What could reparations for colonialism look like? As a PhD candidate, you will explore this urgent question using participatory and creative research methods to foreground the experiences and expectations of Indo and Indonesian communities affected by colonialism. Recent movements like Rhodes Must Fall have highlighted the need to address historical injustices and global inequalities, yet responses have often been superficial. Apologies, such as those offered by the Dutch government to the Moluccan population, are made, but material forms of redress are slow to follow or absent. Current scholarly debates focus on the potential and scope of reparations, often prioritised by survivors but politically sensitive. There is no consensus or empirical data on how reparations could address colonial legacies.

This critical question will guide your PhD research in the NWO-funded project ‘Decolonising Reparations: Transforming the Legacies of Colonialism’, led by Dr. Sanne Weber, Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science. You will investigate the impact of colonialism on affected communities within Indonesia and the Indonesian diaspora in the Netherlands, as well as their expectations from reparations. Collaborate with participants to create multimedia products about the potential role of reparations in addressing historical grievances. Additionally, conduct interviews with a wider group of stakeholders and a vignette study with the broader population in Indonesia. You will receive training on participatory and creative approaches from Dr. Weber. Strong knowledge of qualitative research methodologies and familiarity with participatory research approaches are advantageous.

During your PhD, you will collaborate with the PI and a postdoctoral researcher focusing on Belgium and the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa. By comparing these case studies and triangulating diverse methods, the project aims to enhance understanding of potential forms of reparations for colonialism and contribute to the decolonisation of reparative justice theory.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing a concrete and feasible research project fitting the overarching theme, culminating in the defence of an article-based PhD thesis at the end of the 4th year.
• Conducting in-depth and independent participatory fieldwork.
• Authoring and co-authoring publications with team members.
• Participating in conferences, workshops, seminars, and other scholarly activities.
• Contributing to the overall organisation and strategy of the research team and project.
• Being an active member of the Department of Political Science and the Centre for International Conflict Analysis and Management.
• Contributing to teaching (max 5%) and working on components of your University Teaching Qualification (BKO) portfolio.

Your supervision team will consist of Dr. Sanne Weber (main substantive PhD supervisor) and Dr. Haley Swedlund.

Would you like to learn more about pursuing a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.