My scholarly work focuses on how diverse population movements are managed in policy and in practice, and the implications this carries for the lives of migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, and for the socio-economic development of countries and communities affected by such movements. I have analysed different displacement and migration phenomena, which were often under-researched at that time: ranging from international student migration in Denmark, to internal displacement after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan.
My current research focuses on human mobility in the context of disasters and climate change: including displacement, migration and planned relocation. Specifically, I look at how mobility in the context of environmental factors is addressed in relevant national and international policy frameworks and how affected people and communities experience the effects of such policies. In advancing a better understanding of this field, I actively engage with researchers and practitioners from relevant disciplines through interdisciplinary networks. In this connection, I am also a Senior Research Affiliate with the Internal Displacement Research Programme of the Refugee Law Initiative at the University of London.
Educational Qualifications
I am a human geographer with a specialisation in migration studies and a PhD from the University of Copenhagen.
Professional Experience
I have over 10 years of experience with policy-oriented work from both humanitarian and development sectors. I served both as an expert and coordinator for research, policy development and advocacy initiatives in international organisations (including WFP, UNU, European Commission and ILO), NGOs, the private sector and academia. I have represented the organisations that I worked for in multilateral and multistakeholder negotiations and obtained extensive experience with interviewing people and communities directly impacted by different forms of human mobility.
Selected Publications
Mosneaga, A. (forthcoming) ‘Solutions discourse in disaster displacement: implications for policy and practice’, Disasters Journal.
Q1What are your current teaching areas and current research themes?
Drawing on my professional and academic background, I teach courses on international migration, environmental displacement, humanitarian assistance, intercultural communication and research methodology. My current research examines how environmental displacement and migration are conceptualised and approached in wider international policy processes on migration, displacement, disaster risk reduction, climate change, humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.
Q2What do you think the biggest appeal of the JDP is for students?
The opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and their academic networks – both of which are remarkable assets that students can gain from this programme.
Q3What do you expect future JDP students to learn and experience during their studies in the JDP?
Critical awareness of key issues in international relations – not just from the perspective of United States and/or Japan, but from a truly global perspective.
