The Department of Politics and International Relations welcomes Benjamin Broby to the first-of-its-kind UN Peace & Security Fellowship.
Research
Benjamin is a researcher in International Relations specialising in contemporary security dynamics. His academic work focuses on private military companies and their interactions with peacekeeping forces, as well as on the governance of non-state armed actors in post-conflict environments. His research is grounded in the analysis of normative, institutional, and ethical frameworks regulating peace operations and international security arrangements.
Interview
What motivated you to apply for and join the Fellowship?
I was drawn to the Fellowship because it offers a rare and timely opportunity to critically reflect on peacekeeping practice from both an academic and practitioner perspective. The collaboration between the UN Department of Peace Operations and DPIR creates a unique space to examine emerging challenges in peace operations while remaining firmly grounded in real-world policy and operational realities.
How do you feel about coming to Oxford to study here for eight weeks?
I am very much looking forward to spending eight weeks at Oxford. It is an exceptional intellectual environment, and the opportunity to engage with scholars, practitioners, and fellow Fellows in such a setting is both exciting and motivating. I see this period as a valuable time for deep reflection, learning, and exchange.
What are you most looking forward to during the programme?
I am particularly looking forward to the structured discussions, seminars, and informal exchanges with colleagues working on peace and security from diverse perspectives. I am also eager to receive critical feedback on my research and to explore how academic insights can meaningfully inform policy development and operational decision-making.
Could you tell us a little about your research and its aims?
My research examines how UN peacekeeping missions interact with private military and security companies in conflict settings, and what this means for mandate implementation, legitimacy, and operational coherence. It explores whether these actors complement UN missions, undermine impartiality, or create parallel security arrangements. The study aims to provide practical guidance to support UN leadership in assessing risks, managing coordination, and navigating the growing presence of private security actors in complex conflict environments.
Biography
Benjamin Broby is an International Strategy Analyst from the Central African Republic with over a decade of experience in humanitarian operations and UN peacekeeping, specializing in crisis management, logistics, and ethical governance. He currently serves with MINUSCA in Birao, contributing to strategic analysis and operational planning, following earlier roles with Médecins Sans Frontières coordinating health programs and managing logistics.
He began his career with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Kaga-Bandoro, where he developed strong expertise in supply chain management and emergency operations over nearly six years. Broby is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration and has completed advanced training in international strategy and security, bringing a strong ethical and people-centred approach to humanitarian work.