BUA Institution

Freie Universität Berlin

Research description

EU's foreign & security policy in the context of Russia-Ukraine War of 2022, India-EU/Germany Defense Cooperation, and the ongoing India-EU FTA Negotiations.

Where in the world has your career been largely based until now?

New Delhi, India

Why Berlin?

German is my first foreign language, which I started to learn in 2007. This inspired me to delve into further pursuing my B.A. and M.A. in Germanistik from Jawaharlal Nehru University. The learning about European history and German language encouraged me to pursue my career in international relations. Since then, I have heard a lot about German universities, DAAD Faculty Exchange Programmes and Berlin, the capital of history, culture, and the best German universities and thinkers. After many years of getting to know Berlin through books, films and novels, I finally arrived here on a DAAD postdoctoral scholarship. This is my first time being here and experiencing the things I used to study in books. I am excited to be here and came with my open heart to learn and understand more about this amazing historical capital full of academics, thinkers, practitioners, and world renowned scholars. 

What fascinates you about your research area?

European history and the current changes and challenges facing Europe in the context of current geopolitical tension. 

How will your research change the world?

I don't know about changing the world. However, I like my subject and, being belonging to the South Asian country, India, it is very informative to write and understand Europe and its relations with Russia and then draw a comparison with my country's history. 

What major short-term goal are you currently working towards with your research?

My first book 'Ukraine, Russia and Europe: Emergence of a New Cold War" was published recently. With this small achievement, I try to focus on my second book proposal as a DAAD postdoctoral researcher at FU Berlin, in addition to two research papers on the new developments taking place between India and the EU. 

What is your preferred way to communicate your research to the broader public or other specific sectors beyond academia? Where can we see, hear or read you next?

Now my book is available at DUSSMANN, titled Ukraine, Russia and Europe: Emergence of a New Cold War'. Besides, I do speak in panels and continue speaking on my subjects on various platforms. I publish all my writing and panel participation on my Linkedin.

What did you want to be when you grow up?

An excellent researcher.

If you could have a radical career change for a week, what would it be?

A position in which I can support women and girls in my region to make aware them about the positive impacts of studying on their lives.

What is something surprising that people might not know about you?

My surname, which is very German: Frau Mann.

How does the academic culture in Berlin differ from the academic culture you are used to?

It is absolutely liberal and open to new ideas and questions. 

Has Berlin had any surprises in store for you?

To be here as a postdoc is an amazing and wonderful feeling. 

What would your advice be for colleagues at home interested in a research stay in Berlin?

I would recommend and inspire my peer scholars to apply and come to Berlin universities if they want to understand what is the real essence of research in their field.