Our Team

The Path to Power Project’s team consists of experts in digital populism, misinformation, political violence, and quantitative data analysis. With diverse regional expertise, the team collaborates to produce impactful research and public-facing outputs, offering insights into democracy, governance, and political shifts in the digital age.
Team Photo

Meet Our Team

The Path to Power Project is powered by a dedicated team of experts specializing in digital populism, misinformation, political violence, and quantitative data analysis. With a diverse range of regional expertise spanning sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, India, and beyond, our team brings a unique global perspective to our research. Each member leads a distinct research focus, contributing to various public-facing outputs like policy reports, podcasts, and data visualizations. Through this collaborative approach, the team strives to uncover critical insights into how digital technology and political change are reshaping democracy worldwide, fostering informed discussions and actionable solutions for the future.
Prof. Dr. Estariol de la Paz

Prof. Dr. Estariol de la Paz

Professor and Research Group Leader
Digital Technology, Governance and Politics, Principle Investigator
Path to Power Project.

Research Focus:
  • Politics and society in the Internet age
  • Global and Comparative research
  • Research Impact
Dr. James Ranger

Dr. Jamie Ranger

Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Focus:
  • Digital populism
  • Digital citizenship
  • Ideological communication on social media
Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces

Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces

Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Focus:
  • Comparative political behavior
  • Technology
  • Populist rhetoric
  • Polarization
  • Latin America
Dr. Umer Jan

Dr. Umer Jan

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  Research Focus:
  • Development studies
  • Post development studies
  • Digital Technology and Politics
  • South Asia
  • Critical Social Theory
  • Ethnography
 
Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun

Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun

Researcher and PhD Student
  Research Focus:
  • Comparative politics
  • Digital governance
  • Eastern Europe
  • South Asia
  • Central Asia
 
Olachi Thelma Opara

Olachi Opara

Research Communications Manager
Areas of Focus:
  • Brand and Strategy
  • External Communications
  • Creative Direction
  • Graphic Design
  • Event Management
  • Public relations
Christine Buckley

Christine Buckley

Administrative Assistant
Areas of Focus:
  • Administration
  • Team Management
  • Event Management

Collaborators

John Henry Bussey

Researcher
Research Focus:
  • Comparative politics
  • Peace and conflict studies
  • Public trust and political legitimacy
  • Institutional resilience and fragility
  • Southeast Asia