Lena Raballand
What is your PhD about?
My doctoral research is focusing on political financing and state capture by detailing the sequencing of events leading to the capture of a State. Firstly, this entails identifying characteristics of a captor actor, understanding their strategy in picking political parties and politicians to invest in, understanding how captor actors finance them and which state institutions are most likely to be targeted for private gain. Secondly, this entails detailing the flip side of the relationship by identifying how political parties and politicians use the State’s mechanisms and resources to uphold their side of the bargain and give captor actors their return on investment.
Why did you choose Sussex / CSC?
I was strongly drawn to the University of Sussex and more particularly the CSC due to its unique innovative research on corruption and state capture. It was very important to me to conduct my research within a supportive environment where I could be surrounded by experts on the theoretical underpinnings of my research but also who are developing new cutting edge methodologies. It is even better when this is all happening by the seaside!
What were you doing before you started your PhD?
Prior to my PhD, I obtained a Bachelor of Laws (King’s College London) and a Masters in International Security Studies (University of Reading).
Alongside my masters, I interned within the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime’s Container Control Programme focused on the Black Sea and South Caucasus. Among a variety of activities in the region, we participated in training customs officers on the trafficking of strategic and dual use goods and focused on building interregional cooperation between customs offices. I also worked within my team to record types and amounts of seizures by customs officials in the region and assisted in drafting reports of the programme’s efforts to continue receiving funds from donors.
Alongside my PhD, I am also interning within the OECD’s Anti-Corruption Division, where we monitor the implementation of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. This entails working with Member Countries to raise awareness about the negative effects of bribing a foreign official in business competition and assisting countries in prosecuting their nationals if they are found to be bribing officials abroad.
I am also continuing in my role as a Research Fellow at the International Development Research Network, which focuses on different aspects of internal and external policies of the European Union. I have written articles explaining the EU-Russia relationship, evaluating the EU’s projects in the Horn of Africa and shedding some light on the EU’s goals of Strategic Autonomy.
Do you have any advice for someone considering a PhD?
Starting a PhD may seem very daunting but it is an incredible opportunity to really dive into a topic you are passionate and want to know more about. The whole process also starts feeling less overwhelming when you take it day by day and break it down into steps (you might even find time flies!). The key is consistency. There may be hiccups along the way as you research but you have to keep going at it every day knowing you will get there and focus on what you can do.
In any case, starting a PhD means you will be joining a vibrant and supportive community within the CSC who is ready to help you define your topic and help you along each step of the way!