Ayako Kobayashi is an assistant professor of the Faculty of Global Studies, Sophia University, in Tokyo, Japan. She is interested in the nexus between international and local dynamics in peace and security. Her projects include critical analysis of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, humanitarian institutions in the global south, and humanitarian disarmament. Prior to joining Sophia University, she worked both in academia and policy practice, including researching at Harvard Kennedy School, USA, and serving for the Government of Japan in Tokyo and Sudan. She holds a bachelor's degree from Sophia University, and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Hitotsubashi University, Japan.