Research

​I am currently co-investigator on two large grants based at the LSE – the ESRC-funded Centre for Public Authority (CPAID) (since 2019 £6 million, renewed for 2021-2024) and the FCDO-funded Conflict Research Programme (CRP) (since 2019 £3.5 million, renewed for 2021-2025). These are two of the largest comparative research programmes globally on the study of crisis-affected states. They are investigating why there is an increasing number of 'failed states' globally and why these states often fail in developing into advanced economies and democracies. It focuses on these political economies of these contexts and the interaction between state fragmentation, modern authoritarianism and internationalisation. 

My forthcoming book, Diaspora Inc., builds a theory of 'diaspora states' using a nested transnational comparison and based on original, in-depth case study research on Somalia, Somaliland and Puntland. It is the first book to identify this phenomenon of 'diaspora states' where diaspora may dominate the political economy and showing how these relations transform states and international relations. It develops a methodological and theoretical framework for analysing globally how 'diaspora states' may emerge and disappear. It challenges conventional frameworks for studying outcomes associated with return and investment, and unveils what it identifies as a prevailing issues of political contestation in emerging economies and fragile states. 

The Marie Curie Global Fellowship (2023-2026) expands on this research.