Skip to main content
Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries
Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries

Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries

Reader in International Politics

  • Director of the King's Sanctuary Programme

Research interests

  • International relations
  • Politics

Biography

Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries is a Reader in International Politics, Director of the King's Sanctuary Programme and Chair of the Migration Research Group. She previously lectured at Queen Mary, University of London and the University of Nottingham in Malaysia. She holds a PhD in War Studies from King’s College London.

Her research interests include: governance and resistance in global politics, migration and refugees, critical approaches to security and conflict, and the politics of life and security. Her monograph entitled Re-Imagining a Politics of Life: From Governance of Order to Politics of Movement (Rowman and Littlefield) was published in November 2014. Her research has also appeared in journals such as Review of International StudiesInternational Political Sociology, Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. She has also written a series of articles on the migration management and migrant struggles for openDemocracy .

She is Co-Investigator of the international ORA/ESRC-funded research project GUARDINT, which seeks to bridge the gap between increasingly transnational surveillance practices and national oversight mechanisms.

From 2015-2017, She co-led the collaborative ESRC-funded research project ‘Documenting the Humanitarian Migration Crisis in the Mediterranean’, which examined the effects of migration management practices on people seeking refuge in Europe. Other projects include a policy/research project on legal pathways to protection in Europe and the academic/arts projects 'We are in between' and 'Migrant Voices in London'.

Research Interests

  • Governance and resistance in global politics
  • Migration and refugees: especially migration management practices and migration struggles; refugee subjectivities; and, legal pathways to protection
  • Critical approaches to security and conflict
  • The politics of life and security

PhD Supervision

Leonie is happy to supervise PhD students in the following subject areas:

  • Migration and Refugees
  • International Relations Theory
  • Critical Security Studeis
  • Governance and resistance in global politics

Selected Publications

Book

2014, Re-Imagining a Politics of Life: From Governance of Order to Politics of Movement (Rowman and Littlefield International)

Research articles

2019 'The Crafting of a Paradox: Schengen inside and out (with Christina Oelgemoller and Kees Groenendijk), International Journal of Migration and Border Studies

2019 ‘Seeking Refuge in Europe: Spaces of Transit and the Violence of Migration Management (with Elspeth Guild), Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 45(12)

2018,‘Violent Governance, Identity and the Production of Legitimacy: Autodefensas in Latin America’ (with Alexander Curry), Journal of International Relations and Development

2018,‘Violent Governance, Identity and the Production of Legitimacy: Autodefensas in Latin America’ (with Alexander Curry), Journal of International Relations and Development (online first)

2018 ‘Seeking Refuge in Europe: Spaces of Transit and the Violence of Migration Management (with Elspeth Guild), Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (online first).

2017, ‘Fracturing Politics’ (with Lara Montesinos Coleman, Martina Tazzioli, Doerthe Rosenow and Rolando Vazquez), International Political Sociology, 11(1)

2016, ‘Politics of (In)visibility. Governance-Resistance and the Constitution of Refugees in Malaysia’, Review of International Studies, 42(5)

2015, ‘Opposing the Opposition? Binarity and Complexity in Political Resistance’ (with Doerthe Rosenow), Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, 33(6)

2013, ‘Political Life Beyond the Biopolitical?’, Theoria: A Journal of Social and Political Theory, 60(134)

2009, ‘Hobbes, War, Movement’ (with Jorg Spieker), Global Society, 23(4)

2008, ‘(The War on) Terrorism: destruction, collapse, mixture, re-enforcement, construction’, Cultural Politics, 4(2) 

Book chapters

2013, Politics on the Line’ in Bradley Evans and Julian Reid (eds.), Fascism in Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guatarri: Securitisation, War & Aesthetics(Routledge)

2010, ‘Hobbes War Movement’ (with Jorg Spieker) in Nicholas Kiersey and Doug Stokes (eds.) Foucault and International Relations. New Critical Engagements (Routledge)

Policy Papers

2018, ‘Legal Pathways to Protection: Towards the Provision of Safe, Legal and Accessible Routes for Refugees and Vulnerable Migrants’ (with Jean-Pierre Gauci and Henry Redwood)

2017,'Strengthening the Common European Asylum System' (with Elspeth Guild) in Euromed Survey, 7th edition (European Institute of the Mediterranean)

2016, 'Documenting the Migration Crisis in the Mediterranean' (with Sergio Carrera and Elspeth Guild), CEPS Paper in Liberty and Security in Europe, No. 94

Research

DYLDnpuXcAYRMDU
Research Centre in International Relations

The Research Centre in International Relations conducts research on practices of security and conflict, their transformation, and their social and political implications.

780x440 Migrateful 5
Kneading Knowledge: Virtual Sharing of Embodied Knowledge of Migration Through Online Cooking

Kneading Knowledge, with the charity Migrateful, offers staff & students chances to explore embodied experiences of migration through online cookery classes.

Project status: Completed

Migrateful food
Breaking Bread

In May 2020, the AHRI provided an opportunity for staff to support charity Migrateful via online cookery classes led by refugees, asylum seekers & migrants.

Project status: Completed

Migration refugee tents PROMO 780x440
Migration Research Group

The Migration Research Group is an interdisciplinary group of staff and students with an interest in the study of migration.

mental health conflict hero
Centre for Conflict & Health Research

Cross disciplinary initiative studying the intersection of global health, security, and political governance in conflict-affected fragile states and regions.

Arts&ConPROMO
Arts & Conflict Hub

The Arts & Conflicts hub uses artistic mediums to communicate, teach and research the complexities of conflict

RP network - new banner
Refugee Mental Health and Place Network

A growing network of interdisciplinary researchers and community organisations exploring post-migration factors and refugee mental health

News

Meet: King's Sanctuary Programme team

We spoke with the members of King’s Sanctuary team to learn more about the valuable work they do in supporting refugees in Higher Education.

Academic Sanctuaries Symposium April 2023

What is the world's problem with migration?

A new podcast episode looks at why migration is such a key topic for the world today and the impact of some current policies being used to try to curb...

Image showing barbed wire and group of individuals with bags

King's puts 'Compassion into Action' for Refugee Week 2023

This week (19-25 June) marks Refugee Week, for which the theme is ‘Compassion into Action’. As a university, King’s strives to ensure individuals affected by...

Image of a globe with a purple night sky to the right side, there is white text on the right hand side: Refugee Week 19-25 July 2023

Symposium brings leading voices together to better support Ukraine and beyond

Universities, charities and donors at the forefront of supporting students and academics impacted by the war in Ukraine came together at King’s to reflect on...

Five panelists sitting on a stage, taking part in a discussion for an academic sypmosium

King's recognised in national awards for sharing expertise on the Ukraine War

King’s was highly commended at a national communications award for helping inform public discourse around the Ukraine War.

A montage of media and events which were part of the Ukraine Explained campaign

XTX Markets makes £3M donation to support displaced students and academics

King's has received a £3 million donation to support students and academics impacted by the war in Ukraine through the launch of a new Sanctuary Hub.

A red flag with the King's College London logo

Help support King's refugee sponsorship scheme

Discover how you can support King’s commitment to be a Refugees Welcome University.

The Al Shaabin family with members of the Peckham Sponsors Refugees local residents group

Help support King's refugee sponsorship scheme

Discover how you can support King’s commitment to be a Refugees Welcome University

The Al Shaabin family with members of the Peckham Sponsors Refugees local residents group

COVID-19 and its impact on refugee populations

An interview with Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries on how COVID-19 is impacting vulnerable refugee populations.

Informal migrant settlement in Calais (2016)

Award winning migrant artist donates artwork to King's

Anna Virabyan has gifted a painting to the Department of War Studies for Refugee Week

Watercolour donated to King's by Anna Virabyan

Events

20JunRefugee Week 2023 Education Pathways

Refugee Week - Education Pathways

This event focuses on three higher education pathway initiatives for forced migrants.

Please note: this event has passed.

24May780 x 440 Seeking Sanctuary

King's Experts Series: Forced Displacement and Seeking Sanctuary

The King’s Experts Series is a series of events exclusively for King’s alumni, this webinar will spotlight the work of King's Sanctuary Programme.

Please note: this event has passed.

04JunSSSResConIRandEthics

The ethics of solidarity, community and care

International Relations and Ethics video screening and interactive panel for the School of Security Studies Research Conference.

Please note: this event has passed.

Features

University Sponsorship: Providing sanctuary for Ukrainian students and academics

Members of the King’s community have hosted displaced students and academics.

1903 Ukraine Header

Developing a university blueprint for sponsoring refugees

The invasion of Ukraine means we need to ramp up our existing work and experience with supporting Syrian refugees through community sponsorship.

Refugees are welcome

Refugees Welcome: Community Sponsorship as a pathway to refugee protection in the UK

King’s is spearheading an innovative refugee community sponsorship project

Informal migrant settlement in Calais (2016)

King's staff take part in online cookery classes to support refugee charity Migrateful

King’s staff were taught recipes by Migrateful chefs as part of an AHRI Service opportunity

1800x500 Migrateful

Spotlight

Spotlight on COVID: How the pandemic is affecting refugees

Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries shares how the pandemic has made conditions even worse for vulnerable refugee populations.

spotlight-covid-1920

Research

DYLDnpuXcAYRMDU
Research Centre in International Relations

The Research Centre in International Relations conducts research on practices of security and conflict, their transformation, and their social and political implications.

780x440 Migrateful 5
Kneading Knowledge: Virtual Sharing of Embodied Knowledge of Migration Through Online Cooking

Kneading Knowledge, with the charity Migrateful, offers staff & students chances to explore embodied experiences of migration through online cookery classes.

Project status: Completed

Migrateful food
Breaking Bread

In May 2020, the AHRI provided an opportunity for staff to support charity Migrateful via online cookery classes led by refugees, asylum seekers & migrants.

Project status: Completed

Migration refugee tents PROMO 780x440
Migration Research Group

The Migration Research Group is an interdisciplinary group of staff and students with an interest in the study of migration.

mental health conflict hero
Centre for Conflict & Health Research

Cross disciplinary initiative studying the intersection of global health, security, and political governance in conflict-affected fragile states and regions.

Arts&ConPROMO
Arts & Conflict Hub

The Arts & Conflicts hub uses artistic mediums to communicate, teach and research the complexities of conflict

RP network - new banner
Refugee Mental Health and Place Network

A growing network of interdisciplinary researchers and community organisations exploring post-migration factors and refugee mental health

News

Meet: King's Sanctuary Programme team

We spoke with the members of King’s Sanctuary team to learn more about the valuable work they do in supporting refugees in Higher Education.

Academic Sanctuaries Symposium April 2023

What is the world's problem with migration?

A new podcast episode looks at why migration is such a key topic for the world today and the impact of some current policies being used to try to curb...

Image showing barbed wire and group of individuals with bags

King's puts 'Compassion into Action' for Refugee Week 2023

This week (19-25 June) marks Refugee Week, for which the theme is ‘Compassion into Action’. As a university, King’s strives to ensure individuals affected by...

Image of a globe with a purple night sky to the right side, there is white text on the right hand side: Refugee Week 19-25 July 2023

Symposium brings leading voices together to better support Ukraine and beyond

Universities, charities and donors at the forefront of supporting students and academics impacted by the war in Ukraine came together at King’s to reflect on...

Five panelists sitting on a stage, taking part in a discussion for an academic sypmosium

King's recognised in national awards for sharing expertise on the Ukraine War

King’s was highly commended at a national communications award for helping inform public discourse around the Ukraine War.

A montage of media and events which were part of the Ukraine Explained campaign

XTX Markets makes £3M donation to support displaced students and academics

King's has received a £3 million donation to support students and academics impacted by the war in Ukraine through the launch of a new Sanctuary Hub.

A red flag with the King's College London logo

Help support King's refugee sponsorship scheme

Discover how you can support King’s commitment to be a Refugees Welcome University.

The Al Shaabin family with members of the Peckham Sponsors Refugees local residents group

Help support King's refugee sponsorship scheme

Discover how you can support King’s commitment to be a Refugees Welcome University

The Al Shaabin family with members of the Peckham Sponsors Refugees local residents group

COVID-19 and its impact on refugee populations

An interview with Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries on how COVID-19 is impacting vulnerable refugee populations.

Informal migrant settlement in Calais (2016)

Award winning migrant artist donates artwork to King's

Anna Virabyan has gifted a painting to the Department of War Studies for Refugee Week

Watercolour donated to King's by Anna Virabyan

Events

20JunRefugee Week 2023 Education Pathways

Refugee Week - Education Pathways

This event focuses on three higher education pathway initiatives for forced migrants.

Please note: this event has passed.

24May780 x 440 Seeking Sanctuary

King's Experts Series: Forced Displacement and Seeking Sanctuary

The King’s Experts Series is a series of events exclusively for King’s alumni, this webinar will spotlight the work of King's Sanctuary Programme.

Please note: this event has passed.

04JunSSSResConIRandEthics

The ethics of solidarity, community and care

International Relations and Ethics video screening and interactive panel for the School of Security Studies Research Conference.

Please note: this event has passed.

Features

University Sponsorship: Providing sanctuary for Ukrainian students and academics

Members of the King’s community have hosted displaced students and academics.

1903 Ukraine Header

Developing a university blueprint for sponsoring refugees

The invasion of Ukraine means we need to ramp up our existing work and experience with supporting Syrian refugees through community sponsorship.

Refugees are welcome

Refugees Welcome: Community Sponsorship as a pathway to refugee protection in the UK

King’s is spearheading an innovative refugee community sponsorship project

Informal migrant settlement in Calais (2016)

King's staff take part in online cookery classes to support refugee charity Migrateful

King’s staff were taught recipes by Migrateful chefs as part of an AHRI Service opportunity

1800x500 Migrateful

Spotlight

Spotlight on COVID: How the pandemic is affecting refugees

Dr Leonie Ansems de Vries shares how the pandemic has made conditions even worse for vulnerable refugee populations.

spotlight-covid-1920