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My research covers the cross-section of development and violent conflict. The tabs above will direct you to my publications, ongoing research and more.
What I do
I am interested in politics, state institutions, de facto sovereignty and public authority in (violently) contested environments. Sri Lanka is my main country specialization, and I have an emerging interest in Indonesia (mainly Kalimantan). In the past I have also worked on Afghanistan, Indonesia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
I am a development sociologist (MA) and political geographer (PhD) by training. From 2006 to 2012, I conducted applied research consultancies through my registered company Bart Klem Research. When I became a university lecturer (first at the University of Zurich, then at the University of Melbourne) I decided to close the company. But I continue posting my work on this website and I continue to do applied research and training in my present capacity (more under about). You may also find me on Researchgate.
This is a short film about a theatre festival in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It was shot in 2003, a time of an unstable ceasefire. It provides an illustration of hopes for reconciliation, ethnic diversity and lingering nationalism.
For the Dutch version (“Kinderspel”) please click here.