Stefan Brehm

Stefan Brehm is a lecturer and expert on the political and economic transformation of contemporary China. He holds a Diploma in International Economics from Eberhard Karls University in Tübingen, Germany, where he also earned his Ph.D. with highest distinction (summa cum laude) for his dissertation on China’s Integration into a Global Financial Order. His academic journey includes studies in Economics and Chinese at both Tübingen University and Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei, Taiwan, as well as a doctoral fellowship in the interdisciplinary programme Global Challenges – Transnational and Transcultural Approaches.

Stefan is currently a lecturer in economy and society of contemporary China, and serves as Director of the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies at Lund University. He is also Director of the Master's Programme in East and South-East Asian Studies, where he oversees academic development and programme design.

Stefan’s research broadly explores the dynamics of political and social change in China. His work spans financial market regulation, fiscal systems, the role of universities in innovation, environmental governance, and digital freedom. His recent research examines how digitisation, artificial intelligence, and authoritarian governance impact labour rights and working conditions across global supply chains; particularly in industries such as batteries, transport, textiles, electronics, and fast fashion. 

In addition to his academic work, Stefan is a co-founder of Globalworks Lund AB, a not-for-profit consultancy specialising in business intelligence for social engagement in China. Stefan has worked with multinational corporations, the public sector, and international civil society organisations.

For further enquiries regarding his research, teaching, or consultancy work, please contact Stefan directly.