Dr Kaweh Kerami
I am a political scientist and ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow at Durham University’s School of Government and International Affairs. My research examines how power, elections and external interventions shape governance and legitimacy in fragile and conflict-affected societies. With a PhD in Development Studies from SOAS University of London, my work combines elite interviews, field research and comparative analysis to reveal how political deals are struck — and how those bargains impact stability and democracy.
Previously, I was a Research Fellow at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights (Lund University), where I focused on the practice of journalism under authoritarian rule. I have also supervised Master’s dissertations at SOAS and worked as a journalist for the BBC World Service, bridging the worlds of academia and media.
Across my career, I’ve published peer-reviewed research, contributed to international media outlets, and advised policy and human rights bodies. My aim is to connect rigorous scholarship with public debate — offering insights for policymakers, practitioners and wider audiences.
Beyond my research, I pursue photography as a way to capture life’s quieter, reflective moments.
Professional Overview:
Education:
- PhD in International Development (2024, SOAS University of London)
- MSc in Comparative and European Politics (2015, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
- MSc in International Crimes and Criminology (2016, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
- BSc in Political Science (2012, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Research Experience:
- ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow, Durham University (10/2025–present)
- Research Fellow, RWI/Lund University (2025)
- Specialist Researcher at BBC Media Action (2024)
- Policy Researcher on Afghanistan’s national drug policies (2019-2021)
Work Experience:
- Master’s Degree Thesis Supervisor, SOAS University of London (2025)
- Lecturer at American University (Kabul, 2019-2021)
- Broadcast Journalist at BBC Persian (2016-19)
- Extensive publications and media engagements on Afghanistan’s politics and conflict
July 2021, Kabul
(PhD fieldwork)
