Before joining Sophia University in April 2019, Kobayashi conducted research on conflict processes, international humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and peacebuilding at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center in the U.S., the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan, and the Embassy of Japan in Sudan and South Sudan. She received a Ph.D. in Law and a Master of International and Administrative Policy from Hitotsubashi University and a B.A. in Law from Sophia University.

2-618  Wed. 15:15～16:15 or by appointment

My research interest is in global peace and security. Have you ever thought about why devils fight in a hero story? Momotaro, a Japanese folktale, does not tell us about the “bad” actors. If the hero, Momotaro, could have imagined devils’ desires and needs, he might not need to fight with them and have overcome challenges through dialogue. Exploring “the other side,” I develop theories to improve the policy making capacity of international organizations’ in the fields of peace and security, humanitarian assistance, and human rights. In Global Studies, my interest is also in examining how “global” and “local” ideas meet, how they translate different ideas, and how they sometimes conflict with each other. My courses include workshops and in-class activities to facilitate students’ active listening, speaking, and learning with their classmates. With my experience both in academia and practice, in Japan and abroad, I am happy to support students’ career development. I look forward to discussing with you for our futures.

https://researchmap.jp/ayakokobayashi?lang=en