by Meherun Nesa, PhD student in Political Science, Loyola University Chicago
As a doctoral student in Political Science at Loyola University Chicago, my research focuses on the complex linkages between international organizations and security challenges, with a concentration on peacekeeping operations. This academic quest not only shaped my intellectual interests but also led me to attend one of our field’s most important conferences, the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) conference. As a first-time participant and presenter, I found this experience both invigorating and beneficial to my academic advancement.
The cornerstone of my participation was the presentation of my research design paper titled “Rationale for Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: A Comparative Analysis of Contributing Nations to UNPKOs”. This paper represents a crucial step in my doctoral research, aiming to unravel the complex motivations behind nations’ decisions to contribute to UN peacekeeping missions. By employing a comparative analysis framework, I sought to identify patterns, disparities, and underlying factors that influence a country’s level of engagement in these critical international efforts.
The presentation was a critical juncture in my academic trajectory. I presented my research concerns, methodology, and preliminary findings to a panel of distinguished scholars and fellow researchers. The panel’s feedback was particularly insightful. Constructive critiques were provided by experienced academics, who emphasized the potential shortcomings and strengths of my research design. Their insights encompassed a variety of suggestions, including the enhancement of the robustness of my analysis through the use of additional data sources and the refinement of my theoretical framework and research methodology. This feedback was not merely critical; it was transformative. It offered me a distinct roadmap for the subsequent phases of my project, enabling me to enhance my research. The quality and potential impact of my work has unquestionably been enhanced by the collective wisdom that was shared during this session.
While the presentation was an important part of my MPSA experience, the mentoring program was what truly made this event distinct. The MPSA Mentoring Reception, which aimed to connect emerging researchers with senior practitioners in the area, provided an unprecedented chance for mentoring, networking, and professional development. During this reception, I had an opportunity to meet Professor Dr. Hassan Afzal, who would later play an important role in my early academic career. Dr. Afzal’s approachability and genuine concern for assisting rising scholars immediately made me feel at ease. Our discussions spanned from the nuances of political science research methodology to the problems and opportunities that await early-career academics in our area.
Among the many pearls of wisdom Dr. Afzal shared, one piece of advice stood out and has already borne fruit. He introduced me to the concept of publishing book reviews as a means of engaging with current literature in our field while also building my publication record. Specifically, he mentioned the journal “Democratization” as a potential venue for such publications. This suggestion was a revelation to me; I had not previously considered book reviews as a viable publication option, especially within the tight timeframes typical of doctoral studies.
Inspired by Dr. Afzal’s guidance, I decided to pursue this opportunity with vigour. I carefully selected a recently published book aligned with my research interests and began crafting a thoughtful, critical review. The process of writing the review was itself an invaluable learning experience. It enhanced my analytical skills, deepened my understanding of the current debates in my field, and improved my academic writing.
To my delight and surprise, my book review was accepted for publication in “Democratization” – a prestigious Q1 journal in our field (Hyperlinked). This early publication success has been incredibly motivating, boosting my confidence and reinforcing my commitment to academia. It’s a tangible outcome of the mentoring relationship initiated at the MPSA conference, demonstrating the profound impact that such connections can have on a young scholar’s career.
In addition to formal talks and mentoring, the MPSA conference was a thriving intellectual interaction hub. I met researchers from several universities who shared different perspectives and research interests throughout the event. These interactions included coffee chats and heated panel debates. The range of ideas and approaches I encountered challenged and invigorated me to think beyond my study and seek multidisciplinary approaches to complex political challenges.
About the Author
Meherun Nesa is a Political Science Ph.D. student at Loyola University Chicago. Nesa received an MSC in Governance and Development from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. She has also earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSS) and Master of Social Sciences (MSS), focusing on international relations, from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her primary research areas are international security and conflict analysis, international and regional institutions, foreign policy and economic diplomacy.