Yung Lin is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University. Her research focuses on non-traditional security, civil-society diplomacy, and human-centered geopolitics, with a particular emphasis on Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Her PhD research project explores how historical memory, political institutions, and economic interdependence interact to influence conflict and cooperation.

More information about Yung Lin

Yung Lin has been researching on the dynamics of soft power and public diplomacy in East Asia since obtaining her Master in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS, University of London. Her master dissertation 'How have Taiwan’s Social Movements in the Past Ten Years Impacted on its Public Diplomacy?' argues that Taiwan has plenty of soft power resources but was not well strategised, which was published on The News Lens International. After finishing the master degree, she worked in London for investment firms and risk analysis consultancies covering Asia market.

Yung Lin is also a tutorial lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities for the BA International Studies programme. Courses taught: Introduction to International Studies, Economy: East Asia, and Global Political Economy.

Research project

Yung Lin's PhD research project 'Public Diplomacy as a Contributing Factor to Solving Identity-based Conflict:  Taiwan Repositions its Identity and Security Status (2000 - 2020)' is supervised by Prof. Madeleine Hosli and Dr. Frans-Paul van der Putten of the Clingendeal Institute. 

This PhD research project explores how public diplomacy can help ease identity-based conflicts by building understanding and trust across transnational societies. Focusing on Taiwan, it examines how educational, cultural exchange, media communication, and international cooperation have shaped the island’s relations with other countries in Southeast Asia. Through document analysis and interviews, the study finds that Taiwan’s public diplomacy does more than promote its image abroad. It also strengthens democratic confidence and social resilience at home. In times of tension or crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts contribute to both internal and regional stability.

The findings are socially relevant because they show how diplomacy is not only conducted by governments but also by citizens, educators, and professionals. They offer a new way to understand how diplomatically-constrained states can foster peace and cooperation in a continuously changing geopolitical context.

Yung Lin’s research project is funded by the scholarship award from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education.

Publications