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Dr. Sudhir Selvaraj

Assistant Professor

Area
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Mgmt, Law & Social Sciences
E-mail
Dr. Sudhir Selvaraj

Biography

I am a political scientist specialising in religion and global politics, religious violence, and the politics and security of South Asia. I have a particular interest in democratic backsliding, the rise of religious nationalism and the resulting direct and structural violence against religious, caste and gender minorities. My research interests also extend to pedagogy and understanding how individuals learn. Currently, I am looking at ways to incorporate creative practices (like documentary theatre) in the teaching of the social sciences.

My research has been published in scholarly journals such as Social and Legal Studies and Kritisk Etnografi: The Swedish Journal of Anthropology. My co-edited special issue with Raphael Susewind (from the LSE) on 'Hindutva and the Rule(s) of Law' was published with Social and Legal Studies in 2024. I have also contributed to numerous online forums, including The Conversation, The Diplomat, South Asia Voices, and 9DashLine. My expertise has been featured in NBC News, INews/ Ipaper and BBC Radio.

In PSID, I teach a range of modules focusing on geopolitics, the politics of South Asia and applied conflict studies. In 2024, I was nominated for the University of Bradford's Outstanding Achievement in Learning and Teaching awards.

I completed my PhD (in Politics) from the King's India Institute, and MA (with distinction in International Relations) from the Department of War Studies, both at King's College London. Prior to joining PSID, I was a Lecturer in International Development also at King's College London.

Research

My current research interests lie at the intersection of religion and politics, especially in South Asia. In particular, I am interested in the social and political growth of nationalist movements, their impacts on religious, gendered and caste minorities, and the resulting effects on democracy and secularism. 

Teaching

Modules

  • Politics, Security and Development in South Asia - PES 7069 - B
  • Theories and Practices of Conflict Resolution - PES7064-B
  • Power Shifts: Regional and Global Challenges - PES5029-B
  • Applied Conflict Research - PES7036-B

Professional activities

  • British Association of South Asian Studies, Member
  • Political Science Association, Member
  • Law and Society Association, Member

Publications