Prof Christian Kaunert is the IES’ Academic Director and Professor of European Politics. He was previously Professor of International Politics, as well as Director of the European Institute for Security and Justice at the University of Dundee. Prior to that, he researched and taught at various international universities (Barcelona, Paris, Florence, Moscow, Cairo, etc.). Prof. Kaunert was awarded a Jean Monnet Chair in EU Justice and Home Affairs (2013) and a Marie Curie Career Integration Grant (2012-2016). He holds a PhD in International Politics and an MSc in European Politics from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. His research has a clear focus on the Global Security role of the EU, especially in the area of EU Justice and Home Affairs, with a particular focus on terrorism and counter-terrorism. He is the author of numerous articles and frequently acts as speaker or panelist at international conferences on his areas of expertise. Prof. Kaunert speaks native-level German and English and is fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian.

Political science studies