Early-stage researchers
In SHAPEDEM-EU, a lot of early-stage researchers are contributing to reaching the project’s objectives. Click on the tags below to find out about their interests, their role within SHAPEDEM-EU and what they expect for their future career.
Inés Arco Escriche
Institution Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB) Field of Research Chinese Foreign Policy, China’s presence in the Mediterranean and the impact of China’s (re)emergence for the liberal international order.
Could you share a brief introduction about yourself and your research interests?
Inés Arco Escriche is a research fellow at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs) working on Chinese politics, especially China’s foreign policy and presence in the Mediterranean. Graduated in East Asian Studies from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), she holds a MA in International Relations from IBEI. She previously worked at the International Climate Development Institute (ICDI) in Taiwan, working on climate action and sustainable development policies. She works on the influence of domestic issues in Chinese foreign policy, China’s presence in the Mediterranean and the impact of the (re)emergence of China on the liberal international order.
What is your role in the SHAPEDEM-EU team within your organisation? What are you currently working on within the scope of SHAPEDEM-EU?
I am currently a researcher, working on WP6 on the impact of Non-EU External Actors in the practices of democracy support in the Southern and Eastern Neighborhoods. I am currently working on China’s contestation and impact on the EU’s democracy support practices, which is a fascinating area of research. Additionally, I am also WP6 Deputy Leader, which requires me to work with the WP Leader and all our partners very closely, being able to support them and especially, learning a lot thanks to them.
What does it mean for you to be part of SHAPEDEM-EU?
Being part of SHAPEDEM-EU is a huge opportunity to contribute to a better understanding of the current state of democracy and existing challenges. And, personally, I consider that being part of the project is such an amazing chance to also learn from other researchers working on different topics and different local realities, making this experience a very enriching one. And, of course, I am very grateful for being able to meet and build exchanges with many inspiring researchers and activists!
How does working in the team of an international research project influence your work?
Working in SHAPEDEM-EU with many brilliant researchers is encouraging me to develop my critical thinking and strive for excellence by providing the best quality, fact-based research. Being able to debate and exchange different views on different areas of interest also challenges me to broaden my knowledge and my perspective in many areas and regions.
Akram Ezzamouri
Institution Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) Field of Research Middle East and North Africa - Human rights
Could you share a brief introduction about yourself and your research interests?
I am junior researcher in IAI’s Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa research programme. My research interests include the study of transitional justice policies in authoritarian and conflict contexts – with a particular focus on the Maghreb region.
What is your role in the SHAPEDEM-EU team within your organisation? What are you currently working on within the scope of SHAPEDEM-EU?
I am currently in charge of assisting the research carried out by the IAI team and supporting the coordination of the activities in Work Package 4. Our organisation leads the study of EU democracy support and democratic practices in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods. Together with the partners involved we seek to unpack how democracy as a norm and practice of EU foreign policy is discursively contested within the EU, and how discursive practices translate into behavioural practices.
What does it mean for you to be part of SHAPEDEM-EU?
It means having the great opportunity to explore how democracy as a norm and democracy support as a practice has entered and evolved in EU foreign policy towards the Southern Neighbourhood, while also contributing to the innovative Democracy Learning Loop model.
How does working in the team of an international research project influence your work?
Being part of such an international consortium allows me to work in an intellectually rich and stimulating environment. It also gives me the opportunity to combine a more academic approach to research, with a policy-oriented one.
Murad Nasibov
Institution Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) Field of Research Civil society, authoritarian regimes, Eurasian geopolitics
Could you share a brief introduction about yourself and your research interests?
I am an early carrier researcher and doctoral candidate at Justus-Liebig University of Giessen (JLU). My expertise lies in studying civil society associations within authoritarian regimes, Eurasian geopolitics and research methods. Murad's passion for scholarship extends to teaching (6 years in total) and consulting support (over 10 years) to private companies, INGOs and IGOs.
What is your role in the SHAPEDEM-EU team within your organisation? What are you currently working on within the scope of SHAPEDEM-EU?
Throughout my recent tenure in SHAPEDEM-EU, my primary focus revolved around fortifying the project's methodological framework, encompassing the development of the Methods Manual, the establishment of a Living Lab, and the conduction of surveys. Additionally, I delved into captivating case studies exploring the intricate dynamics of democracy and autocracy, including reflective analyses on the democratization landscape in Azerbaijan and a compelling investigation into Russia's role as a prominent promoter of autocracy in the Eastern Neighbourhood.
What does it mean for you to be part of SHAPEDEM-EU?
My involvement with SHAPEDEM-EU has been a thrilling journey, characterized by frequent shifts between diverse working packs and project activities. This dynamic environment ensures a constant state of engagement, eliminating any possibility of monotony. The challenges encountered along the way serve as invaluable learning opportunities, surrounded by a diverse array of individuals possessing unique skills, knowledge, and experiences, providing endless possibilities for personal growth and enrichment.
How does working in the team of an international research project influence your work?
Working in the team of an international research project enriches my work through exposure to diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences. It fosters a dynamic environment where constant learning and growth occur. Collaborating with experts from various backgrounds enhances the methodological strength of the project and expands my understanding of global issues. The challenges encountered within the team become valuable teaching moments, fueling personal and professional development.