Bournemouth University PhD Studentship - Bridging ‘Post-Brexit’ Societal Divisions - Learning from Civil Society Initiatives in Bosnia & Herzegoviina or Kosovo 2017, UK

Publish Date: Mar 21, 2017

Deadline: Apr 18, 2017

PhD Studentship - Bridging ‘Post-Brexit’ Societal Divisions - Learning from Civil Society Initiatives in Bosnia & Herzegoviina or Kosovo

This project investigates the transferability of educationally innovative tools for recognising and bridging societal divides and counteracting hate speech which have been developed and applied in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) and Kosovo after the wars in the 1990s. In reversing the usual West-East knowledge transfer, the project focusses on selected civil society initiatives in either BiH or Kosovo, which created tools of conflict transformation that foster the recognition, appreciation and humanisation of ethnic and social differences. It asks whether these can, and should, be made available in a ‘post-Brexit’ UK. 

This is a fully-funded PhD studentship which includes a stipend of £14,000 each year to support your living costs.

Project details

This project investigates the transferability of educationally innovative tools for recognising and bridging societal divides and counteracting hate speech which have been developed and applied in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) and Kosovo after the wars in the 1990s. In reversing the usual West-East knowledge transfer, the project focusses on selected civil society initiatives in either BiH or Kosovo, which created tools of conflict transformation that foster the recognition, appreciation and humanisation of ethnic and social differences. It asks whether these can, and should, be made available in a ‘post-Brexit’ UK.

According to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (2016), the UK referendum campaign concerning membership of the EU ‘was marked by divisive, anti-immigrant and xenophobic rhetoric’. Since the referendum, critical observers have noticed a consolidation of ‘post-truth’ politics seemingly contributing to the normalisation of exclusionary discourses in the media, aimed at ethno-religious minorities, immigrants from and beyond the EU, asylum-seekers and refugees. Simultaneously, British society has emerged as politically deeply divided over the issues and an increase in hate crimes has been reported. Following the triggering of Article 50, the probable protracted duration of hard or soft Brexit negotiations is likely to make these divisions in society more pronounced. Politicians seeking to gain a political edge from radical negotiation positions (as seen in the US election campaigns) may resort back to divisive rhetoric employed during the referendum campaigns.

This project benefits from the fact that civil society in BiH and Kosovo have more than 20 years of experience in promoting conflict transformation between antagonist groups at local levels. It will take both historical, contextual differences and similarities between the selected case study, either BiH or Kosovo, and the UK into account, including the correlations between economic deterioration, globalisation, right wing populism and the role of the state. It will be completed in four stages using a mix of methods for comparative research and evaluation:

The closing date for applications is 18 April 2017.

For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

https://www1.bournemouth.ac.uk/study/courses/phd-studentship-bridging-post-brexit-societal-divisions-learning-civil-society-initiatives-bosnia-herzegovina-or-kosovo

Similar Opportunities


Disciplines

Sociology

Study Levels

PhD

Opportunity Types

Scholarships

Eligible Countries

International

Host Countries

United Kingdom