“Spotlight on...” New Doctoral Researcher Soumya Chaturvedi

What made you choose to do a PhD?

I have always wanted my work to make a difference, so deeper expertise was never optional. I reached a point where simply absorbing ideas and knowledge didn’t feel sufficient. I wanted to be able to create them. My mentor’s encouragement to endure the PhD grind and his belief that I would come out stronger gave me the final push to begin the journey.

How would you explain your research topic to your grandmother?

Namaste Dadi (Grandma)! Remember how you would say that life is not about what you are born with, but about how you adapt to excel? I think it is true for countries too. Despite inherently lacking essential energy resources, emerging powers like India and China have adapted their foreign policy to assert or exercise agency. Through my research, I want to study how they did it.

What are you looking most forward to during your PhD studies?

Fieldwork, for sure. But also, the point where I fundamentally question my entire approach. As scary and overwhelming as it could be, it would also mean I am challenging my assumptions, beliefs, and biases. I think it is the most crucial step of self-growth.

Theory or practice

Practice. It brings out complexities and nuances that I find challenging, yet exciting.

Reading or writing

Reading. I find it fascinating how authors approach the expression of different ideas or even the same ideas differently.