Residency artists and researchers Research Alex Ilari Aissaoui PhD Candidate/researcher/lecturer I work on my dissertation at the Saari Residence – more specifically chapters 2 (ancient international systems of states) and 3 (system vs society problematic) will keep me occupied. During my residency, I expect to work hard, meet interesting fellow colleagues, and stay fit. It would be also nice to get to know the local community a bit. I try to maintain a steady schedule between 9 a.m. and 17 p.m. everyday. During weekends it would be nice to do inspiring things with my fellow grantees. Alex Ilari Aissaoui is a graduate student at the Doctoral Program in Political, Societal and Regional Change at the University of Helsinki. He is currently a member of the Centre of Excellence in Ancient Near Eastern Empires (ANEE) at the university of Helsinki. His academic interests include international history, international relations theory, the balance of power theory, and the English School. He is currently finishing his thesis on the ancient Near Eastern diplomacy.