The University of Gothenburg has announced applications for a fully funded doctoral position in Peace and Development Research focusing on Host-State Responses to Transnational Repression (TNR).
The opportunity is hosted within the School of Global Studies and offers aspiring researchers the chance to contribute to a major international research project examining how democratic states respond to authoritarian repression across borders.
This PhD position is designed for candidates interested in peace and conflict studies, migration, human rights, global governance, and transnational politics. The successful applicant will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment in Gothenburg, Sweden, while working alongside leading scholars examining transnational repression in the Nordic-Baltic region.
About the PhD Position
The doctoral project focuses on how host states respond to transnational repression, broadly defined as attempts by authoritarian governments to silence, intimidate, monitor, or punish diaspora activists and communities abroad.
The selected doctoral candidate will contribute to a comparative research project examining legal and policy responses to transnational repression across countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Estonia.
Potential research themes include:
- Awareness among public officials handling immigration, cybersecurity, law enforcement, and border management
- Reporting systems and institutional responses to transnational repression incidents
- Collaboration between governments and civil society organizations
- Protection mechanisms for vulnerable diaspora communities
- Investigation and prosecution of perpetrators involved in TNR activities
- State engagement with migrants and diasporas facing authoritarian pressure
The position forms part of a broader international initiative examining the growing challenge of authoritarian influence beyond national borders.
About the Research Environment
Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg is internationally recognized for interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges. Researchers within the department investigate topics including:
- Conflict and security
- Human rights
- Migration and displacement
- Gender and development
- Global political economy
- Resistance and governance
The successful applicant will join a diverse academic community consisting of approximately 50 researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds.
PhD Programme Structure
The doctoral programme lasts four years full-time and combines:
- One year of coursework
- Three years of independent research and dissertation writing
The position may also include teaching, administration, or departmental duties equivalent to up to 20% of full-time work, extending the total employment duration accordingly.
The successful candidate is expected to relocate and work physically in Gothenburg, Sweden, no later than January 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements for doctoral studies in Sweden.
General Eligibility
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent second-cycle qualification, or
- At least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at Master’s level
Specific Eligibility
Candidates should possess academic training in:
- International Relations
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Global Development Studies
- Or another closely related discipline
Applicants must also demonstrate excellent written and spoken English skills. Proficiency in languages relevant to the selected case-study countries is considered an advantage.
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
- A research proposal (maximum 2,000 words)
- Master’s thesis and/or academic publications
- Updated CV (Europass format encouraged)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Contact information for two referees
The research proposal should clearly outline:
- Research questions
- Objectives and aims
- Methodology and theoretical framework
- Proposed data sources
- Timeline for the project
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in September 2026, with final decisions expected in October 2026.
Funding and Employment Benefits
Successful candidates admitted to the doctoral programme will be employed directly by the University of Gothenburg as doctoral students. The position includes:
- A monthly doctoral salary according to Swedish university regulations
- Access to research supervision and mentorship
- Integration into an international academic research network
- Opportunities for teaching and professional development
Sweden is widely recognized for its strong work-life balance, inclusive academic culture, and high-quality research environment, making this opportunity particularly attractive for international scholars.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for this doctoral position is:
14 August 2026
Why This Opportunity Matters
As authoritarian governments increasingly target activists, journalists, and diaspora communities abroad, research on transnational repression is becoming critically important in global politics and human rights scholarship. This PhD opportunity offers emerging researchers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge policy and academic debates while gaining advanced training in peace and development research.
The programme is especially suitable for candidates passionate about migration governance, democracy, human rights protection, and global security issues.
For more information and application details, applicants should visit the official University of Gothenburg Doctoral Studies Page and the University of Gothenburg Careers Portal.
