Ontological security in East Asia: China, Taiwan, and the politics of identity

Position: Research appointment (pre-doc) Institute: Uni. Turin
New! Posted on: 19/03/2026 Deadline: 09/04/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

14/GSPS-02 - Political Science

Description

This project analyses cross-Strait relations through the lens of ontological security, exploring how state identity, historical narratives and the need for a stable sense of self shape strategic behaviour in East Asia. Moving beyond materialist and deterrence-based explanations, it argues that both the People's Republic of China and Taiwan pursue policies aimed not only at physical security but also at sustaining coherent national identities amid geopolitical and normative uncertainty. Drawing on Giddens (1991) and its adaptation to IR by Mitzen (2006) and Steele (2008), the study conceptualizes ontological security as a driver of routinized and risk-acceptant behaviour. Using discourse analysis and fieldwork in China and Taiwan, it examines how sovereignty, recognition and contested narratives shape strategic choices and regional order.

Compensation

22,500 Euro

Job posting website

https://lavorainateneo.unito.it/index_ir.html?type=SEL_IDR

Number of positions

1

Maximum duration

12.0

Funding body

Università di Torino

How to apply

https://pica.cineca.it/unito/cle-2026-ii/

Selection process

Click to expand
Based on Qualifications and Interview. The interview schedule is published on the University Albo ( https://webapps.unito.it/albo_ateneo/ ) and on the University website ( https://lavorainateneo.unito.it/index_ir.html?type=SEL_IDR ). Candidates will NOT receive notification of their admission to the interview. The publication of the schedule on the University Albo constitutes legal notification of the interview invitation. Applications must be submitted via the online procedure https://pica.cineca.it/unito/cle-2026-ii/ — for information: incarichiricerca@unito.it Mandatory requirement for admission to the selection: italian Laurea Magistrale, or Laurea a Ciclo Unico, or an equivalent degree from foreign Universities, obtained no more than 6 years prior to the application deadline (i.e obtained after April 9, 2020). The Call for Applications (published on the University Bulletin Board under ref. no. 2725 del 19/03/2026), containing the procedures to participate in the selection process and the specific requirements for each selection, is available at https://webapps.unito.it/albo_ateneo/ and https://lavorainateneo.unito.it/index_ir.html?type=SEL_IDR .

View the original posting on the MUR website: Go to MUR website

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