Althea-Maria Rivas

Althea-Maria is a Lecturer in Development Studies at SOAS, University of London. She draws upon critical, feminist and decolonial theoretical frameworks and employ innovative grounded methodologies, such as photovoice, storying and narratives to explore debates in the field of conflict, security and development. A central theme in her current work is intersectionality, specifically the racialised and gendered nature of processes of aid, post-conflict reconstruction, sexual and gender-based violence and transitional justice. Most of her research focuses on Afghanistan, Liberia and Somalia, however, she has also worked more broadly in North, West and East Africa.

Althea-Maria’s research focuses on exploring the politics of development, conflict, humanitarian intervention and peace through the lens of the everyday. It goes beyond traditional state-centric investigations into development, peace and security and links the local to the global by interrogating everyday relationships, affect and identity. The insights that have emerged from her research are the result extensive fieldwork areas in affected by conflict and international intervention. Consequently, she developed an academic interest in research ethics and methodologies. Some of which are explored in Fieldwork Interrupted: Experiences with Violent Research and Researching Violence (2018).

Althea-Maria moved to SOAS in 2019 after holding posts at York University (Toronto) and the University of Sussex, and completing a Postdoctoral Fellowship with the Centre for Development Studies, Department of Social and Policy Studies, University of Bath. She is actively committed to addressing and countering cultures of exclusion, racism and inequality in higher education institutions, furthering educational justice and decolonizing the curriculum.

Before starting her academic career, Althea-Maria worked for 12 years in the areas of diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, gender and development and governance with various INGOs, and local and international organisations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East.