PhD in International Relations

The PhD is part of the Leverhulme-funded project “Technology and the (future) human in war” held by Dr Lindsay Clark and based at the University of Sussex, Sussex, United Kingdom./nThe project investigates what rapid technological change (e.g. lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), weaponised- Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, cyber-operations, technologically-enhanced soldiers) means for the involvement of humans in war, and implications for soldiers, citizens, enemies and civilians./nThe successful applicant will contribute to the 3rd Work Package of the project – “Cyber-operations.” Prospective students should submit research proposals examining differences between human-led mis/disinformation cyberoperations and non-human (e.g. bot-led) mis/disinformation operations./nThe project is theoretically informed by Feminist International Relations and Science and Technology Studies (proposals do not have to be situated in these traditions). Case studies noted are Ukraine, Israel and Yemen but applicants may choose relevant alternatives./nLead supervisor: Dr Lindsay Clark; a second supervisor will be identified with complementary expertise. The candidate will contribute to project activities and receive appropriate training./nEntry date: September 2026.