The Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient is offering a Phd position within the research project "Learning Intelligence: The Exchange of Secret Service Knowledge between Germany and the Arab Middle East 1960-2010". The successful candidate will participate in the three-year doctoral programme of the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies from October 2019.

The Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies (BGSMCS) is supported by Freie Universität Berlin as a host university together with the Humboldt University Berlin and the Leibniz-Center Moderner Orient.

The Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient (ZMO) in Berlin is an independent academic research institute focused on the historical and contemporary politics of Africa and Asia. The institute is a member of the prestigious Leibniz-Association of Research Institutes in Germany.

Project Description

The project explores the international relations between German and Arab intelligence agencies to investigate whether such contact led to similarities (or differences) between them. The bigger puzzle addressed by the project is the role that intelligence agencies play for modern statehood and international relations.

The candidate will be expected to carry out a comparative study between the East German intelligence agency and one Arab intelligence agency (Iraq, Egypt, Yemen or Syria), based on extensive literature study, archival research and interviews in Europe and the US. Highly proficient reading skills in German and Arabic are essential. The exact title and case studies of the project will be determined together with the candidate.

Requirements

Candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility and academic achievement through:

• Master’s degree in politics, international relations or related social science (anthropology MAs with an interest in political anthropology, and theoretically interested historians or regional scholars are welcome). Please note that the PhD can only be awarded in political science.

• Excellent Arabic reading skills, mothertongue level or near. You need to be able to quickly scan and read texts, including possibly bad photocopies of handwriting (in the archives).

• Excellent German reading skills (again, this is essential for reading archival documents).

• Very good English (reading, writing, speaking).

• Ability to take initiative and work independently.

• Ability to travel to the US.

• Research experience, or a deep interest in developing research skills and investigate complex paper trails.

Deadlines

Submission deadline: 15 March 2019, 23:59 CET.

The CV, Cover Letter and supporting documents will have to be submitted electronically to Sophia Hoffmann.

Further Information

For further information, please visit the website of the BGSMCS.