Olivia Howells

Olivia Howells

Graduate Researcher

Department of Political Studies

Queen's University

18ojh@queensu.ca

Mackintosh- Corry Hall, Room C415

Affiliation

About

Olivia Howells is a master’s student in Political Studies at Queen’s University, specializing in International Relations. Olivia holds a B.A. (Hons.) in from Queen's, majoring in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE). She is also the recipient of the Joseph-Armand Bombardier (CGS-M) award. Olivia’s research is concerned with collective memory and ontological security, as well as the security implications of critical minerals. Her master’s research project (MRP) is focused on Russian strategic culture and the use of memory diplomacy as a legitimation strategy. Olivia is currently working as a Research Assistant for Dr J. Andrew Grant, namely in areas of natural resource governance and private security. She is the recipient of a Young MINDS Targeted Engagement Grant from the Department of National Defence (DND) for her research on the security implications of China’s Arctic ambitions. More recently, she is working on a DND Targeted Engagement Grant focused on the security implications of Africa’s mineral endowment. She has been invited to present her research at both national and international conferences, including those of the International Studies Association (ISA) and the CDA Institute.

Research Interests

  • International Relations
  • Ontological Security
  • Energy Security

Recent Publications

  • J. Andrew Grant, Olivia Howells, Abdiasis Issa, and Badriyya Yusuf. (Under review). “Shadow Interregionalisms in Africa: Insights from Maritime Regionalisms in the Gulf of Guinea.” African Security.

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