DIViNE Doctoral Network 2026–2027: 10 PhD Positions in Political Violence, Democracy and Democratic Resilience Across Europe
The DIViNE Doctoral Network (Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe) is offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in democracy, political violence, conflict, institutional change, and democratic resilience.
The network is designed to develop a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers capable of examining why political violence persists, changes, or is contained within democratic societies. It brings together leading European research institutions and international partner organizations, combining quantitative research, behavioral and experimental methods, historical and archival research, institutional theory, and policy engagement.
As part of the initiative, DIViNE plans to hire 10 PhD researchers, with two researchers associated with each of the five principal university nodes. In addition, the Political Institutions and Conflict – Max Planck Institute in Göttingen will offer one further non-MSCA PhD scholarship.
The current opportunity is an Expression of Interest (EOI) rather than the final PhD application. Interested candidates are invited to submit their expressions of interest by October 10, 2026. The formal PhD vacancy calls are expected to be published between October and November 2026, with PhD positions starting by January 2027.
What Is the DIViNE Doctoral Network?
DIViNE stands for Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe.
The network addresses a central research puzzle: although democracies are generally associated with institutionalized political competition and nonviolent forms of contestation, democratic societies can still experience different forms of political violence.
These forms of violence can include:
- Riots
- Electoral intimidation
- Extremist mobilization
- Organized political violence
- Criminal violence with political dimensions
- State and non-state violence
- Repression
- Militarized responses to perceived threats
Political violence can challenge democratic institutions and norms. At the same time, governments responding to violence or perceived security threats may introduce measures that themselves create tensions with democratic principles.
Examples include:
- Militarized policing
- Emergency legislation
- Selective repression
- Expanded security measures
- Restrictions on civil liberties
- Institutional responses that affect impartiality or the rule of law
DIViNE seeks to examine these relationships systematically by bringing together researchers from different academic traditions and methodological backgrounds.
The Central Research Problem
A key concern of DIViNE is understanding how and why political violence persists, transforms, or becomes contained within democracies.
This involves studying both the causes and consequences of violence.
Researchers may investigate questions such as:
- Why does political violence continue after countries democratize?
- How do historical experiences of violence affect contemporary politics?
- How do democratic institutions respond to violent challenges?
- Why do some populations support or tolerate political violence?
- How do governments respond to violent movements?
- Can democratic reforms reduce political conflict?
- Under what circumstances can reforms unintentionally create new incentives for violence?
- How does militarization affect democratic institutions?
- How can democratic institutions and civil society strengthen resilience against political violence?
The network approaches these questions from historical, institutional, behavioral, comparative, and methodological perspectives.
DIViNE PhD Positions 2026–2027
DIViNE plans to recruit:
10 PhD researchers
The researchers will be distributed across the five main university nodes, with:
- 2 PhD researchers at the University of Amsterdam
- 2 PhD researchers at the University of Essex
- 2 PhD researchers at the University of Milan
- 2 PhD researchers at Carlos III University of Madrid
- 2 PhD researchers at Uppsala University
In addition, the Political Institutions and Conflict – Max Planck Institute in Göttingen will offer one further non-MSCA PhD scholarship.
The positions are intended for researchers whose interests align with the broader research agenda of DIViNE.
Important: This Is Currently an Expression of Interest
Prospective applicants should understand that the current announcement is not yet the final PhD vacancy application.
DIViNE is currently inviting candidates to submit an Expression of Interest.
The formal PhD vacancy calls are expected to be published:
Between October and November 2026
Formal applications will subsequently need to be submitted through the relevant DIViNE university webpages.
Therefore, submitting an expression of interest is an important preliminary step, but candidates should also monitor the relevant university websites for the official PhD vacancy announcements.
Expression of Interest Deadline
The deadline to submit the current expression of interest is:
October 10, 2026
Interested candidates should submit their expression of interest through the form provided by DIViNE.
Submit the DIViNE Expression of Interest
What Information Is Required for the Expression of Interest?
The expression of interest asks candidates to provide information in four main areas.
1. Bachelor’s and Master’s Information
Applicants will need to provide information about their:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Academic background
Candidates should therefore have their relevant academic information available when completing the form.
2. Motivation and Research Idea
Applicants will be asked to explain:
- Why they are interested in the program
- Their proposed research idea
- Their research question
- Relevant literature
- Their theoretical or substantive argument
- Their proposed methods
This section is particularly important because it gives applicants an opportunity to demonstrate how their academic interests connect with the DIViNE research agenda.
A good research idea should be sufficiently focused to communicate a clear research question while demonstrating awareness of relevant academic debates.
3. Selected Work Package or Research Theme
Applicants will need to identify the Work Package(s) (WP) that interest them.
They will also be asked to provide a short explanation of:
- Why they are interested in the selected theme
- Why their research background fits the theme
- How their proposed research connects with the selected research area
Applicants should therefore carefully examine the DIViNE research themes before selecting their preferred area.
4. Two Referees
Candidates must provide the names of two referees who will support their application.
Applicants should consider selecting referees who are familiar with their academic background and can provide relevant information about their research abilities and potential.
DIViNE’s Two Main Objectives
The Doctoral Training Network has two overarching ambitions.
Objective 1: Advance Scientific Understanding
The network aims to improve scientific understanding of:
- Why political violence persists
- How political violence changes
- Why violence becomes contained in some democratic settings
- How institutions respond to violent challenges
- How historical experiences influence contemporary politics
Objective 2: Train a New Generation of Interdisciplinary Scholars
DIViNE also aims to train researchers who can conduct:
- Cross-disciplinary research
- Multi-method research
- Scientifically rigorous research
- Policy-relevant research
- Research relevant to stakeholders and institutions
This means the program is not focused solely on developing theoretical academic knowledge. It also emphasizes the ability to produce research that can engage with real-world policy and institutional questions.
The Four DIViNE Research Themes
The network organizes its research around four major themes.
1. Conflict Inheritance and Legacies in Democracies
This theme investigates how historical violence continues to influence contemporary democratic politics.
Researchers examine issues such as:
- Historical violence
- Repression
- Institutional legacies
- Transitional compromises
- Contemporary political behavior
- Institutional functioning
A central question is how experiences from the past can continue to shape political institutions and behavior long after the original conflict has ended.
2. Democratization and Conflict Resolution
The second theme focuses on political reforms introduced during democratic transitions and their consequences for violence and reconciliation.
Potential areas of research include:
- Transitional justice
- Decentralization
- Land reform
- Territorial reform
- Constitutional redesign
- Power-sharing
- Political reconciliation
The research examines whether such reforms reduce conflict, create incentives for cooperation, or sometimes generate unintended consequences.
3. Dynamics of Support for Violent Movements and Responses
The third research theme focuses on the individual and societal foundations of support for political violence.
It examines questions such as:
- Why do people support political violence?
- Why do some people tolerate violence?
- How do violent organizations cultivate legitimacy?
- How do state actors develop legitimacy for coercive responses?
- What causes people to support or reject violent movements?
This theme places particular emphasis on the micro-foundations of political violence.
4. Democratic Resilience and Violent Stress
The fourth theme examines how democratic institutions respond when they face violent or security-related pressures.
Research can focus on:
- Institutional design
- Public policy
- Civil society
- Securitization
- Militarization
- Democratic resilience
- Institutional responses to violence
A key concern is whether responses to violence strengthen democratic resilience or unintentionally create conditions that contribute to democratic erosion.
Ten Doctoral Candidate Research Themes
The network identifies ten specific research themes for doctoral candidates.
DC1 — Historical Legacies of Violence and Democratic Institutions
This research area examines the relationship between historical experiences of violence and the functioning of democratic institutions.
DC2 — Exogenous Shocks, Violent Legacies, and Democratic Resilience
This theme examines how external shocks and existing legacies of violence interact with democratic resilience.
DC3 — Endogenous Persistence of Violence After Democratization
This research area focuses on why violence can persist within countries even after democratization.
DC4 — The Unintended Consequences of Democratic Reforms
This theme investigates situations in which reforms intended to strengthen democracy or resolve conflict produce unexpected consequences.
DC5 — Institutional Reform, Violence, and Democratic Consolidation
This research examines the relationship between institutional reform, political violence, and the consolidation of democratic systems.
DC6 — Security Externalities and Post-Conflict Democratization
This theme explores security consequences associated with post-conflict democratization.
DC7 — Public Support for Political Violence in Advanced Democracies
This research area focuses on public attitudes toward political violence within established democratic settings.
DC8 — Militarization, Public Support, and Democratic Erosion in Latin America
This theme examines relationships among militarization, public attitudes, and democratic erosion in Latin American contexts.
DC9 — Democratic Decline, Political Violence, and Cycles of Repression
This research area examines interactions between democratic decline, political violence, and repression.
DC10 — Recruitment Dynamics and Behavioral Output of Violent Organizations
This theme focuses on how violent organizations recruit participants and how recruitment relates to organizational behavior.
Universities and Research Institutions in the DIViNE Network
DIViNE brings together five principal European university research environments:
- University of Amsterdam (UvA)
- University of Essex (UESSEX)
- University of Milan (UMIL)
- Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M)
- Uppsala University (UU)
Together, these institutions contribute complementary research expertise to the network.
The research environment combines several methodological and disciplinary approaches.
These include:
- Quantitative conflict research
- Behavioral research
- Experimental methods
- Historical research
- Archival research
- Institutional theory
- Normative theory
- Policy engagement
This interdisciplinary structure is one of the defining characteristics of the doctoral network.
Faculty and PhD Supervisors
The network includes a group of researchers who will supervise doctoral candidates across the participating institutions.
The listed faculty members are:
- Giulia Bistagnino — University of Milan
- Simon Chauchard — Carlos III University of Madrid
- Ursula Daxecker — University of Amsterdam / MPI
- Annekatrin Deglow — Uppsala University
- Hanne Fjelde — Uppsala University
- Ismene Gizelis — University of Essex
- Kristian S. Gleditsch — University of Essex
- Kathleen Klaus — Uppsala University
- Juan Masullo — University of Milan
- Brian Phillips — University of Essex
- Paola Rebughini — University of Milan
- Andrea Ruggeri — University of Milan
- Ignacio Sánchez-Cuenca — Carlos III University of Madrid
- Jessica Soedirgo — University of Amsterdam
- Abbey Steele — University of Amsterdam
- Francisco Villamil — Carlos III University of Madrid
The range of faculty expertise reflects the network’s interdisciplinary approach to studying political violence and democratic institutions.
Research Partners and PhD Research Stays
DIViNE PhD researchers will also have research stays with partner organizations associated with the network.
Partners include:
- Action on Armed Violence (AOAV)
- Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB)
- Clingendael — Netherlands Institute of International Relations
- Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli
- International Catalan Institute for Peace (ICIP)
- International IDEA
- Political Institutions and Conflict – Max Planck Institute in Göttingen
These partnerships can expose doctoral researchers to research environments beyond universities and provide opportunities to engage with organizations working on conflict, peace, governance, and international affairs.
International and Interdisciplinary Research Environment
One of the central features of DIViNE is its combination of different research methods.
Political violence is a complex phenomenon, and the network approaches it from multiple perspectives.
Quantitative Conflict Research
Quantitative methods can be used to examine patterns of conflict and political violence across countries, regions, and time periods.
Behavioral and Experimental Methods
Behavioral and experimental research can help investigate how individuals perceive political violence, institutions, security, and political movements.
Historical and Archival Research
Historical and archival approaches allow researchers to examine how past political violence, repression, and institutional arrangements influence contemporary political behavior.
Institutional and Normative Theory
The network also incorporates theoretical approaches to understanding democratic institutions, political authority, legitimacy, and institutional responses to violence.
Policy Engagement
The program aims to produce research that is not only scientifically rigorous but also relevant to policymakers and other stakeholders.
Mobility Requirements for PhD Researchers
An important requirement applies to researchers recruited through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) framework.
PhD researchers recruited to the project must satisfy the relevant MSCA mobility requirements.
In particular, they must not have:
Resided or worked for more than one year in the country of the institution where they are enrolled.
Applicants should therefore carefully assess their residence and employment history before applying.
The doctoral program will also involve mobility across institutions and partners within the network.
This means that doctoral researchers should be prepared for an international and mobile research experience rather than remaining exclusively at a single institution throughout the program.
When Will the PhD Positions Start?
The DIViNE announcement states that PhD positions are expected to start by January 2027.
The formal vacancy calls are expected to be published between:
October and November 2026
Candidates interested in the positions should therefore monitor the relevant DIViNE university webpages after submitting their expression of interest.
How to Prepare for the DIViNE PhD Opportunity
Prospective candidates can begin preparing before the formal vacancies are published.
Step 1: Review Your Academic Background
Prepare information about your:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Research experience
- Academic interests
- Relevant coursework
- Previous research projects
Step 2: Identify Your Research Area
Review the four major research themes and ten doctoral research themes.
Consider which area most closely matches your interests.
Step 3: Develop a Research Idea
Prepare a preliminary research idea that includes:
- A clear research question
- Relevant literature
- A potential argument
- Possible research methods
- A clear connection to political violence and democratic institutions
Step 4: Consider Your Preferred Work Package
Identify the Work Package or research theme that interests you most and think about why your background makes you a good fit.
Step 5: Identify Two Referees
Choose two academic referees who can support your application.
Contact them in advance so they are aware of your interest in the program.
Step 6: Check MSCA Mobility Eligibility
Carefully examine your residence and employment history in relation to the country where you intend to enroll.
This is particularly important because the mobility requirement can affect eligibility.
Step 7: Monitor the Formal Vacancy Calls
Remember that the current form is an Expression of Interest.
The formal PhD vacancies are expected to be published between October and November 2026.
Why Consider the DIViNE Doctoral Network?
DIViNE offers an opportunity to develop doctoral research within a large European research network focused on important questions surrounding democracy and political violence.
Potential areas of academic development include:
- Developing advanced research skills
- Working across disciplinary boundaries
- Learning multiple research methods
- Conducting comparative political research
- Engaging with historical and contemporary political violence
- Collaborating with researchers across Europe
- Participating in research stays with partner organizations
- Developing policy-relevant research
- Building an international academic network
- Working with researchers specializing in political institutions, conflict, violence, and democratic resilience
The network’s combination of university research and external partners can also provide exposure to different approaches to producing and applying research.
Important Dates for the DIViNE PhD Network
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2026 | Expression of Interest deadline |
| October–November 2026 | Expected publication period for formal PhD vacancies |
| January 2027 | PhD positions expected to start by this time |
Applicants should distinguish between the current Expression of Interest deadline and the later deadlines associated with the formal university PhD vacancies.
How to Submit Your Expression of Interest
Candidates interested in being considered for the DIViNE doctoral network should complete the online Expression of Interest form.
The form asks applicants for:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s information
- Motivation and research idea
- Research question
- Relevant literature
- Arguments and methods
- Selected Work Package or research theme
- Motivation and fit with the selected theme
- Names of two referees
Expression of Interest Deadline
October 10, 2026
Submit the DIViNE Expression of Interest Form
Candidates should also monitor the official DIViNE and participating university websites for the formal vacancy announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DIViNE PhD Network
What does DIViNE stand for?
DIViNE stands for Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe.
How many PhD researchers will DIViNE recruit?
The network plans to hire 10 PhD researchers, with two researchers associated with each of its five principal university nodes.
An additional non-MSCA PhD scholarship will be offered by the Political Institutions and Conflict – Max Planck Institute in Göttingen.
What is the current application?
The current opportunity is an Expression of Interest, not the final PhD vacancy application.
When will the formal PhD vacancies be published?
The formal calls are expected to be published between October and November 2026.
When will the PhD positions start?
The positions are expected to start by January 2027.
What is the Expression of Interest deadline?
The deadline is October 10, 2026.
What research topics does DIViNE cover?
The network focuses on political violence and democratic institutions, including historical legacies, democratization, conflict resolution, public support for violence, militarization, democratic resilience, repression, and democratic decline.
Are multiple research methods used?
Yes. The network combines quantitative conflict research, behavioral and experimental methods, historical and archival inquiry, institutional and normative theory, and policy engagement.
Learn more about the opportunity HERE
Will researchers travel during the PhD?
The program involves mobility across participating institutions and partners.
Is there an MSCA mobility requirement?
Yes. PhD researchers recruited through the project must satisfy the relevant MSCA mobility requirements, including the stated restriction concerning residence and employment in the country of the enrolling institution.
Who are the research partners?
The network includes organizations such as Action on Armed Violence, CIDOB, Clingendael, Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, ICIP, International IDEA, and the Political Institutions and Conflict – Max Planck Institute.
Conclusion
The DIViNE Doctoral Network presents a multidisciplinary PhD research opportunity for researchers interested in the complex relationship between democratic institutions and political violence.
By bringing together five major European university research environments and several international research and policy partners, the network seeks to investigate why political violence persists, how it changes, and how democratic institutions and societies respond to violent pressures.
The research agenda covers historical legacies of violence, democratization and conflict resolution, public support for violent movements, institutional reform, militarization, democratic decline, repression, and democratic resilience.The network also places strong emphasis on methodological diversity, combining quantitative research, behavioral and experimental approaches, historical and archival inquiry, institutional and normative theory, and policy engagement.For prospective doctoral researchers, the immediate opportunity is to submit an Expression of Interest by October 10, 2026. The formal PhD vacancy announcements are expected between October and November 2026, with positions expected to begin by January 2027.Candidates interested in participating should prepare a focused research idea, identify the DIViNE research theme that best fits their interests, review the MSCA mobility requirements, and arrange two appropriate academic referees before submitting their expression of interest.
For more opportunities click HERE
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