I hold two PhDs: one in Comparative Politics from the University of Salamanca (2025) and another in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies from Jaume I University (2024). Before joining PRIO, I taught at the Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain) and conducted research stays at Princeton University (United States) and the University of Cartagena (Colombia).

I am particularly interested in how states are built, contested, and experienced in contexts of war and transition. Much of my work examines the role of infrastructures, services, armed actors, communities, and human rights practices in shaping authority, legitimacy, and social order. My research is grounded in qualitative fieldwork in Colombia, using semi-structured interviews, participatory methodologies — including social cartography and timeline mapping — archival research, and documentary analysis. I have worked with former combatants, victims, public officials, and civil society actors.

I am currently part of the COM2CIV project at PRIO, led by Júlia Palik, where I contribute to research on civilian life after combatant experiences, with a particular interest in reintegration, trust-building, community relations, and participatory methods.

If these topics resonate with your work, feel free to get in touch.

ORCID / Google Scholar / Research Gate / ACADEMIA

Espinosa-Díaz, C. “Rebel Social Services: The Case of the FARC-EP’s Health System," Third World Quarterly (2025).

Espinosa-Díaz, C., & Robinson, C. “Building the State, Fighting the Rebels: Military Engineers and Infrastructure in Modern Colombia,” World Development Perspectives (2025).

Espinosa-Díaz, C. “Everyday State-Building in the Colombian Caribbean,” Canadian Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Studies (2024).

Espinosa-Díaz, C. “Everyday Human Rights Practices in the Colombian Caribbean,” Australian Journal of Human Rights (2023).