Mridula Hariharan
Delhi
Summary
Policy researcher with dual Master’s degrees in International Law & Governance and Global Crime, Justice & Security, specialising in international law, foreign policy, and economic governance. Experienced in producing clear, well-structured analytical notes, background papers, and thematic briefs for policy institutions. Skilled in distilling complex geopolitical, legal, and economic developments into concise documents to support informed decision-making. Adept at research, drafting, and multi-stakeholder coordination across think tanks, academic institutions, and government-facing platforms.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Policy Research Assistant
Durham University
11.2023 - 07.2024
- Assisted faculty led research on international law, digital governance, and foreign policy through structured literature reviews and policy-oriented research.
- Prepared analytical notes, background summaries, and comparative matrices synthesising legal texts, policy documents, and institutional reports.
- Supported drafting and refinement of research outputs by checking sources, structuring arguments, and ensuring analytical clarity.
Research Intern
Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S)
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Conducted quantitative and qualitative research on China's governance models, trade policy, and strategic diplomacy.
- Authored policy briefs on the Belt and Road Initiative and EU-China Trade Relations, assessing implications for India's commerce, budget allocations, and state-level industrial policies.
- Supported the creation of data-backed reports for stakeholder dialogues on infrastructure financing, SDG localization, and inclusive growth.
Legal Intern (Head Intern)
Nathan and Associates
01.2021 - 02.2022
- Conducted legal research on international trade law, investment arbitration, and regulatory compliance, contributing to advisory material for committee-level discussions.
- Summarised WTO decisions, regional trade agreements, and international legal developments in accessible formats for internal policy use.
- Analysed intersections between domestic law and global regulatory frameworks, identifying implications for India’s trade and development strategy.
Research Intern
The Peninsula Foundation
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Drafted backgrounders on South Asian conflict studies, public diplomacy, and refugee policy, integrating multiple datasets and government releases.
- Assisted in compiling legislative summaries and thematic briefs for standing committees and interagency meetings.
- Authored sections on cross-border trade and security cooperation, linking findings to India's regional and economic policy priorities.
Research Associate
Indic Researchers Forum
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Produced analytical notes on European governance, sustainable development frameworks, and global trade trends using legislative, academic, and policy sources.
- Collaborated with senior researchers to generate inputs for discussions on governance reforms, economic diversification, and institutional strengthening.
- Designed visual summaries, comparative tables, and structured datasets to support internal presentations and analysis.
Education
LL.M. - International Law and Governance
Durham University
UK01.2024
M.Sc. - Global Crime, Justice and Security
University of Edinburgh
UK01.2023
B.A. (Hons) - Global Affairs (Economics and Foreign Policy)
O. P. Jindal Global University
India01.2022
Skills
- Policy Research & Analysis
- International Law & Economic Governance
- Foreign Policy & Strategic Affairs
- Analytical Writing (briefs, background notes, concept papers)
- Speech & Talking-Point Drafting
- Legislative & Regulatory Research
- Government & Stakeholder Coordination
- Data-Driven Policy Inputs
- MS Excel PowerPoint Word NVivo (Basic) Zotero
Certification
Global Diplomacy: The UN in the World — University of London & SOAS
Digital Governance — Erasmus University Rotterdam
Generative AI: Governance, Policy & Regulation — University of Michigan
International Nuclear Law — MEPhI
International Criminal Law — Case Western Reserve University
Digital Governance — Erasmus University Rotterdam
Generative AI: Governance, Policy & Regulation — University of Michigan
International Nuclear Law — MEPhI
International Criminal Law — Case Western Reserve University
References
Available on Request
Publications
- Public Diplomacy in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for India’s Foreign Policy
- Geoeconomic Shifts and Their Impact on India’s Foreign Policy: A Policy Analysis
- China’s Defence Diplomacy with South Asia: Implications for India
- Environmental Impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative — The Peninsula Foundation
- Student Rocket Force and the PLA’s Strategic Ambitions — CDS Statement
Websites
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Tamil
Native
Native
Chinese (Mandarin)
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
German
Elementary (A2)
A2
Hungarian
Beginner (A1)
A1
Timeline
Policy Research Assistant
Durham University
11.2023 - 07.2024
Research Intern
The Peninsula Foundation
08.2021 - 11.2021
Research Intern
Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S)
06.2021 - 09.2022
Legal Intern (Head Intern)
Nathan and Associates
01.2021 - 02.2022
Research Associate
Indic Researchers Forum
09.2020 - 09.2021
LL.M. - International Law and Governance
Durham University
M.Sc. - Global Crime, Justice and Security
University of Edinburgh
B.A. (Hons) - Global Affairs (Economics and Foreign Policy)
O. P. Jindal Global University