I’m a researcher and writer with a background in political violence and extremist movements. My work blends academic depth with journalistic clarity, drawing on years of experience tracking complex events in real time, whether from a newsroom or within a large-scale research project.
My PhD thesis examined the motivations of European women who joined the Islamic State, focusing on questions of gender, agency, and religion. The project was funded by the Irish Research Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs. My research formed the base for an undergraduate module I designed on women and political violence, which introduced students to how gender can be used to study conflicts and violent actors. I also presented my research at several international conferences, including the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR), the Society for Terrorism Research (STR), and the British International Studies Association (BISA).
Before beginning my doctoral studies, I worked as a journalist with the European Pressphoto Agency. I primarily covered conflict, terrorism, and political developments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The work involved monitoring events in real time, often under pressure, and translating fast-moving stories into clear, accurate reporting for international audiences. I also contributed to EU-funded documentary projects and managed a team of translators producing multilingual content.
I currently work as a research assistant in a legal firm specialised in genealogy and inheritances, where I manage and organise complex case files, coordinate cross-border communication, and support archival investigations.
I’ve remained actively engaged in the field of political violence and extremism, building on my academic foundation through independent research and writing, and continuing to seek out intellectually engaging work at the intersection of analysis, public communication, and social inquiry.
Julia Cañas Martínez 