

As she describes in The Frontlines of Peace, it was in Congo that Autesserre first witnessed holes within the aid industry, which is a theme she continued to see in various aid organizations in Afghanistan and other conflict situations.Īuttesserre continued to work part-time with aid organizations as she completed her Ph.D. She spent time in Kosovo with Doctors of the World, and then worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo with Doctors without Borders in 2001, at the height of the Second Congo War. She shifted gears to humanitarian aid and peacebuilding, working around the globe. The objectivity of reporting on this destruction bothered Autesserre-so she decided in that moment to become directly involved in the world. While working with Voice of Soweto (a community radio station) in South Africa, she witnessed the destruction of an illegal township in the outskirts of Johannesburg. During her studies, she completed multiple internships.

She received a Masters of International Affairs from Columbia University in 2000. After her time at Sciences Po, she was sent to a prestigious exchange with Columbia University, while on a Fulbright Scholarship. I think it is what made me want to do the work I do now, and complete my Ph.D.” She also deepened her English skills while at Sciences Po, which she now uses in her professional career to partake in conferences and debates.Īutesserre graduated from Sciences Po in 1999, with a Masters of Political and Social Sciences, and a specialization in International Relations.

“I felt privileged that I could study these topics that I was passionate about… I was in awe about everything.” One of her favorite classes about geopolitics was Grandes Lignes de Partage du Monde Contemporain, taught by Bernard Manin. Auttesserre loved her coursework at Sciences Po. Autesserre was interested in politics, which brought her to Sciences Po for its reputation within international relations and world affairs.
