the European University Viadrina and research stays at institutions like Koç University (Istanbul) and Uppsala University (Sweden). He holds a PhD from the European University Viadrina (2015), an M.A. in International Politics and Peace Studies from the University of Tübingen (2009), and a B.A. in Political Science from Bielefeld University (2006).

His research focuses on global governance, conflict studies, and securitization, with a particular emphasis on non-state actors, international organizations, and border regimes. Notable works include studies on Kurdish conflicts, UN peace missions, and the dynamics of de-bordering in intrastate conflicts. His 2018 article on conflict communication earned the prestigious zib Best Paper Award from the German Political Science Association.

Sienknecht has contributed to interdisciplinary projects, such as analyzing UNAMI’s role in Iraq and contesting Europe’s border regime. His publications bridge theoretical frameworks (e.g., cosmopolitan responsibility) with empirical case studies, reflecting his commitment to understanding complex global challenges through innovative methodologies.

He is affiliated with the WZB’s Research Unit Global Governance and collaborates with international networks, including the B/ORDERS IN MOTION Center. His work often intersects with contemporary debates on transnational security, conflict resolution, and the evolving role of international institutions.