Profile

Dr. Constanze Blum

Dr. Constanze Blum

Wiss. Mitarb. FGZ

Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics (ReCentGlobe)
Strohsackpassage
Nikolaistraße 10, Room 3.16
04109 Leipzig

Phone: +49 341 97 - 37893

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Abstract

Dr. Constanze Blum is a postdoctoral researcher at the Leipzig section of the Research Institute Social Cohesion (RISC). Her work focuses on (trans-)national approaches to social cohesion and populisms in Southern Africa, in particular in Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, Constanze’s research interests include the African Union, in particular the organization's external partnerships in the field of peace and security as well as the day-to-day interactions between various actors in international cooperation. She has written her PhD thesis on the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) at Leipzig University which was finalized in May 2023.

Before joining ReCentGlobe in October 2020, Constanze has worked in the field of rural development in Mozambique and as policy advisor for several NGOs in Berlin.

She holds an M.A. in African Studies from Leipzig University and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Geneva.

 

Professional career

  • since 10/2020
    Research Assistant, Forschungsinstitut Gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt/Research Institute Social Cohesion (FGZ-RISC), ReCent GlobeSub-project "Political Populism in Southern Africa"
  • 06/2019 - 08/2020
    Africa Policy Advisor, Bread for the World, Berlin
  • 09/2016 - 01/2018
    Political Advisor, Welthungerhilfe, Berlin
  • 12/2014 - 09/2016
    Junior Expert M&E, Welthungerhilfe, Maputo and Quelimane/Mozambique

Education

  • 09/2018 - 05/2023
    PhD candidate, Graduate School Global and Area Studies, U Leipzig
  • 09/2012 - 09/2014
    M.A. African Studies, U Leipzig
  • 01/2012 - 06/2012
    Erasmus semester at Universidade Carlos III, Madrid
  • 08/2009 - 09/2012
    B.A. International Relations, U Geneva, Switzerland

Research interests:

  • African borders
  • The African Union and its partnerships
  • Sociological and anthropological approaches to studying international organizations
  • Transregional and postcolonial approaches
  • Peace and security in Africa
  • Social cohesion discourses and practices
  • Transnational organized crime




  • Political populism in Southern Africa
    Engel, Ulf
    Duration: 06/2020 – 05/2024
    Funded by: BMBF Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
    Involved organisational units of Leipzig University: Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics (ReCentGlobe)
    show details

more projects

  • Blum, C.
    Social cohesion im südlichen Afrika: Diskurse, Institutionen und Praktiken
    In: Middell, M. (Ed.)
    Varianzen des Zusammenhalts: Historisch und transregional vergleichende Perspektiven. Frankfurt/New York: Campus. 2024. pp. 141–178.
    show details
  • Blum, C.; Engel, U. (Eds.)
    Populism and social cohesion in Southern Africa: insights from scholars and practitioners
    Universität Leipzig
    Leipzig: Leipziger Universitätsverlag. 2023.
    show details

more publications

  • Seminar 'Peace and Security in Africa' 2022

    Seminar Peace and Security in Africa, Master Global Studies und African Studies, Leipzig University, together with Prof Dr Ulf Engel, summer term 2022

  • Seminar 'The State in Southern Africa' 2019/2020

    Seminar The State in Southern Africa, Master Global Studies und African Studies, together with Prof Dr Ulf Engel, Leipzig University, winter term 2019/2020