Researcher – PhD Candidate in Political Economy

CONTEXT

In the framework of the research project FRACTURE – “Framework for Relational Analysis of Cooperation and Tensions in Unified Rival Entities” – , we are looking for a full-time researcher / PhD candidate in Political Economy, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field, holding a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.

The Royal Military Academy is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defence department or external sources.

We value diversity and equal opportunities. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, and whatever your background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

PROJECT

You will work within the Department of Economics, Management and Leadership (DEML) of the Royal Military Academy, in close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Fernando Ruiz and the research team.

You will conduct scientific research within the FRACTURE project, which investigates the evolving strategic relationships among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Cooperation among these four states has intensified in recent years across a range of areas, including diplomatic coordination, economic relations, military cooperation and technological exchanges. However, it remains unclear whether these relationships are developing into a durable strategic alignment or whether important asymmetries, diverging interests and geopolitical tensions will limit deeper cooperation.

Rather than assuming the existence of a cohesive geopolitical bloc, FRACTURE will systematically examine the structure, dynamics and limitations of cooperation among these four states. The project will identify the domains in which cooperation is strongest, analyse the role of power asymmetries and economic dependencies, and investigate the conditions under which cooperation may strengthen, weaken or fragment.

The research combines quantitative network analysis with qualitative case-study research. It will draw on data relating to trade and economic relations, military cooperation, diplomatic behaviour and technological exchanges. Network analysis will be used to identify patterns of cooperation, central actors, network density and asymmetries, while qualitative case studies will examine the strategic motivations behind cooperation and episodes of convergence or tension.

The successful candidate will carry out the main empirical research within a doctoral research trajectory, under the scientific supervision of the project promotor.

MAIN TASKS

• Conduct doctoral research in international relations, defence policy and international security.
• Develop the theoretical framework of the project, including an extensive review of the literature on alliances, strategic alignment, great-power competition and cooperation among revisionist powers.
• Collect, structure and analyse quantitative and qualitative data concerning the relations among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
• Develop a dataset covering cooperation in several domains, including economic, diplomatic, military and technological relations.
• Apply network analysis techniques to map and analyse the structure and evolution of cooperation among the four states.
• Produce network visualisations and quantitative indicators identifying patterns, central actors and asymmetries.
• Conduct qualitative and comparative case studies of episodes of cooperation, competition and geopolitical tension.
• Analyse the political, economic and strategic drivers of cooperation as well as structural asymmetries, dependencies and potential vulnerabilities.
• Contribute to scientific publications, working papers, policy briefs, blog posts and other dissemination outputs.
• Present research results at international academic conferences, RMA seminars and Defence-oriented events.
• Contribute to the activities of relevant academic and institutional research networks, including NATO-related research activities.
• Support knowledge transfer between academic research and Belgian Defence stakeholders.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Degree required / ideal degree:

Master’s degree in Economics, Political Economy, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field.

This position is open to junior or early-career researchers (0–3 years of experience).

The position is intended for a researcher interested in pursuing a PhD trajectory within the framework of the FRACTURE project.

MUST HAVE

• Strong background in political economy, international relations, or related fields
• Ability to analyse complex geopolitical and international security issues.
• Str