Christian Opitz is part of the project “Recasting the Role of Citizens in Foreign and Security Policy?,” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Since joining the Institute of International Politics at Helmut-Schmidt-University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg in 2018, he has contributed to multiple projects, including “Civic Participation in Foreign and Security Policy.” His completed his PhD at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, focusing on the Civilian Crisis Management of the European Union, which earned the 2020 Dissertation Prize. Christian holds degrees in Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies from Freiburg and Uppsala. His prior experience includes roles at the German Institute for International Affairs (SWP), and the German Federal Foreign Office.
During his research visit to Adam Mickiewicz University, Christian aims to deepen his understanding of democratic innovations in Poland, a key focus of his current project on citizen participation in foreign and security policy at Helmut-Schmidt-University. Engaging with the Democratic Innovations Research Group, led by Prof. Paulina Pospieszna, he will explore Poland's distinct approaches to participatory governance and their implications for national and European security policy. The visit will involve exchanging with practitioners and academic experts, as well as gathering empirical data to support his ongoing research. In addition to his research activities, Christian looks forward to contributing to the academic community at Adam Mickiewicz University through discussions with faculty and students, fostering valuable intellectual exchange. This collaboration is expected to enrich the comparative analysis of democratic innovations across Europe and beyond.