PhD opportunity at Coventry University – Antifascism and Political Violence in Modern Democracies (England)

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements

Funding details: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/EU/International)

Duration: Full-time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: 1st March 2021

Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2021

For queries please contact Dr Ali Jones

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Introduction

Coventry University is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship in the area of Antifascism and Political Violence in Modern Democracies.

The successful applicant will be based at the Centre for Trust, Peace, and Social Relations (CTPSR), a thriving and successful University Research Centre which has over 60 full-time researchers supported by a team of professional support staff.

Project details

As Antifascism has spread from Second World War Europe to North America, it has developed from a resistance against explicitly Fascist governments to a political and social stance, as well as a moralised identity code. As the Alt-Right and populist xenophobia grow in North America and Europe, Antifascist counter protest and indeed violence are increasingly prevalent. This indicates a crucial need to analyse the use of political violence for the purported sake of defending citizens in a peaceful democracy.

The PhD candidate will conduct interviews with Antifascist protestors in one European country and in America, in order to determine the development of Antifascism from its European mid-century roots, as well as its current ideology, structure, and self-understanding. They will select two case studies comparing American and European Antifascism, and interview police and government officials in those locations to determine a state perspective on Antifascism.  This data will then be used to craft a thorough analysis of the movement, and offer a translation to policy makers, citizens, governments and scholars who are desperate to understand the political violence around them.

Funding

This is a fully-funded studentship including full tuition fees (UK/EU/International) plus stipend (based upon the applicable UKRI rate at the point of the award) and additional allowances.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

The successful candidate will also benefit from participation in the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations’ Doctoral Training Programme and regular research seminars, and active involvement in the relevant Centre Research Group.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years

a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

In addition

The ideal candidate will have language skills in English and at least one other European language, ideally: German, French, Greek, Polish, Italian, Spanish, or another country with a well-established Antifascist movement. The project involves interviews with participants in these countries, so proficiency in another language is critical.

How to apply