Academic Research

In our research group, we study phases of democratization and authoritarianization in Indonesia and Turkey from a comparative and transnational perspective. We explore how the cooperation and competition among religious, economic, and political elites have driven the current democratic stagnation and/or decline. From a more theoretical perspective, we also ask what varying understandings of democracy underpin the current developments in and assessments of the recent political systems in Indonesia and Turkey.
In 2021, we are also conducting a project on democracy and interfaith initiatives, funded by the Berlin University Alliance. This project comprises of several digital roundtables, a website, and one or two publications.

Tasks will be summarizing academic articles, preparing content for the project website and social media channels, assisting the group publications through readings and discussions, and depending on language skills – the gathering and analysis of primary sources in text or interview form. If interested, the intern is also welcome to co-teach during several sessions of the summer term.

Advanced undergraduate students (at least 2nd year)
Graduate students
PhD students

The main requirements are the ability to work independently and in a team, as well as to communicate clearly and efficiently. Basic skills in literature review are expected.

In preparation, the student should read a set of key texts on democracy and religion in order to understand the background and aims of the project. I will provide the texts ahead of the internship.