Bernhard Stahl

The research project aims to investigate the under-theorized concept of silence within the realm of foreign policy analysis, particularly concerning the silencing of mass atrocities. This project seeks to address the gap in social-constructivist foreign policy research by examining how silence operates and its implications for foreign policy decisions and discourse. The research is motivated by the observation that, despite the widespread acceptance of silence as a significant factor in political science and related social sciences, it has not been adequately explored within foreign policy analysis. The project posits that foreign policy silence does not merely equate to the absence of speech but includes the strategic omission or downplaying of critical issues. This form of silence can shape perceptions and policies in profound ways, often leaving significant matters unaddressed. The project’s theoretical framework challenges the prevailing logocentric focus on articulated language in foreign policy studies. By incorporating silence into the analysis, the studies aim to provide a more holistic understanding of foreign policy. This approach will involve the conceptualization of silence, distinguishing between different types of silence such as imposed silence (resulting from violence or institutional constraints) and purposive silence (intentional non-communication). Empirically, the project will focus on the foreign policies of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This comparative case study will explore how these democracies, which theoretically should engage in open discourse on such severe crimes, often remain silent. By analyzing this silence, patterns and motivations behind the lack of articulation in foreign policy regarding mass atrocities will be uncovered.

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Güneş Ünüvar

My project explores the conceptualization of outer space as an environment, and its implications for international law, particularly concerning environmental protection and foreign investments. The study aims to reconceptualize outer space, especially Earth’s orbit, as an environmental domain subject to regulatory measures similar to those applied to terrestrial and atmospheric environments. The research is motivated by the rapid growth in both public and private space endeavors, which include satellite operations, space tourism, resource extraction and utilization, as well as potential extraterrestrial settlements. With regard to orbital activities, the focus will be on the accumulation of space debris, presenting significant risks such as orbital collisions, which could eventually render Earth’s orbit unusable—a scenario known as the Kessler Syndrome. Given these concerns, the project examines whether space should be classified as an environment requiring protection.
Through environmental sociology, the project will show that while environmental protection is one aspect of our interaction with outer space, environmental utilization, risk mitigation, scientific engagement, and cultural preservation are parallel manifestations of outer space as environment, and crucial aspects of our engagement with it. Building upon this framework, the project’s key contribution is to show how this taxonomy helps better conceptualize the leeway of states regulating space activities, as well as rules and principles in international law, applicable to environmental protection and policies instigated by states.
A central aspect of this study is the investigation of how categorizing space as an environment influences international investment law, particularly regarding state regulations and their impact on private sector activities. The project posits that space, much like terrestrial and atmospheric domains, can be subject to environmental protection measures which may conflict with commercial interests. This conflict is explored through the lens of international investment agreements (IIAs) and arbitration cases where states have imposed environmental regulations impacting foreign investments.

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Raúl González Muñoz

This project looks to identify and analyse the key challenges and enablers encountered in the implementation of the European Union Space Strategy for Security and Defence, unveiled on March 10, 2023 by the European Commission and the High Representative (HR) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
This project will focus in four main areas: (1) space industrial capacity of the EU; (2) space industry frameworks in Europe compared to USA analogues; (3) space market harmonization in Europe supported by a shared space law; and, (4) space as a vector for European integration.
The final aim of the research is to provide a structured analysis with a particular focus on the industrial capacity of the European space sector compared to other space faring powers, as well as the dynamics of great power competition in space and the role Europe could play in the future geopolitical landscape.

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Tamirace Fakhoury

What does refugee politics reveal about policy dissonance? And how does it enable a nuanced insight into the spatiality and dispersion of power beyond the focus on classical geopolitics? My research project looks at refugee policy in the Euro-Middle East as a messy spatiality of power where asylum policies and bordering practices mutually influence and contest each other. I draw on relational approaches that decenter the focus from EU governance and that conceptualize the political agency of the so-called ‘borderlands. Building on the case of Syrian displacement, I explore how Middle East polities and societies have shaped the EU’s resilience-building discursive practices and externalization strategies of migration control. I further explore what this means for refugees’ rights and protection, and for responsibility-sharing.

The project is structured around four streams:

– How have governments in the Middle East interpreted and enacted the EU’s external refugee instruments? In what ways have their governance legacies, legal frameworks, and economic systems reshaped the EU’s normative and funding power?

– What are the on-the-ground effects of the refugee instruments that have been negotiated, particularly in terms of asylum policy formulation, and the livelihoods and protection of refugees in the region?

– Which “pathways” and “criteria for evaluation” (Young 1978) might clarify the limited impact of the EU’s funding power in addressing prolonged displacement in the Middle East, despite the EU’s declared aims of promoting resilience and joint burden-sharing?

-And (as an avenue for further research), how can the EU and regional host states in the Middle East draw on their contentious cooperation on refugee issues as an opportunity for reflexive and learning-based governance?

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Tamirace Al Fakhoury

What does refugee politics reveal about policy dissonance? And how does it enable a nuanced insight into the spatiality and dispersion of power beyond the focus on classical geopolitics? My research project looks at refugee policy in the Euro-Middle East as a messy spatiality of power where asylum policies and bordering practices mutually influence and contest each other. I draw on relational approaches that decenter the focus from EU governance and that conceptualize the political agency of the so-called ‘borderlands. Building on the case of Syrian displacement, I explore how Middle East polities and societies have shaped the EU’s resilience-building discursive practices and externalization strategies of migration control. I further explore what this means for refugees’ rights and protection, and for responsibility-sharing.

The project is structured around four streams:

– How have governments in the Middle East interpreted and enacted the EU’s external refugee instruments? In what ways have their governance legacies, legal frameworks, and economic systems reshaped the EU’s normative and funding power?

– What are the on-the-ground effects of the refugee instruments that have been negotiated, particularly in terms of asylum policy formulation, and the livelihoods and protection of refugees in the region?

– Which “pathways” and “criteria for evaluation” (Young 1978) might clarify the limited impact of the EU’s funding power in addressing prolonged displacement in the Middle East, despite the EU’s declared aims of promoting resilience and joint burden-sharing?

-And (as an avenue for further research), how can the EU and regional host states in the Middle East draw on their contentious cooperation on refugee issues as an opportunity for reflexive and learning-based governance?

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Reza Hasmath

This project looks at how the Chinese citizenry currently think about the world, and its implications for future foreign relations with Western jurisdictions. It draws upon hard to access representative data from the 2023 and 2024 Chinese Citizens’ Global Perception Surveys (CCGPS) conducted by the Investigator. The CCGPS look at mainland Chinese citizens’ perspectives on China’s current relations with global actors, including, Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, India, Japan, Russia, UK and USA.

The project will examine four key areas of analytical interest: (1) Chinese citizens’ global perception of trusted partners, and those jurisdictions that may be more antagonistic in the near future; (2) views on China’s global roles; (3) preferences for foreign tourism, study, work and emigration; and, (4) Chinese citizens’ sources and knowledge of global jurisdictions.

The ultimate aim of the project is to provide timely, data-driven evidence that can assist key stakeholders to develop targeted and considered strategies for enlightened and productive engagement with mainland China.

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Chelsea Haramia

Dr. Haramia’s research focuses on global planning for post-detection scenarios, i.e., scenarios that humans may face following a successful detection of extraterrestrial life or technology in outer space. Gauging public attitudes towards candidate global actions is fundamental for ethical questions of global consent. Informed consent, when it is possible to obtain, is arguably critical for morally appropriate representation and risk taking. Thus, consent regarding risk and representation is a crucial area of targeted analysis in current post-detection research. Dr. Haramia’s work underscores the need to navigate speculative discourse and promote ethical inquiry in order to leverage existing resources for effective preparedness.
Central to her research agenda is the exploration of methodologies for assessing public attitudes towards global risks and securing global consent for post-detection proposals. She outlines both theoretical and concrete strategies aimed at advancing research into post-detection. She poses pivotal questions to guide her investigation, delving into the necessity of current and future tools, policies, and interdisciplinary research frameworks for navigating potential contact with extraterrestrial entities. Additionally, she explores the potential of foresight studies training and AI-driven programs in bolstering global preparedness and representation, addressing concerns of overrepresentation, misrepresentation, inclusion, and others in planetary future planning endeavors.

Dr. Haramia’s work stems from a comprehensive overview of the historical context of post-detection research, tracing its origins from the early days of SETI science to the formulation of contemporary post-detection protocols.
Moreover, she underscores the crucially interdisciplinary nature of research in this field and emphasizes the value of collaborative initiatives. Her overarching goal is to develop defensible thresholds for informed consent and to explore avenues for globally-focused programs that will help to prepare humanity for a post-detection future.

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Inci Öykü Yener-Roderburg

Inci Öykü Yener-Roderburg is conducting a research project that investigates the intricate interplay between religion, diaspora associations, and extraterritorial voting (EV) within the context of Turkey-originating communities in Germany. With the introduction of remote enfranchisement in 2012, Turkish diasporas have witnessed a unique form of political mobilization, yet the specific influence of religious associations on voting behavior remains understudied.

Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach, this study aims to shed light on three main objectives: Firstly, it seeks to elucidate the significance of religion in shaping political mobilization within diasporas, with a particular focus on Alevi and Sunni faith-based diaspora organizations in Germany. Secondly, it analyzes the mechanisms through which these religious associations facilitate and promote voting participation during Turkish electoral cycles in Germany and during German electoral cycles in Germany. Lastly, it adopts a gender-sensitive perspective to examine the role of women within these organizations and their impact on EV.

Despite the growing body of literature on emigrant enfranchisement, the role of religion in influencing voting behavior remains largely unexplored. By focusing on Turkey-originating faith-based diaspora organizations in Germany, this research aims to fill this gap and provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play.

Through a combination of qualitative methods including ethnographic research and in-depth interviews, this study aims to uncover the motivations, challenges, and strategies behind voting and mobilization within diaspora communities. By examining the intersection of religion, citizenship, and political engagement, it seeks to contribute to broader discussions on diaspora politics and transnational political participation.

The significance of this research extends beyond academic inquiry, as it has implications for understanding the evolving nature of political participation among diaspora communities, its impact on ‘homeland’. This study delves into the role of religious associations as significant agents in extraterritorial voting, as well as their potential impact on elections in resident countries. The aim is to offer insights that can inform policy-making and deepen our understanding of diaspora engagement in democratic processes within a transnational context.

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