Poonyarat’s research focuses on nation-building, nationalism, and the ideological dimension of state-building, in relation to internal armed conflict. Her dissertation applies the subnational comparative method to addresses why a state is successful in propagating political loyalty with some subnational communities but not others. Arguing that national disloyalty is necessary but insufficient condition for nationalist or secessionist violence, her dissertation examines political loyalty in relations to the ongoing secessionist armed conflict between Malay nationalist movements and the Thai state. She holds an MA in International Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame and a BA in Political Science from Thammasat University.
Publications:
"Building a 'Buddhist State: Effects of Buddhist State': Effects of Buddhist-Nationalist Policy upon Ethnic Communities in Thailand, 1850s-1960s" (to be published in a book series "Towards a Buddhist Understanding of Religious Minority Rights" by the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights University of Oslo (forthcoming)
"Seasons of Insurgency: The Promises and Curses of Violent Actions" in Chaiwat Satha-Anand and Olivier Urbain (Eds.), The Promise of Reconciliation? Examining Violent and Nonviolent Effects on Asian Conflict (Peace and Policy 20, 2016).
Zakee Pitakumpol, Phrae Sirisakdumkoeng, Chayanit Poonyarat and Hafiz Sale, The Fight in Patani of 'Wan Kadir': A Biography of Malay-Muslim Insurgent Leader (In Thai). (Pattani: Deepbooks, 2015). "Contemporary Southern Violence Knowledge: Local Grievances, Global Image" in Imtiyaz Yusuf and Canan Atilgan (Eds), Religion, Politics and Globalization: Implications for Thailand and Asia. (Bangkok: Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung, 2009).
Tassanee Tanakornsombut, Chutimas Suksai, Chayanit Poonyarat and Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan, Missing the Target: Firearm Policy and Practice in Thai Society. (Bangkok: Nonviolence International Southeast Asia, 2005).
Awards and Honors:
Summer Institute on Conducting Archival Research at Wilson Center, Washington, D.C. (2016)
Full scholarship from the Thai Royal Government for Ph.D. in International Relations at School of International Service, American University (2013-present)
Full scholarship from Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace Studies for M.A. in International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame (2003-4)
