ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen / Institute for International Cultural Relations) invites proposals for the following research project: ‘Regional Expertise as Soft Power: Country-Specific Expertise in International Comparison’ as part of their Research Programme on Culture and Foreign Policy. The starting period is from September 2024 and research projects normally last up to six months. The experts formulate recommendations for future foreign policy strategies, initiate expert dialogue, and organise discussion forums and events.
Geopolitical shifts—such as the increasing influence of China in Southeast Asia or in sub- Saharan Africa, as well as the increasing influence (especially military influence) of Russia in the Sahel region, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia—make clear that expertise regarding these regions should be available to support Germany (and also Europe) in carrying out targeted security-, development-, and foreign policy- engagements and to assess political and societal developments in countries that may not only influence security within the region in question, but may also entail threats to Europe. Moreover, broadly diversified economic connectivity reduces one-sided dependencies and strengthens a country’s resilience.
The development of such knowledge and expertise must occur in the higher education and research landscape. Yet in many countries, universities decide independently where to focus their education and research. Under these circumstances, how is it possible to gather data on needs for regional expertise and to recognise gaps in order to respond to them by means of specific funding programmes or international higher education cooperation?
In this research project, researchers are asked to demonstrate the relevance of area studies for foreign and security policy development, identify political governance instruments on an international comparative basis and ascertain potentials for international cooperation.
Location of work is flexible, with a gross fee of 9,000 EUR.
