We are living in an era of multiple crises – of widespread inequality, violence, poverty, climate change, the rise of extreme nationalism, racism, war, and human rights violations – which are systematically linked. Indeed, the world has seen that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic transcends a health crisis; its impact has permeated all sectors of the global economy and is very likely to exacerbate inequality within and across countries.  

Conventionally, PhDs and early career researchers are expected to theorize, explain, predict, and suggest recommendations for their selected topics, using limited resources to conduct feasible studies. As young researchers, our attempts to fulfil our academic obligations often result in us being confined to our specific areas of study alone. Our intellectual projects provide us with in-depth knowledge and insights into the localised problems that we investigate, it is crucial that we also reflect on the implications of our work in the context of the current development practice and globalised struggles. These require building alternatives for social change, as well as our engagement with counter narratives and resistance.