phd
PhD Thesis Title: “How to Lose the Time War: A Study of Chronosophy, State Building and Systemic Oppression”
PhD Supervisor: Aidan Russell
This project seeks to investigate how differing underlying conceptualisations of time impact the political realm, and, more specifically, the processes of state building modelled upon it. The investigation of modern chronosophy (“philosophy of time”), intrinsic to the definition of modern statehood, will be directed towards an understanding of its role in the construction and maintenance of power relations and systemic oppression. For this purpose, the research seeks to re-evaluate the notion of temporal distance between past violence and present grievances and re-think the dichotomy of presence/ absence in processes of state formation. The analysis will be framed along the racial dimension, to untangle the impact that the ethical mandate subtending modern chronosophy has on race.
profile
Gaya Raddadi is a PhD researcher at the Department of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. They also hold a master’s in International Affairs from the Geneva Graduate Institute, and a Bachelor in Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Warwick. Gaya’s research focuses on themes of conflict, state building, race, gender, and inequality. They have a background in research, as well as peacebuilding, with a particular focus on conflict-sensitivity and HDP Nexus projects.
Selected publications and Works
- Raddadi, G. 2025. “Trust-Building in Co-Creation Processes: Lessons Learned from the PUCRA Preparatory Phase.” swisspeace.
- Raddadi, G., CSRF team. 2024. “Enhancing community-based social protection for a sustainable use of aid in South Sudan: Guidance for conflict and context-sensitive aid.” Conflict Sensitivity Resource Facility (CSRF).
- Raddadi, G. 2024. “South Sudanese Women Negotiating Agency in Conflict Resolution.” Conflict Sensitivity Resource Facility (CSRF).
- Banfield, J., H. Groenewald, C. Onslow, G. Raddadi. 2023. “Integrating gender in peace responsiveness.” Interpeace.
- Daquino, M., C. O. Lude, C. Palmisano, G. Raddadi. 2021. “Militarised Masculinities: Identifying Causes, Manifestations, and Strategies for Change.” WILPF.
- Raddadi, G. "A Room of One’s Own is Not Enough: Decolonising the University Space." Working Paper 15 | 2021. Geneva: Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute.
Areas of expertise
- State building, nation-building
- Colonialism, decolonization, postcolonialism
- Philosophy of history, political philosophy