Introducing: Athanasios Stathopoulos
Athanasios Stathopoulos is a University Lecturer at the Institute for History since August 2019, but has been a familiar face at Leiden University since 2015. He introduces himself below.
I joined the Institute for History as a University Lecturer in August 2019, however, I am not new to the University of Leiden, as I have been teaching at the BA International Studies since 2015. Having enjoyed and benefited from the challenging and rewarding academic environment of Leiden, I was delighted to join as a University Lecturer. Before coming to Leiden, I had finished my PhD in International Relations at the University of St Andrews, completing in the meantime, a European Masters Fellowship in International Relations at the European Inter-University Centre in Venice, Italy. On a personal level, having got used to the harsh Scottish winters, made me appreciate the (relatively) milder Dutch weather, and the beach of The Hague has soothed my Mediterranean homesick soul.
My PhD thesis explored the relationship between the international system, weak states and secessionism. I argued that system-level changes have transformed the types of states that exist in the world, with that being one of the reasons for the rise in secessionist movements post-1945. Using a combination of system-level analysis with unit-level interpretation, it was suggested that the prevalence of weak states, sustained by the international system, and more specifically the norm of territorial integrity, provide a fertile ground for the rise of secessionist movements. For the purposes of my thesis, I conducted fieldwork research in Somaliland, exploring the mechanisms of state-and nation-building, identity formation, and the nexus between institutional capabilities and secessionism.
My research, apart from the focus on secessionist movements, and weak states, revolves around the study of sovereignty, governance, and intervention. I am currently working on the relationship between the Responsibility to Protect, non-state actors, and local governance, exploring, among other things, the potential of local governance by non-state actors on atrocity prevention. The attempt to find a balance between human rights and sovereignty is intriguing, and is one of the key issues in international politics. My ambition is to understand the underlying mechanisms of these issues, and marry theoretical advancements with practical recommendations. Leiden University provides such an inspiring environment, and I look forward to working with its staff and students towards achieving these goals.