The Foundation

Research team

Sophie Lemière

Associate fellow

Email

Biographical information

Expertise

  • Malaysia and Southeast Asia expert, also focusing on transnational questions of political transition, democratic processes, personnality politics, autocratic and populist figures.

  • Radicalization and political polarization, erosion of electoral and civic processes and youth engagement deficit. Political Islam, Religion & Politics, politics, violence, and criminality. Gender, minorities, and intersectionality politics. Human rights; indigenous rights and social development.

Professional experience

  • Founder and Director at SoCo (2021), political consulting firm based in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Founder and Director at World Wonderers (2020), social business based in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Extensive field research in southeast Asia for academic studies and consulting since 2004.
  • Numerous research fellowships and grants in University and think-tanks: Kennedy School and WCFIA-Harvard, Stanford, New York University, SIPA-Florida International University, Wits University (RSA), CSEAS-Kyoto University, CSIS-Washington DC, Nottingham University Malaysia...

Training

  • PhD in Political sciences, Sciences-Po Paris (2014)
  • Master 2 Politique Comparée, Sciences-Po Paris (2007)
  • Maîtrise de géopolitique, Institut Français de Géopolitique, Paris 8 (2005)
  • Chinese language diploma, Beijing Languages and Cultures University (BLCU, 2004)

Publications

  • The Last Game: A Story of Mahathir’s Return to Politics (Penguin Random House (forthcoming, 2023)
  • Minorities Matter, SIRD-ISEAS (2019)
  • Illusions of Democracy, Amsterdam University Press (2017)
  • Misplaced Democracy, SIRD (2014)
  • More @ https://www.sophielemiere.com/news-publications/