スンヨン・リー

Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, International Security

Conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, peacebuilding, social reconciliation

My research has investigated the question ‘how can we prevent the recurrence of violent conflicts in war-affected areas?’ Key thematic areas that define my research are peace negotiation, third-party mediation, post-conflict intervention, and post-liberal peacebuilding. I have proposed and examined the concepts of partnership that are more applicable to the peacebuilding sectors in Asia-Pacific. Leaving aside the liberal focus on ‘governance’ in conventional academic discourse, my research has explored more contextualised and inclusive concepts of partnership, which accommodate varied views of intervening states, donor communities, and civil society in war-affected countries. The areas that my research has examined include Cambodia, the Philippines (Mindanao), South Thailand, and Indonesia (Aceh). The theoretical discussions generated in these studies are influenced by the critical scholarship of International Politics in the UK. Methodologically, my research has combined various qualitative and quantitative research methods in Political Science and Ethnographic Research.

The main aim of my teaching is to help students clearly comprehend key theories and relevant information but then move beyond the theoretical knowledge to sense the lives of the people who are affected by conflicts or who promote peacebuilding. I have adopted varied approaches to teaching to ensure students understand with empathy the complex situations in conflict zones. For instance, I strive to provide multiple perspectives during the in-class activities to enable students to see conflict situations from different perspectives. Most notably, I have invited many peacebuilding practitioners to present talks over the past years. Because many topics discussed in Peace and Conflict Studies are controversial, I facilitate an inclusive and non-judgemental dialogue with my students. Thus, in every session, I set up short discussions that are facilitated and moderated by students themselves to enable students to develop and exchange their views in their own ways. In the sessions where politically sensitive issues are examined, I give an overview and remind students of the types of “judgmental” mistakes that they need to avoid. Moreover, I make a point of establishing and maintaining personal contact with each student to identify and address their needs. The development of such a personal connection is particularly important in my support to the students from challenging environments.

University of St Andrews Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) International Relations

Forget about formality. Just knock on my door whenever you have questions.