Building Better Peace

I am a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at La Trobe University.

My research focuses on civil wars and peace processes, in particular, how the international community supports societies as they move from war towards peace, and why these processes often fail to establish stable peace. I'm particularly interested in the negotiation of power during these processes, the role of non-state actors and women, and how the assumptions and behaviours of international interveners affects their capacity and credibility in the countries in which they work.  

My first book, "Why Peace Processes Fail: Negotiating Insecurity After Civil War" was published in 2015 by Lynne Rienner Publishers. My second book, "Violating Peace: Sex, Aid and Peacekeeping" was published in 2020 with Cornell University Press.

Books

"Even if there’s no war raging, there are many places where people can’t live with dignity, human rights, or access to health and education." - Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf

Get in touch

I've published a range of peer-reviewed articles and book chapters that explore a few key themes: the role of the international community in peace processes in civil wars, issues of women, peace and security; and sexual exploitation and abuse in peace operations.

I have also made numerous media appearances discussing peace and post conflict issues.

I am available for expert consultancy, media comment, and graduate supervision, and I love opportunities to collaborate with others (either in academia or outside).

Latest from Twitter

Two #OCIS2023 related deadlines are approaching

1) Book prize nomination deadline⏱️: March 23rd

2) IR Theory Forum for PhDs July 3-4 @unimelb (run by Chris Reus-Smit and Terry Macdonald) application deadline:
March 27th - pls email them if interested

http://ocis.org.au/oceania-book-prize-for-international-studies/

Check out this dream #postdoc vacancy @goteborgsuni on gender, LGBTQ+ rights and diplomacy. Apply! https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7&lang=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=29661

PhD candidate @nwroxburgh uncovers what “person-centred” in the healthcare context actually means, and how a complex system with multiple stakeholders can achieve a person-centered approach. @MonashBioethics

https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/can-we-do-person-centred-care-even-with-reform/86670

Check this thread: Neo-Nazis salute in solidarity with Kellie-Jay Keen at her anti-trans event in Melbourne. How can @jk_rowling @bindelj and @Womans_Place_UK claim that GC is progressive when their movement is willing to #LetNazisSpeak ? https://twitter.com/amy_sargeant_/status/1636895480994201600

Amy Sargeant 🏳️‍⚧️@amy_sargeant_

Nazis protecting Kelly Jay Keen in Naarm 2

Fourth, these threads prop up imaginary populations. There is no such thing as “neurotypical.” It is a category dependent entirely on a false binary. Some people’s minds are pathologized, but nobody’s mind is “typical.”

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political signs on an old street