Tusharika Deka

Focus Areas: Policy Advocacy, Technology, Digital Rights, South Asia, Youth Identity, Gender, Foreign Policy

Dr. Tusharika Deka is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. She holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Nottingham, UK, where she was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Scholarship. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned an MSc in International Relations from the University of Aberdeen as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar. 

Her research interests lie at the intersection of youth identity, conflict, public policy and technology-led processes such as surveillance and censorship, with a broader focus on South Asian politics, democracy, state-society relations, and political participation in the Global South.

Dr. Deka has taught Political Science and International Relations in the United States and the United Kingdom, with courses spanning across International Relations, International Politics of the Asia-Pacific, Globalization and Contemporary Global issues, Professional Development for trades, Culture and Society, Global Business and Logic and Critical Thinking. Her teaching philosophy is inclusive and dialogue-driven, with an emphasis on creating interactive classrooms where students from diverse backgrounds can participate confidently, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another. She is particularly interested in supporting students in developing critical thinking, research methodology,  writing and analytical skills. 

Dr. Deka is also the Editor-at-Large for E-International Relations. E-IR is the world’s leading source for International Relations scholarship and insight, reaching over 3 million readers. She is also the host and producer of E-IR’s podcast, Thinking Global, where she speaks with scholars and experts about contemporary debates in international relations.

At Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Dr. Deka teaches Policy Communication and Advocacy, a course focused on translating complex policy issues into clear and persuasive communication for different audiences. Students develop practical experience in policy writing through press statements, op-eds, and policy memos while building skills in audience analysis, advocacy, media communication, peer review, and the responsible use of generative AI.

Education

• PhD in International Relations, University of Nottingham

• MSc in International Relations, University of Aberdeen

• BA (Major) Political Science, Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi