“Spotlight on...” Doctoral Programme Graduate Mona Saleh

How would you explain your research topic to your grandmother in three sentences?  

My research looks at how international organisations, like the African Union, try to prove they are valuable when other organisations with which they share state memberships are doing similar things. Just like companies, they need to show what makes them special, especially when their central role or position is at risk. By studying how organisations like the African Union handle conflict situations in places like Sudan and Libya, I found that they use certain strategies to stand out and protect their position. 

Which moment of your working process would you like to relive? 

The moments I would like to relive are those breakthrough moments when suddenly it clicks, and I find confirmation in the empirical data that aligns with my initial hunches. It is that satisfying feeling of ‘yes, I am onto something’.

What was the most valuable piece of advice that you received during your doctoral studies? 

A dissertation is always a work in progress! Accepting this helped me worry less about perfection and focus more on making progress and getting it done. 

How has your participation in the GIGA Doctoral Programme affected you?  

The GIGA Doctoral Programme gave me a place to connect with peers who were going through similar experiences, both with the challenges of the PhD journey and as international students studying abroad. This group became my social support network, and I honestly do not think I would have made it without them. In terms of career planning, the programme offered essential training, especially in research methods, and helped me secure funding to attend conferences and workshops. Being part of an institutional structure also made it much easier to access academic support and networks. 

What advice would you now give to your younger self at the starting point of your doctoral studies? 

If I could go back, I would tell myself to trust the process and remember that progress is not always linear. There will be times of doubt and frustration, but this too shall pass. Staying connected with mentors and peers really helps – and asking for help when you need it makes a huge difference.