Biography
Dr Katharina Hunfeld’s research and teaching focus on various aspects of feminist, decolonial and Marxist thought on the climate crisis, commons and community landownership, as well as the politics of time & temporality. She is particularly interested in the relations, practices and imaginaries that enable and empower concrete political action towards a greener future. She is affiliated with the (StACCS), where she leads the 'Capital' cluster.
Her current research project critically reflects on the impact and political significance of Scottish projects of 'commoning' the land through community ownership models. These self-organised models, she posists, are important alternatives to both state and private property ownership that offer valuable lessons for ecologically troubled societies.
In 2025, her 4th year module Critical Perspectives on the Climate Crisis received the . The module engages with questions around climate science and governance, social reproduction, Indigenous sovereignty and land rights, Green New Deals and ecosocialist transition, radical direct action, rewilding and utopian climate fiction. Students have described it as transformative in shaping their academic direction and their sense of purpose in addressing the climate crisis. The module builds on Kat's ongoing research as well as on previous pedagogical work undertaking for a , which she co-conceptualised and co-delivered in MureÈ™ County, Romania.Ìý
A central goal of her pedagogy, and its key strength, lie in helping students develop excellent critical thinking and writing skills. Kat teaches with a clear sensitivity towards making power dynamics visible and providing students with the necessary critical vocabulary for delivering their analyses concisely and confidently. Her modules regularly receive outstanding scores for overall experience, accompanied by comments emphasising the growth‑oriented, challenging but deeply rewarding nature of her classes that help students understand their own position within wider structures of power and possibility. Kat has been nominated for multiple student-led teaching awards across several categories.ÌýIn 2026, she was awarded a 1413 Teaching Excellence Award by the University, in recognition of "innovative and deeply thoughtful teaching" that is both locally grounded and internationally oriented.Ìý
Kat is also a member of the editorial collective of the journal , and always welcomes inquiries about submissions to the and its annual .
Her writing has also appeared in and the .
Teaching
Kat currently convenes and teaches:
- IR3079 - Feminist Theories in Global Politics
- IR3060 - Rebellion and Revolution
- IR4590 - Critical Perspectives on the Climate Crisis (new)
- IR5705 - Critical Approaches to Peacebuilding
Past modules:
- IR1005 - Introduction to International Relations
- IR2006 - Studying International Relations
- IR4099 - Honours Dissertation in International Relations
- IR4542 - Gender and Terrorism
- IR5064 - The Military in Politics
Selected publications
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Hunfeld, K., 5 Jan 2026, Scottish Left Review, 149.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
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Open access
Hunfeld, K., 1 Dec 2025, historical materialism.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Book/Film/Article review
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Open access
Krystalli, R., Tripathi, S. & Hunfeld, K., 16 Nov 2023, Uncertainty in global politics. Matejova, M. & Shesterinina, A. (eds.). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 252-269 18 p. (New international relations).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
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Open access
Hunfeld, K., 26 Aug 2023, Jacobin Magazine.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
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Open access
Hunfeld, K., 2 Jun 2022, In: Journal of Global Ethics. 18, 1, p. 100-117 18 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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