Saskia Smellie

- Name
- Saskia Smellie
- Title
- Organisation
- Politics and International Relations School of Social and Political Science University of Edinburgh
- Address
- Edinburgh UK EH8 9LD
- Telephone
- 07530 882515
- Saskia.Smellie@ed.ac.uk
- Research Interests
- Politics of Migration and Asylum Policy, Responsibility-Sharing, European Union, Foreign Policy, Role Theory
- URL
- http://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/gradschool/community_and_representation/research_student_profiles/politics_and_ir/saskia_smellie
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
2018; Sue Grant Service Award
2016-2018; Politics and International Relations Career Development PhD Stipend & 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
Smellie S. (2018) 'Merkel, Coalition Politics and Negotiating the Common European Asylum System: Constrained by Domestic Actors?'. Crossroads Europe Blog, UACES.
June 2018: 'Explaining Variation in Refugee and Asylum Policy in the EU: A Role Theory Approach', UACES Graduate Forum Conference, Lueven, Belgium.
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:
2016-2019; 'Asylum and Refugees; History and State-level Responses', Honours Undergraduate Course 'Europe and International Migration'
Tutoring:
2016-2019; Honours Undergraduate Course 'Europe and International Migration'
Relevant Work Experience
10/2015 – present; Communications Manager, 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