Ph.D. in Government

The State of Israel is facing enormous political, security, and diplomatic challenges. The Ph.D. program in government aims to train researchers whose work will enable the addressing of these challenges more effectively. The program will equip its graduates with analytical skills, methodological tools, and scientific writing abilities that will allow them to advance the theoretical and empirical understanding of the political landscape. The program will focus on the following areas: national and international security; diplomacy and conflict resolution; political psychology, political behavior, and decision-making; and public policy. Graduates of the program will be poised to pursue careers in academia, research positions in the public service, the private sector, civil society, and research institutes.

Head of the program
Head of the program

Prof. Alex Mintz

Program advisor
Program advisor

Prof. Asif Efrat

About the Program


  • Selected candidates with a master’s degree (with or without a thesis) who demonstrate high research potential may be admitted to the Ph.D. program in government.
  • Throughout the program, students will be supported by an advisor who will assist them at all stages of their research: from choosing the research question and developing the theoretical argument to designing the empirical research framework, analyzing the findings, and presenting them. The School of Government prides itself on the close guidance provided to research students to ensure their successful completion of the program.
  • The Ph.D. program consists of two stages. Stage 1 involves the writing of a research proposal, which forms the basis of the Ph.D. dissertation. In addition, students will take a number of courses designed to strengthen their research skills and assist in formulating their research proposal. If necessary, supplementary courses will be provided at this stage for students who require them. In Stage 2, the students will write their Ph.D. dissertation, which will be evaluated upon completion by external experts in the field. The doctoral dissertation is expected to make a significant contribution to the study of government and politics, adhering to the standards accepted in the research literature.

  • The timeframe of the Ph.D. program in government varies based on factors such as the nature and scope of the research and the student’s level of availability. The maximum duration of the program is five years.
  • Students in the program are exempt from paying tuition fees.
  • Throughout their studies, students in the program will have the opportunity to participate in events held at the School of Government, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops. They will also have the chance to engage with the school’s various research institutes: The Institute for Policy and Strategy, the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, the Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, and the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility, which focuses on Israeli politics.
  • Writing their Ph.D. dissertation is the pivotal step in the students’ transformation into researchers who generate original insights and findings and advance knowledge. The research and writing process is challenging, yet it also involves gratification and enjoyment. We invite you to raise intriguing political questions and address them in a scientific and in-depth manner within the framework of our Ph.D. program.For inquiries about the Ph.D. program, please contact: phdgov@runi.ac.il