PhD Study : Reforming Kleptocracy through Shock Therapy: A Social Harm Assessment

Summary

Kleptocracy is a term coined to depict regimes where organs of state power have been captured in order to loot assets, fix market activity, and swindle revenues. International reform efforts designed to counter kleptocracy have focused on introducing neoliberal forms of governance. This doctoral project will examine case studies where this process has happened in a particularly condensed and explicit form, in order to test its impact on kleptocracies and the social welfare of citizens.

To achieve this aim a multiple case study approach will be employed. Cases will be analysed using a three-step approach. First change in the kleptocratic regime over time will be measured. Second, the relationship between this change and shock therapy will be considered using process tracing, an analytical method for detecting causation. Third, social harm theory will be used to identify what the outcomes are of shock therapy on kleptocracy for citizens. Social harm considers how structural distributions of social assets and opportunities, impact on the capabilities of citizens to achieve their social, cultural and biophysical potential.

It is anticipated that this study will generate new knowledge on dominant anti-corruption policies and their potential to facilitate meaningful forms of transition within kleptocratic regimes.

For further information on this opportunity please see here: https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ulster-Social-Policy-2-Reforming-kleptocracy-Lasslett-1.pdf

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the COFUND Doctoral Training Alliance (DTA3), under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 801604.