The PhD fellow to develop a research project on the interplay between reality and fantasy in terrorism and political violence to contribute to our teaching portfolio in our bachelor and master programmes.

The intermingling of fact and fiction is a recurring feature of radicalized individuals and movements. Norwegian terrorist Anders Breivik fantasized being the leader of a ‘Knights Templar’ resistance movement. The racist and violent fantasy of white resistance in the face of multiculturalist oppression described in the novel The Turner Diaries has inspired some of the deadliest acts of right-wing terrorism in recent history. Fantasy and myth are also being used to create new shared realities outside of right-wing extremist movements, including radical animal-rights groups, conspiracy movements (e.g. ‘red pilling’) and jihadist terrorists.

In both the academic and professional field of radicalism, extremism and terrorism, it has been noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between what is real and what is fantasy in kaleidoscopic, violence-prone (digital) cultic milieus. Do these people really believe what they are saying? Is this an extremist form of ‘live action roleplaying’ (LARP) or an actual threat? Both over- and underestimating the intermingling of fact and fiction in radicalized settings can have serious implications for effectively dealing with radicalization and the violence that may result from it.

Qualifications 

1. Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as a Security Studies; Terrorism Studies; International Relations; Public Administration; Political Science; or Crisis and Security Management. A Master’s degree in other disciplines will be considered if degree or field of research is relevant to the topic of the vacancy. A research master’s degree is considered an asset;
2. Demonstrable ability and enthusiasm for research at the intersection of conceptual and policy-oriented research. Demonstrable excellence in academic writing. Recent graduate or 1-2 years of relevant work experience. This is an early career position;
3. Basic knowledge of, and interest in safety and/or security issues and how they are studied within various disciplines. Enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring students with demonstrated didactic and guiding skills. Ability to work well in an international team, be flexible, work well under pressure and show initiative;
4. Experience with teaching and/or mentoring students (using a variety of teaching methods and tools);