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How precolonial states shaped boundaries and conflict

These scholarships are connected to the Future Fellowship project: “(Dis)Integrating the Past: How old states shape new wars,” led by Associate Professor Charles Butcher.

These scholarships will benefit students interested in deepening their research skills through new knowledge of how precolonial states in Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia shaped colonial governance and contemporary conflict.

Key details

  • 20257734, 20257735, 20257736
  • MRes+ PhD, PhD
  • Applications close on 31 July 2026
  • Domestic
  • Arts and social sciences
  • $39,700 p.a.

The project aims to understand how precolonial states in West Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia have shaped internal boundaries and the flow on consequences for state capacity, identity formation, resistance and conflict.

The project involves integrating and analysing geospatial data on precolonial, colonial and modern boundaries with data on contemporary conflict, identity and institutions.

The candidate/s will develop an independent research project within these project themes and will contribute to aspects of the original data collection, potentially including data on administrative boundaries or the centralisation of precolonial states.

Projects within the core project themes are welcome but focus could also include:

  • how early democracy or historical conflict have modern outcomes
  • impacts on economic or gender-based inequality
  • impacts on nonviolent forms of resistance
  • impacts on broader institutional features such as federalism or national and subnational democracy.

Projects with case or fieldwork based approaches to the project aims are also welcome.

The successful candidates will join a team of PhD students and research assistants, along with a broader, international research network. The position includes team-based training in quantitative methods and geographical information systems.

Availability

There are three scholarship positions available in total:

  • two MRes + PhD positions
  • one PhD position.

The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake either:

  • a four-year MRes + PhD program
  • a direct-entry three-year PhD program.

Candidates with a background in political science, international relations or a cognate discipline are encouraged to apply.

Experience working with statistical methods and spatial data will be advantageous.

Components

The scholarship comprises:

  • a tuition fee offset
  • a living allowance stipend.

The value of the stipend scholarship is $39,700 per annum (full-time, indexed) for up to four years.

How to apply

Before submitting your application, submit an expression of interest to: