Karin S. Thorburn is a Professor of Finance at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and holds research affiliations with the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) . Her work spans corporate finance, bankruptcy, and governance topics.
Gerrit Philipps is a researcher and teacher at the Chair of Communication and Media Studies I (KMW I) within the Institute of Social Sciences at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. He holds a Master of Arts in Political Communication from the same university, following a Bachelor of Arts in Political and Communication Studies from the University of Münster. B.A. in Political and Communication Studies (University of Münster, 2015-2018) M.A. in Political Communication (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 2018-2021) His research focuses on the intersection of political communication and media dynamics, particularly examining the medialization of politics, social media's role in political engagement, and media effects on institutional processes like parliamentary negotiations and government communication. His work spans both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including factorial surveys and comparative platform analyses. Key publication themes include digital political communication, user behavior on social media platforms, and the mediatization of lobbying and parliamentary systems. He has presented his work at major conferences like the International Communication Association (ICA) and ECREA events. His professional experiences include research assistant roles at institutions such as the Institute for German and International Party Law and practical work with NGOs, political consultancies, and the German Foreign Office.
Manuela Nilsson is a Professor in Peace and Development Studies at Linnaeus University's Department of Social Studies (Faculty of Social Sciences). Her work focuses on conflict transformation, post-conflict peacebuilding, and the security-development nexus. She has conducted extensive research in Colombia, Nicaragua, and other Latin American countries, with a particular emphasis on police reform, land restitution, and civil-military cooperation in post-conflict scenarios. Education: Trained in conflict transformation by the United Nations and Organization of American States. Over 17 years of fieldwork experience in Latin America, including involvement in Nicaragua's post-war reconstruction. Current research centers on Colombia's peacebuilding processes, including the role of Swedish police training programs and civilian-military collaboration. Research Projects: Includes 'Peacebuilding Amidst Ongoing Violence,' collaboration with Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), and analysis of security policies in Angola and Nicaragua. Her work explores challenges in implementing peace agreements and strengthening local ownership of reconciliation processes. Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on peacebuilding strategies, security-sector reform, and conflict resolution. Authored the book Cultural Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: German-American Relations, 1955-1968 (1996) and contributed to edited volumes on Latin American globalization responses and relational peace practices. Collaborations: Active in international research networks such as the European Migration and Integration Network (EMIN). Supervises doctoral students and leads interdisciplinary projects analyzing violence reduction and sustainable peace mechanisms.
R. Joseph Huddleston is an Associate Professor in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. His research focuses on diplomatic activities of secessionist movements, civil war responses, and the role of civilian populations in conflict zones. He is affiliated with the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies and directs the Diplomacy Research Lab (DiploLab). During the 2024-2025 academic year, he is a Tenured IR Scholar with the Council on Foreign Relations and a Foreign Policy Fellow in Senator Cory Booker’s office. Affiliations: Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Diplomacy Research Lab Research Interests: Self-determination diplomacy, secessionist movements, UN peacekeeping (especially MINURSO), North African politics, and academic-policy crossover work. He has published extensively in journals like the Journal of Peace Research and Foreign Affairs , and co-edited volumes on Western Sahara and international relations research methods. Grants & Projects: Collaborated on policy reports with GIZ and EU-funded initiatives on Yemen’s economy. His current book project explores diplomatic strategies of self-determination governments. Affiliations & Roles: Director of Middle East and International Security specializations, Senior Fellow at the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. Courses taught include International Security, Causes of War, and Research Methods.
Géraldine Pflieger is a Full Professor of Urban and Environmental Policies at the University of Geneva, affiliated with the Department of Political Science and International Relations within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Since 2017, she has directed the Institute of Environmental Sciences and co-directed the UNESCO Chair in Hydropolitics since 2015 with Christian Bréthaut. She serves as a science representative in Swiss climate negotiations at COP since 2020. Research Interests include climate policies, water governance, urban governance under environmental challenges, and infrastructure sustainability. Her work bridges international climate frameworks with localized implementation, focusing on transboundary water management and the socio-political dimensions of urban policy. Article Trends reveal a sustained focus on water governance (8/15), climate policy (7/15), and urban systems (6/15). Key methodologies include comparative case studies, historical institutional analysis, and stakeholder engagement frameworks across semi-arid regions, European cities, and transboundary basins. Awards : Water International Best Paper 2022 Award Doctoral Mentorship encompasses current advisees like Gaélane Wolff (2024) and Laura Turley (2023), plus former students including Kari de Pryck (2018), Emilie Dupuits (2017), and Sébastien Lambelet (2019). She leads research projects GOUVRHÔNE (Rhône transboundary governance), InfraGouv (urban water infrastructure), and POWURB (power dynamics in Swiss cities).
Stephanie J. Rickard is a Professor of Political Science in the Department of Government at the London School of Economics (LSE). Her research and teaching focus on international political economy, particularly the interplay between political institutions and economic policies. She has made significant contributions to understanding trade politics, industrial policy, and the political consequences of globalization. Her research interests include: International Trade Politics Redistribution and Welfare Globalization and Voter Behavior Electoral Institutions Industrial Subsidies and Government Procurement Economic Geography and Policy Design Stephanie’s recent publications explore the political dynamics of tariffs and subsidies, the electoral consequences of offshoring, and how governments target economic benefits. Her work consistently emphasizes how domestic political institutions interact with economic geography to shape policy outcomes. She has published in top journals such as International Organization , The Journal of Politics , and Comparative Political Studies . Her award-winning book, Spending to Win (Cambridge University Press, 2018), investigates how electoral incentives and regional economic structures influence government subsidies. She has contributed to policy discussions, including the design of the UK’s subsidy control framework. Chair, Board of International Organization Member, UK Trade and Agriculture Commission Independent Member, Parliamentary and Political Service Honours Committee She frequently engages with media outlets such as the BBC and Bloomberg, offering expert commentary on global economic developments. Her research has been supported by various academic and policy institutions, and she advises on governance of international economic policy. Stephanie Rickard leads no formal lab but directs major editorial and policy boards, shaping discourse in political economy. Her work continues to influence both academic and policy debates on industrial strategy, trade, and democratic accountability.
Brian Mandell is the Mohamad Kamal Senior Lecturer in Negotiation and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), where he also serves as Vice Chair for Executive Education at Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and Faculty Chair of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Collaboratory. His research focuses on third-party facilitation and consensus-building in protracted domestic and international policy disputes, with a particular emphasis on asymmetrical conflicts and structural process design. PhD in Political Science from the University of Toronto His work integrates interdisciplinary perspectives on power dynamics , religion and identity , and resource allocation in conflict resolution. Recent publications, such as the 2025 article in Negotiation Journal , introduce the "Propeller" conceptual model to analyze effectiveness in peace negotiations beyond traditional outcome-based metrics. Brian has secured external funding from organizations like the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Arab Youth Center for climate change initiatives. His affiliations span Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Center for Public Leadership, and Program on Negotiation. Pew Faculty Fellowship
Dina Ribbink is a Full Professor at NEOMA Business School specializing in Supply Chain Management. Her research investigates contractual dynamics between buyers and suppliers, with a focus on international contexts and behavioral experiments, including applications to food supply chains. Academic rank: Professor Institution: NEOMA Business School Department: Information Systems, Supply Chain Management & Decision Support Research interests include: Governance in buyer-supplier relationships Contractual behavior and negotiation dynamics Behavioral experiments in operations Sustainability in food supply chains Recent publications examine supply chain transparency's impact on consumer behavior, cultural influences on procurement contracts, and financial distress effects on customer service, appearing in top journals like Journal of Operations Management and Transportation Journal . Associate Editor: International Journal of Production and Operations Management Editorial Review Board member for multiple SCM journals
Abbas Milani is a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution and the Hamid and Christina Moghadam Director of Iranian Studies at Stanford University. His expertise spans U.S.-Iran relations, Iranian political and cultural issues, and modern Iranian history. He is actively involved in the Middle East and the Islamic World Working Group and the Applied History Working Group at Hoover. BA in Political Science and Economics, University of California, Berkeley PhD in Political Science, University of Hawaii His research focuses on Iranian Studies, political science, and history , with particular attention to democratization, authoritarianism, and the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic. Milani has authored influential books such as The Shah , Eminent Persians , and The Persian Sphinx , which explore key figures and movements in modern Iran. His recent publications and media commentary analyze current events in Iran, including nuclear negotiations, internal unrest, and regional influence. His scholarly output reveals a consistent focus on the struggle between modernity and traditionalism in Iran, the dynamics of regime legitimacy, and the resilience of civil society . He frequently discusses the role of youth, women, and intellectuals in challenging authoritarian rule. Member, American Association of Political Science Member, American Academy of Political and Social Science Member, Association of Iranian Studies Milani advises on U.S. policy toward Iran, advocating for nuanced engagement over maximalist pressure. He has not received explicit grant details in the text, but his leadership roles suggest significant institutional support. He contributes to public understanding through frequent interviews with major media outlets and participation in academic panels. He is associated with the Iran Democracy Project and uses archival materials, such as the Ardeshir Zahedi Papers, to deepen historical understanding of Iran’s political evolution.
Luís Nuno Rodrigues is a Full Professor in the Department of History at ISCTE-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, where he also directs the PhD in International Studies. He is an Integrated Researcher at CEI-Iscte - Center for International Studies, focusing on Global Politics and Security. He holds a PhD in American History from the University of Wisconsin and a PhD in Modern and Contemporary History from ISCTE-IUL, and has served as a Visiting Professor at Brown University. PhD in American History, University of Wisconsin (2000) PhD in Modern and Contemporary History, ISCTE-IUL (specializing in History of International Relations) Aggregation in History, ISCTE-IUL (2008) Master's and Bachelor's in History, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities - UNL (1995, 1990) His research focuses on the History of International Relations , particularly during the Cold War, with expertise in 20th-century Portuguese and U.S. foreign policy , decolonization , and Atlantic relations . He has extensively published on Luso-American relations, military bases, and diplomatic history. His recent publications continue to explore themes of transatlantic diplomacy, cultural exchange (e.g., the Fulbright Program), and the international dimensions of Portuguese colonialism. The body of his research reflects a consistent engagement with diplomatic history , military strategy , and global geopolitical shifts in the 20th century. He has received significant recognition for his scholarly contributions: Mário Soares Foundation Prize Aristides Sousa Mendes Prize Luís Nuno Rodrigues has supervised dozens of doctoral and master's theses and has been actively involved in academic leadership, including as former Editor of the Portuguese Journal of Social Science and Director of the Center for International Studies at ISCTE. He has organized and presented at over a hundred academic events internationally, demonstrating strong engagement with the global scholarly community. He is affiliated with the CEI-Iscte - Center for International Studies , where he contributes to research on Global Politics and Security, working within interdisciplinary teams focused on contemporary and historical international affairs.
Carmen Brandt is a Professor of Contemporary South Asian Studies at the University of Bonn, Germany, where she has been a faculty member since 2017, first as a Junior Professor and since 2023 as a W2-Professor. She is affiliated with the Department of South Asian Studies within the Faculty of Humanities. Her academic journey began at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, where she earned her Magistra Artium in 2006 and her doctorate in 2015 with a dissertation on the 'Bedes' of Bengal. She previously served as a research associate and lecturer at Halle before joining Bonn. W2-Professor, University of Bonn (2023–present) Junior Professor, University of Bonn (2017–2023) Research Associate, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (2007–2016) Lecturer in Bengali, Halle (2006–2007) Her research focuses on language and script politics, minority discourses, nation-building, and the cultural dynamics of Bengal and Bangladesh. She investigates how writing systems serve as tools of identity formation and political contestation, particularly among marginalized communities such as the 'Bedes' and Balti people. Her interdisciplinary approach draws from sociolinguistics, cultural anthropology, and postcolonial theory. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent engagement with themes of script identity, ethnic marginalization, and geopolitical belonging. Her work spans monographs, journal articles, and edited volumes, often analyzing how language policies and media representations shape national and subnational identities in South Asia. She frequently collaborates with scholars across institutions and countries, contributing to transnational academic discourse. Scientific and Professional Memberships: Editorial Team, ASIEN journal Chairperson, Bengal Link e.V. Chairperson, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Asienkunde (DGA) Spokesperson Council, Working Group “Modern South Asia” (DGA) Member, Literaturforum Indien e.V. Member, Association of Asian Studies She has advised and organized numerous academic events, including the German South Asia Days and workshops on Tibetanness and language politics. She has delivered invited lectures across South Asia, Europe, and North America, demonstrating her international scholarly reach. Her work bridges academic research and public engagement, particularly through journalistic contributions on South Asian socio-political issues. Laboratories and Research Teams: While not leading a formal lab, she actively organizes and participates in collaborative research networks, including the Working Group on Modern South Asia and the German South Asia Consortium. She has co-organized multiple international conferences and workshops, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among early-career and established scholars.
Fabio Angiolillo is a Research Fellow in the Department of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg. His work focuses on democratization, authoritarian regimes, and comparative politics with a particular emphasis on China's political dynamics. He has contributed to prominent journals like Democratization and British Journal of Political Science , analyzing topics such as autocratization processes, party membership in authoritarian systems, and democratic reversals. His research often involves developing datasets (e.g., the One-Party Membership Dataset) and indices (e.g., Party-System Democracy Index) to measure political phenomena quantitatively. Angiolillo's publications span from 2018 to 2025, reflecting a sustained engagement with global political trends, including defiance against autocratization and the role of elections in democratic contests. Key areas of interest include regime transitions, ruling party strategies in autocracies, and the interplay between domestic and international political frameworks, as seen in his analyses of Italy's China policy and Korean Peninsula diplomacy. He collaborates frequently with scholars like Staffan I. Lindberg and Marina Nord, contributing to comprehensive reports on global democracy trends such as the Democracy Report 2024 . Despite no listed awards, Angiolillo's prolific output and methodological contributions position him as an influential voice in political science, particularly in understanding authoritarian governance and democratic resilience. His work integrates historical analysis with contemporary case studies, offering insights into both long-term regime dynamics and immediate political challenges.
Pavel Trofimovich is a Professor of Applied Linguistics at Concordia University's Department of Education, where he has worked since 2003. His research bridges psycholinguistic, sociolinguistic, and pedagogical dimensions of second language acquisition. PhD in Educational Psychology/Applied Linguistics (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2003) MA in Teaching English as an International Language (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1998) BA in English Philology (University of Latvia, 1996) Key research areas include cognitive processing in L2 speech acquisition, social variables affecting language learning, and comprehensibility in lingua franca interactions. His Concordia Applied Linguistics Lab (co-directed with Kim McDonough) employs mixed methods including eye-tracking and physiological sensors to study multilingual communication. Recent publications (2023-2025) focus on metaperception in L2 interaction, accent bias in employment, and nonverbal behaviors in communication success. Collaborative projects with students and SSHRC grants (e.g., 2021-2025 foreign accent bias study) demonstrate his applied focus on real-world language challenges. Current PhD students: Anamaria Bodea, Thao-Nguyen Nina Le, Chaoqun Zheng Former students now hold academic positions globally (University of Alberta, Waseda University, etc.)
Franziska F. N. Schreiber is a Doctoral Researcher at PRIF (Peace Research Institute Frankfurt) and Goethe University Frankfurt. She operates within the Research Department International Institutions , focusing on sanctions, international organizations, and political developments in Latin America . Her work intersects with EU policy, conflict resolution, and regional governance dynamics. Master's Degree: International Cultural and Business Studies (Political Science, Latin American Studies, Development Economics) at University of Passau Bachelor's Degree: Public Management at Ludwigsburg University of Applied Sciences Her research explores the strategic use of sanctions as tools of international pressure, particularly in post-conflict scenarios like Syria and Venezuela. She analyzes how international institutions (EU, UN, Mercosur) navigate norm enforcement, credibility, and political transitions. Recent work includes the impact of sanctions on EU-Mercosur trade relations and democratic erosion in Latin America. While her publications span 2020-2025 , they reveal consistent focus areas: Sanctions and their geopolitical implications Constitutional processes in Latin America EU international policy frameworks Democratic challenges in Brazil and Chile International institution credibility Trade-conflict dynamics Scientific recognitions include her 2024-2026 Young Fellow status at Goethe University Frankfurt's academic society. She serves as ECR (Early Career Researcher) Representative in the ConTrust – Trust in Conflict project, which examines trust mechanisms in international conflict resolution. Her practical engagement includes policy advice workshops at DHBW Lörrach on UN structures and policy fields. Conference presentations at ECIB, ISA, and EWIS since 2020 demonstrate her active role in academic discourse around sanctions, norm enforcement, and institutional trust-building.
Eric Zvaniga serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Tourism & Hospitality Management department within the Faculty of Management at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus. His academic focus spans managerial thought, ethics, management information systems, and negotiation skills for undergraduate and international student cohorts across UBC campuses. Education: Doctor of Business Administration, Tourism (2020), Athabasca University MBA in Project Management (2009), Athabasca University Post Baccalaureate in Management (2006), Athabasca University Research Focus: Dr. Zvaniga investigates tourists' experiences across seasonal settings to develop destination involvement and place attachment theories. His work bridges academic research with industry transformation in the global tourism sector through interdisciplinary approaches combining management theory, behavioral analysis, and strategic planning. Publication Analysis: Recent publications (2015-2020) demonstrate concentrated expertise in tourism destination dynamics, examining lifestyle influences, business intelligence applications, and psychological attachment mechanisms. Earlier works (1979-1995) reveal foundational contributions to information systems in healthcare and financial technology, showcasing an evolving research trajectory from technical systems to human-centered tourism management. Professional Integration: Complementing his academic role, Zvaniga leverages executive experience as Global Data Strategy and Governance Manager at Cisco Systems, Inc., alongside entrepreneurial engagements in tourism strategy development where he examines organizational vision creation and long-range sustainability planning.