Interested in progressive public advocacy, research, and social change? The Security in Context research network is soliciting applications for its first Public Policy Institute which will be held online from January 16-19th, 2025. Through thematic and skills development sessions, the SiC Public Policy Institute will introduce you to some of the most complex and urgent international policy challenges and provide you with the tools for advocacy and analysis in those fields by prominent and established experts in their fields. Our instructors will also help you hone your writing, research, analysis and other skills, such as working with social media and researching secretive topics.
About Security in Context
Security in Context (SiC) is a transnational research initiative on peace, conflict, and global affairs. Launched in 2020, the initiative aims to redefine dominant practices of security, produce alternative knowledge on (in)security-related topics, and consolidate and expand networks of individuals and institutions.
About the SiC Public Policy Institute
We invite applications from activists, researchers, journalists, practitioners, and policy makers seeking to shape research and public policy agendas on global affairs from critical, social justice oriented and non-mainstream perspectives. The Institute is primarily aimed at applicants interested in progressive social change and public advocacy, regardless of their career stage, and want to join a growing network of like-minded individuals.
Some of the thematic sessions include An Introduction to the US National Security State; Multipolarity and Great Power Rivalry; Understanding the International Economic System: Finance, Debt, Inequality, Sanctions ; Multilateralism: How It Works, How It Can Serve Social Justice; China’s Foreign Policy; Global Green New Deal and Energy Transition Debates; Public Policy From Below: Social Movements and Non-Elite Actors; Racial Capitalism and Imperialism.
The Institute will also include methods, skills and professional development sessions including: Writing to Influence Public Opinion; Critical Security Studies and Public Policy; Researching Secretive and Sensitive Topics; Public Anthropology and Ethics of Research; The Landscape of Progressive Policy Making; Using Social Media for Effective Policy Advocacy; Researching Financial Data and Budgets. Depending on students’ goals, there will also be sessions covering specific conflicts and geographic areas around the world. The full set of sessions and instructors will take into account accepted participants' interests.
Confirmed instructors include: Samar Al-Bulushi, Roosbelinda Cárdenas, Firat Demir, Van Jackson, Michael Klare, Anatol Lieven, Shana Marshall, Edward Ongweso Jr., Negar Razavi, Mandy Turner, among others to be announced.
How To Apply
To apply please send: an updated curriculum vitae/resume; a 2-page application letter; a short sample of written or audiovisual work (co-authored submissions accepted) to submissions@securityincontext.org with the subject heading “Application to Virtual Institute.”
The application letter should discuss your background and current work, your motivation for participation, including key themes of interest and/or geographic areas of concern, and a brief description of your career goals. Application deadline: November 1, 2024. Selection committee may contact applicants with additional questions before making final determination.
Expectations
Accepted applicants will be expected to attend and participate in all core sessions. Some sessions will be elective, depending on applicants interest. All relevant information will be communicated to accepted applicants by the time of the public conference.
For questions please contact Omar Dahi omar@securityincontext.org.
To submit your application, send an email with all application material to: submissions@securityincontext.org with title: “Application to Institute.”
SiC Public Policy Institute organizing committee: Omar Dahi, Firat Demir, Van Jackson, Shana Marshall, Mandy Turner.
