Are you a history enthusiast ready to dive into Europe’s security past? The Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland offers two fully funded PhD positions starting in 2026. These roles focus on NATO enlargement and memory politics, giving you a chance to shape research on how history influences modern alliances.
About the Research Project
This project, called “Narrative Belonging: Memory Politics and NATO Enlargement in Europe,” looks at how countries remember their past and how that affects NATO growth after the Cold War. It goes beyond just military plans to explore national stories of occupation, freedom, neutrality, and change to democracy. Key areas include the 1999 entry of Visegrád nations like Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia; the 2004 wave with the Vilnius group; and the recent joins by Finland and Sweden.
Poland and the Baltic states get special attention, but other cases fit too. Think NATO events, big anniversaries, and rituals that build shared identity. You will help uncover these links in a fresh way.
Research Methods and Academic Environment
You will work in Geneva at a top international school, joining the Department of International History and Politics and the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding. Methods mix old-school and new tools: digging in NATO and country archives, studying media and speeches, talking to diplomats through oral histories, and building a free online digital archive.
This setup lets you team up across fields while chasing your own PhD topic tied to the project. Geneva’s spot offers great networks and a mix of cultures.
Responsibilities of Doctoral Researchers
As a researcher, expect a full load. You will join PhD classes, hunt for sources in archives, help analyze media and run interviews, build the digital archive, and join workshops or conferences. At the core, you craft your own dissertation on project themes like memory and security.
Daily work balances team goals with personal research, all under expert guidance.
Benefits of These PhD Positions
Funding matches Swiss National Science Foundation levels, covering a full four-year contract from September 2026 to August 2030. You get salary, travel money for archives, conference spots, and mentorship from leaders like Professor Jussi Hanhimäki. Live and study in Geneva, a hub for global talks, with chances to present your work worldwide.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements
You need a Master’s in history or a close field, plus real passion for European history, memory, or security topics. Show strong skills in research and analysis, speak English well, and handle solo or group work. Bonus if you know Polish or Baltic languages.
What to Submit in Your Application
Send PDFs of these: a motivation letter, research proposal up to 1,000 words, CV, transcripts and degrees, a writing sample like a thesis chapter, two referee names, and English proof if needed. Keep it sharp and on-theme.
Deadline and Application Steps
Apply by May 29, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Shortlist interviews happen in early June. Use the Geneva Graduate Institute’s online portal: apply here. Check full details at this link. Email Professor Jussi Hanhimäki at [email protected] for questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the research project about?
The project ‘Narrative Belonging’ studies how countries’ memories of their past affect NATO’s growth in Europe after the Cold War, focusing on events like the 1999 and 2004 enlargements and recent joins by Finland and Sweden.
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
You need a Master’s degree in history or a related field, strong research skills, good English proficiency, and interest in European history, memory, or security; knowledge of Polish or Baltic languages is a plus.
What benefits do these PhD positions offer?
The positions provide full funding for four years from September 2026, including salary, travel support, conference opportunities, and mentorship in Geneva.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit your application via the Geneva Graduate Institute’s online portal by May 29, 2026, at 23:59 CET, including a motivation letter, CV, research proposal, and other required documents.
Conversation
0 Comments