The Olympia Summer Academy provided an excellent venue for both academic and personal development. Olympia has been hosting an annual graduate summer program in politics and international studies that brings together a highly diverse group of graduate students, professionals, and professors. The program has acquired a great reputation not only for its high academic standards, but also for its distinct identity that mixes the scholarly exchange with the friendly atmosphere.
Against this background, the 8 day Conflict and Political Violence course provided me with the opportunity to be taught by leading figures in conflict research. Among these were Stathis N. Kalyvas, Laia Balcells, Yvan Guichaoua and Jonah Schulhofer Wohl. The great range of topics was particularly relevant to my research, as it covered both theoretical and empirical ground. I got the chance to talk about my research and get feedback which allowed me to link my PhD to the state-of-the-art advances in the literature.
I am deeply thankful to the CST, IAPS and the School of Politics and International Relations for their generosity and willingness to support me financially. It was, undoubtedly, a brilliant experience that has had a positive impact on my research.
Vladimir Rauta, Doctoral Researcher
Posted on Friday 28th November 2014