PhD Study : Strengthening Civil Society in Central Asia

Summary

Autocratic states limit freedom of expression and see civil society as potentially threatening to the status quo. As a result, such states tend to suppress attempts aimed at strengthening the role of civil society organisations or incorporate them into the state through funding relationships which restrict their independence. Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) is one such region where largely autocratic leaders have been responsible for weak civil society through restrictions on funding opportunities, strict laws on registration, bureaucratic reporting mechanisms, and rigorous oversight of their work.

This research project is aimed at exploring the existing role of civil society organisations in Central Asia, the potential for strengthening their functions, in particular holding autocratic governments to account, and as a mechanism for more deliberative processes which embrace the wider principle of open government.

The proposed project will have a strong social policy dimension congruent with the DTA programme, has an international placement in Central Asia, and will co-ordinate the activities of the successful student through Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan which has a research record in this field of scholarship.

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.