Political Science professor spoke at international conference on border security
October 27, 2017
Dr. Benjamin Muller, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science was the plenary speaker at the 12th annual World Customs Organization PICARD conference. This conference was held in Hammamet, Tunisia from September 26 to 28, 2017.
Dr. Muller presented on “Biometrics and border security: challenges and possibilities of harmonized standards”. His presentation described theimpact of the introduction of biometric technologies on how borders function and are managed, both positively and negatively. He also discussed challenges about global interoperability and cooperation in border security.
The PICARD conference provides a platform for academics and policymakers from around the world to present their research, interact, and discuss vital policy issues that impact Customs and international trade.
The 50 presenters were chosen from a competitive pool of over 80 submissions to the PICARD Call for Papers, issued in February 2017.
Academics from universities and think tanks from 12 different countries were invited to speak on border and customs related themes, such as security, trade and transportation. Dr. Muller was invited due to his collaboration in the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Research Network grant “Borders in Globalization” (2013-2020).
Dr. Muller’s research interests include Borders and Borderlands, Critical Security Studies, International Political Sociology, and Surveillance Studies.