Sandra Pogodda

Sandra Pogodda is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manchester. She completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge followed by post-doctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins University, the United States Institute of Peace, Chatham House, and the University of St Andrews, establishing a distinguished academic career focused on global peace and conflict dynamics.

Her research centers on two critical strands: first, examining why peace processes worldwide are stagnating or collapsing through her innovative 'counter-peace' framework that connects spoilers across scales; and second, investigating why 21st-century revolutions tend to fail, often resulting in protracted wars or authoritarian relapses, with special attention to peace mediation in revolutionary contexts. Her work has been presented at the UN Secretariat and will be published in a forthcoming book with Oxford University Press titled Counter-Peace: Tactical Blockages to Peace and Strategic Risks for the International System.

Dr. Pogodda's publications span leading journals including European Journal of International Relations, Review of International Studies, and Contemporary Security Policy, with books published by Manchester University Press, Edinburgh University Press, and Palgrave. Her research portfolio demonstrates deep expertise in peace processes, counter-peace dynamics, multipolar world order, and revolutionary conflicts, contributing significantly to understanding contemporary global political challenges.

Her recognition includes:

• Duncan Black Award (2005)
• Marie Curie Fellowship (2004)
• Transatlantic Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2008)
• Commendation for outstanding MA dissertation supervision

Dr. Pogodda has secured substantial research funding, collaboratively raising £4.6 million across eight grants from organizations including the European Commission, Global Challenges Research Fund, British Academy, and Leverhulme Foundation. She currently leads her fourth multinational research consortium 'Embracing change: Overcoming Blockages and Advancing Democracy in the European Neighbourhood,' involving 15 partner institutions across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, demonstrating her leadership in international collaborative research.