Prior to joining the Department of Political Economy in February 2024, Rachyl worked as a researcher at the Institute of Policy Studies, the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, and the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singapore. Her research focused on a diverse range of topics, including civil conflict, political polarisation, race and ethnicity in multicultural societies, and the evaluation of social policies and programs.

Rachyl holds a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from Nanyang Technological University, a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Warwick, and a Bachelor of Business Management from Singapore Management University. Her graduate thesis, which explored multiculturalism and religious extremism in Singapore, was recognised with the Best Thesis Awards at both Nanyang Technological University and the University of Warwick.

Research interests

• Civil conflict and political violence
• Social welfare and civil conflict mitigation
• Game-theoretic models of bargaining and conflict
• Political economy of redistribution and peacebuilding
• Race and ethnicity in multicultural societies

Doctoral research

While most studies focus on the triggers of civil conflicts, such as ethnic tensions or political exclusion, Rachyl’s research shines a spotlight on a less-examined solution: social welfare provisions. Instead of merely analysing why conflicts ignite, she investigates whether governments can effectively 'buy peace' through welfare provisions like education, healthcare, and social security. By combining insights from grassroots realities with broader cross-country patterns in south-east Asia, Rachyl’s work aims to provide practical, evidence-based strategies for governments and organisations seeking to reduce the likelihood and severity of civil conflict.

PhD supervisors

Dr Colin Jennings, Dr Alberto Vesperoni, Dr Kryzysztof Krakowski.