An Interview with our fellow Svea Knebel
“The interdisciplinary focus was particularly importent to me”
Gianni: Hello there, Svea. Since April 2025 you are part of our Research Training Group (RTG). What was your motivation to join the RTG „Standards of Governance“?
Svea: Nearly one and a half years ago, when I applied for the RTG, I had a few reasons. The interdisciplinary focus was particularly important to me – interdisciplinary work and collaboration have always been a great source of enrichment for me, even in my studies. That is why it was a key priority to do my doctoral research in such an environment. Moreover, the prospect of being part of this network with different doctoral students and professors was tempting. And finally, the funded position at the RTG was crucial. A college where I have the room for my own projects fit my perceptions of how to graduate.
“[R]ules developed by experts that are voluntary in nature”
Gianni: From your research perspective, how do you understand the term „Standards of Governance“?
Svea: I understand „Standards of Governance“ as rules developed by experts that are voluntary in nature. They help address transnational problems – beyond traditional government mechanisms like laws – and thus influence behaviour. From this perspective, they can be defined as governance mechanisms. In my research, standards are closely linked to the concept of soft law: that is, regulations that, while not legally binding, exert a stronger binding effect than mere political declarations of intent. My argument is that courts can be understood as arenas in which these standards play a role in two ways: first, they can influence legal reasoning ,and second, courts themselves can set standards over time, which then – once reintroduced into the societal or political sphere – acquire effectiveness as a form of „Standards of Governance“.
“[C]ontribution to critical legal studies”
Gianni: What is the focus of your doctoral degree and how does it relate to the research of the RTG?
Svea: In my research, I examine the connection between gender and migration within the European human rights system. Specifically, I am interested in how the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) addresses gender issues in migration-related cases and to what extent this approach should be understood as part of hegemonic structures. My dissertation thus explores the intersectional marginalization of migrants on the basis of gender and analyses the role that law and jurisdiction play in this context. Accordingly, I view my project as a contribution to critical legal studies. The project fits within the RTGs research framework for several reasons: First, I argue that the case law of the ECtHR can be used to derive (minimum) standards that have a societal impact and thereby functioning as a governance tool. I am particularly interested in the extent to which such standards can serve as resources for legal struggles seeking change within hegemonic structures. Given the RTG’s research priorities, my project falls within the area of fundamental rights.
“Although I primarily engage with court rulings […] I draw on concepts, theories, and methods from political science and (legal) sociology.”
Gianni: The RTG connects Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy and Law from two universities – to what extend is this a positive feature for you and your research?
Svea: My own project crosses several interdisciplinary boundaries: Although I primarily engage with court rulings – a classic subject of legal scholarship – I draw on concepts, theories, and methods from political science and (legal) sociology. In particular, political theory has proven fruitful for developing my theoretical framework. The fact that the RTG brings together expertise in this area definitely benefits my project – the direct exchange with people from these disciplines in my day-to-day work is a great enrichment for me. Furthermore, the environment provides continuous opportunities for learning: whether in terms of substantive content, disciplinary self-understanding, or methodological approaches. This engagement consistently prompts me to reflect on the boundaries of my own discipline, in turn sharpening a critical perspective.
“For me, the biggest advantage lies in the network.”
Gianni: Are there other benefits for your dissertation? Or are there aspects that might not be as beneficial to your work?
Svea: For me, the biggest advantage lies in the network. On the one hand, it enables me to tap into on a wealth of experience – whether from other doctoral candidates who are further along in their process or facing similar challenges, or from the PIs. And as I mentioned earlier in regard to my motivation: the funded position, which – unlike faculty positions – grants ample time for dedicated research, represents a true privilege, especially in times of budget constraints. Yet, such an interdisciplinary environment also entails challenges: it demands significant engagement with varying disciplinary logics and a high degree of communication. In the end, this also translates into additional effort.
Gianni: As part of your doctoral program, you have the option of doing research stays (abroad) – do you have anything planned yet?
Svea: I don’t have any firm plans yet, but there are several potential destinations that interest me. I definitely intend to take full advantage of this opportunity – the specifics of where I’ll end up will become clear in due course.
“At present […] I am collaborating with my colleague Tabea Heppner on a Working Paper”
Gianni: What are your future plans for your research?
Svea: At present and in the months ahead, my work will focus primarily on two areas: First, I am collaborating with my colleague Tabea Heppner on a working paper in which we examine approaches to conceptualize minimum standards in the context of structural injustice. Second, I am currently tackling methodological questions that I will explore further at an upcoming workshop, with the aim of refining the operationalization of my project over the coming months.
Gianni: Thank you for those interessting answers and good luck with your project.