Area of Research: Sustainable Governance

My research, titled "Integrating Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies through Policy Coherence in Mongolia", aims to deepen understanding of localized drivers and barriers to policy coherence between climate change and sustainable development policies, with a focus on underrepresented regions like Mongolia. It examines how political factors shape synergies and trade-offs both horizontally (across sectors) and vertically (across governance levels). The study advances academic discourse on policy coherence by addressing governance challenges in Mongolia’s resource-dependent economy, offering context-specific insights into the political and institutional dynamics influencing sustainable climate and development governance.

This PhD aims to investigate the role of power dynamics and institutional structures in the shaping of the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products Regulation (SUR), which were deemed two key components of the EU Green Deal aimed at addressing biodiversity loss. Using social network analysis and process-tracing methodologies, the project will explore how different forms of power are used to influence decision-making and stakeholder engagement, as well as to what extent existing structures enable or hinder policy integration throughout the EU policymaking process. By analysing documents, policy drafts, consultations, and conducting interviews and surveys with key Brussels-based interest groups, the research will map the policy development, identify the networks, critical events, and gain insights into the underlying mechanisms that shape policy outcomes.

From an academic perspective, this project addresses a research gap in the policy integration literature by examining the role of power in EU policymaking. Despite the clear risk of conflicting interests when integrating environmental issues into policies, existing frameworks often overlook the influence of power in this space. The societal relevance lies in its potential to inform future effective and inclusive policies that fully integrate environmental considerations. Such integration is key to driving the systemic transformation needed to protect biodiversity and achieve long-term sustainability goals.