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• Victoria Loughlan

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Victoria Loughlan

Qualifications:

MA (Hons) International Relations and German, University of Aberdeen

MLitt. Peace and Conflict Studies, University of St Andrews (CPCS)

 

Working PhD Title: Making Space for Peace - Using GIS in Peace Operations

 

Research Interests: Peace Operations, Space, GIS, Concepts of Practice

Thesis Abstract: Broadly, my research centres on the role of space in peace operations. I am interested in the question of how space is understood in relation to peace and how this spatial knowledge is produced and managed. The use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), a tool which generates this spatial knowledge, has grown significantly in peace operations over the past ten years. GIS is a spatial mapping technology which allows for the storage, modelling, analysis and representation of geographical data of the post-conflict host country. GIS can display and overlay different themes, showing for example the country's demographics, resource distribution or topography. As such, maps are produced in order to optimize the mission's strategic planning capabilities, enabling the evaluation, management and development of the country. However, this mapping process or spatial knowledge production which delimits the possibility of peace operations is a much neglected aspect within the Peace and Conflict Studies literature. It is this gap my thesis seeks to fill. The project focuses on UN Peace Operations' use and management of GIS technology, engaging with three different sites: The UN Cartographic Section as policy, planning and management site; the UN Logistics Base as training and preparation site; and UN GIS Units in the field (I have so far undertaken field work in Timor-Leste but am looking to engage with another field mission - TBD). Through this research I seek to contribute to the Peace literature by highlighting how GIS is used to a) produce spatial knowledge; b) reveal how this knowledge is practised; and c) illuminate its role in articulating the spatial possibility of peace.

 

Supervisors: Dr Andrew Neal and Dr Richard Freeman

 

Awards (funding and merit): Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Award

 

Teaching Experience:

I have tutored on the following honours courses:

• Theories of International Relations

• Approaches to Politics and International Relations
  

 I have also lectured and tutored on the following honours courses:

• International Security

 

Other Activities:

• Co-coordinator of the Edinburgh International Relations Research Group
• Co-coordinator of the Edinburgh Transatlantic Seminar Series
• PhD Representative for Politics and IR (2010/2011)
• Member of the Mapping cluster as part of the International Collaboratory in Critical Security Methods (ESRC project funded)

 

 

This page was published on 14 July 2011