Project Supervisor
Additional Supervision
Dr Nicholas Morieson (Deakin), Dr John Betts (Monash) and Dr Ana-Maria Bliuc (Dundee)
School
Faculty
Location
Melbourne Burwood Campus
Research topic
Sharp power refers to the strategic efforts of authoritarian regimes to shape public perceptions, manipulate discourse, and exert influence in foreign societies, often through deceptive or coercive means. Despite the increasing prevalence of state-backed online influence campaigns, there is limited empirical research on its scope, and mechanisms in influencing diaspora groups.
Project aim
This project aims to examine the authoritarian sharp power online in influencing diaspora groups by systematically identifying its dissemination mechanisms, target communities, and impact on online discourse. Specifically, this research will develop a systematic framework for detecting and categorizing sharp power messaging online, identify key actors, source countries, and target diaspora communities, and analyse the pathways through which sharp power messages spread within diaspora networks.
Research Objectives
Develop a framework to systematically identify and categorize sharp power messaging online. Map key state and non-state actors involved in sharp power dissemination and identify the targeted diaspora communities. Analyse the digital platforms and pathways through which sharp power messages are spread. Assess the extent to which these messages influence the tone, framing, and ideological positioning of online discussions. Evaluate the impact of sharp power campaigns on political attitudes and behaviours within diaspora groups. Compare sharp power-driven messaging patterns with general online political discourse to determine unique features.
Important dates
Applications will remain open until a candidate has been appointed
Benefits
This scholarship is available over 3 years.
- Stipend of $35,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
- Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible you must:
- be a domestic candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
- meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
- be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.
Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
Additional desirable criteria include:
- Political science/social psychology knowledge, particularly regarding propaganda, dissemination of social influence, and diaspora engagement
- Web scraping and data collection experience for online media analysis
- Social network analysis (SNA) skills to map digital influence patterns
- Programming skills (Python or R) with a foundational understanding of mathematical and statistical methods. Experience with Natural Language Processing, sometimes referred to as “Text Mining”, and sentiment analysis would be an advantage, but not essential.
How to apply
Please email a CV and cover letter to Professor Ihsan Yilmaz. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.
Contact us
For more information about this scholarship, please contact Professor Ihsan Yilmaz
Professor Ihsan Yilmaz
Email Professor Ihsan Yilmaz
+61 3 924 68542