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GRADUATION INTERVIEW ▼

External Democracy promotion through Education: Approaches in International development cooperation and foreign policies in the field of education against the background of democratization theories

AN INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE OHLIG

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SHORT PROFILE
 

Name: Louise Ohlig
Field: Educational Science
Dissertation: External Democracy promotion through Education: Approaches in International development cooperation and foreign policies in the field of education against the background of democratization theories

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Our doctoral member Louise Ohlig has successfully completed her dissertation. In her Graduation Interview, she gives insights into the topic and findings of her dissertation, reflects on her PhD, and shares the next step in her career.

// What drew you to your dissertation topic and what interests you most about it?

L.O. My dissertation was inspired by a long-standing interest in international cooperation and sustainable development, shaped both by my academic background in education science (Lehramt) and political science (BA/MA), as well as my practical experience with GIZ and PROBONO School Partnerships for One World e.V.. What fascinates me is the close relationship between education and democracy—especially in light of current political developments, which highlight the growing importance of democratic education on a global scale.

// Can you give us a small sneak peek about the findings of your thesis?

L.O.  My work offers a new perspective on external democracy promotion and assistance, particularly by providing a education science-based foundation for political education measures in this context. For practitioners, one key takeaway is the importance of designing democracy-promoting education programs with a strong pedagogical approach. Education is not an automatic driver of democratic change—it requires careful planning. My research also sheds light on how local understandings of democracy can shape and even strengthen these democracy assistance efforts when meaningfully integrated.

// If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your PhD, what would it be?

L.O. Take your time. Progress often isn’t linear or immediately visible. But as long as you stay connected to your work, it moves forward—sometimes without you even realizing it. And most importantly: dare to make your own decisions.

// What is the next step in your career?

L.O.  I'm excited to be continuing in academia as a Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin at the Chair of Didactics in Social Sciences at Goethe University Frankfurt, working on a larger third-party funded research project.