PhD Title

Explaining Variation in Refugee Protection Policy in the EU: National Role Conceptions and Domestic Political Constraints

PhD Title

Explaining Variation in Refugee Protection Policy in the EU: National Role Conceptions and Domestic Political Constraints

Supervisors

Professor Juliet Kaarbo & Professor Christina Boswell

Research Project

My research project examines variations in refugee policy among EU Member States. Adopting a Role Theory approach, it explores the impact of political elites’ national role conceptions on decision-making. Domestic political constraints, including political fragmentation, party competition and public opinion are also examined, offering a holistic explanation for variations in responsibility-sharing and provision for refugees and asylum seekers. 

Qualifications

MSc International & European Politics (distinction), University of Edinburgh

BA Honours German Studies (2:1), University of Birmingham

Awards

2016-2018; Politics and International Relations Career Development PhD Scholarship 

2007; Eleanora Allen Travel Scholarship

Research Experience

2016-2017; Research Assistant, Professor Juliet Kaarbo, University of Edinburgh

2016-2017; Research Assistant, Professor Christina Boswell, University of Edinburgh

2005-2007; Research Assistant, Roger Moorhouse, College of Europe, Warsaw

Publications & Conference Papers

July 2017: (Forthcoming) ‘Explaining Variation in 'Burden-Sharing': National Role Conceptions and Domestic Political Constraints’ at the Council for European Studies’ 24th Conference of Europeanists, Glasgow, UK

Boswell, C., Kyambi, S. and Smellie S. (2017) 'Scottish and UK Immigration Policy After Brexit: Evaluating Options for a Differentiated Approach'. Working Paper.

Boswell, C., Kyambi, S. and Smellie S. (2017) 'Scottish and UK Immigration Policy after Brexit: Evaluating Options for a Differentiated Aprroach'. Policy Note, Scottish Centre on European Relations.

Feb 2017: ‘Explaining Variation in Refugee Protection Policy and Responsibility Sharing in the EU: A Role Theory Approach’, International Studies Association's 58th Annual Convention, Baltimore, USA, 

Public Engagement & Knowledge Exchange

Participant: knowledge exchange and consultation events with Scottish Government on future of Scottish and UK immigration policy; March - June 2017.

Co-Convenor; Role Research Group, Unversity of Edinburgh. Organising Role Research & FPA Conference in May 2017.

Panelist; 'Tomorrow's Europe - what does it mean to you?'; Europa Institute & University of Edinburgh Festivals Office; public debate.

Discussant; 'UK after Brexit'; PhD knowledge exchange seminar in collaboration with Business School, University of Edinburgh.

Blog; 'After Brexit: Reflections from a migration perspective'; It Ain't Necessary So; blog.

Teaching

Lecturing:

2016;  'Asylum and Refugees; History and State-level Responses', Honours Undergraduate Course 'Europe and International Migration'

Tutoring:

2016; Honours Undergraduate Course 'Europe and International Migration'

Relevant Work Experience

10/2015 – present; Communications and Policy Officer, Built Environment Forum Scotland, Edinburgh

2009 – 2015; Public Relations and Policy Officer, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Edinburgh

Skills:

• Facilitation training at Kinharvie Institute (6-day course)
• Policy consultation, advocacy, and mediation between the Scottish Government and stakeholders, event organisation and political delegations 
• Media engagement strategies, social media and website management

Languages

English – native speaker

German – fluent

Membership

Member of International Studies Association

Member of Citizens, Nations and Migration Network, University of Edinburgh

Role Research Group (Co-Convenor), University of Edinburgh

International Relations Research Group, University of Edinburgh

Europa Research Group, University of Edinburgh