Dr Monika de Silva

Hi!

I am a researcher of European and international politics. 

I am currently employed as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Gothenburg. I implement an independent project on colonial reparation claims and the impact of the memory of European colonialism on European Union's position in the world. 

I completed my PhD in political science at the University of Gothenburg in April 2025, as part of the Gender and Diplomacy programme. My PhD dissertation concerned the role of bilateral diplomacy and EU negotiations in navigating polarisation over gender and sexuality topics in Europe. 

I received an Advanced MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy from the College of Europe (2020) and a Master of Law degree in the framework of interdisciplinary studies from the University of Warsaw (2019). My professional experience includes traineeships with the European External Action Service, the Council of Europe, and the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

My work has been published in leading academic journals such as International Studies Quarterly, European Journal of International Relations, Journal of European Public Policy, and Politics & Governance. I am a passionate teacher and communicator of European and international affairs.

I have been a visiting researcher at London School of Economics, Koç University, and University College Dublin.

Feel free to reach out and connect.