Russian and Eurasian studies research
Explore our work in Russian and Eurasian studies, one of our areas of expertise in Area Studies
We're considering the history and politics of Russia, and the former soviet states in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as their external relations.
In order to understand the current difficulties in relations with Russia, it's important to investigate questions around the nature of the current Russian political system, how Russia sees itself on the world stage, and problems in relations with the EU.
Through our research, we're learning about the issues on the EU's eastern borders, and how the UK and EU should react. Presentations have been made to DSTL (MOD) on Russian Politics and Foreign Policy.
We've been teaching and researching on Russia and Eurasia for over 40 years. We have partner links with Kazan University in Tatarstan, Russia, and cooperation with colleagues in St Petersburg University. We're also members of the EU-Russia research network.
Research informs Russian and Eurasian Politics units on the BA (Hons) Politics and BA (Hons) International Relations degrees, and also informs teaching on the EU’s relations with Eastern Europe and Russia in the unit 'European International Relations: Facing New Challenges' on the MA International Relations degree.
We've been featured in interviews on BBC News, Meridian Today, and over 100 local and national newspapers. Our work has been published in a variety of academic journals, including the Journal of Contemporary European Studies, Perspectives on European Politics, and Perspectives on Terrorism.
Our work has been funded by the European Commission, for Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence to support project on EU’s eastern external relations.
Our research covers the following key topics:
- Russian politics
- Russian external relations
- Politics and external relations of the former soviet states
- Ukraine and Russian neo-imperialism
Methods
Within our research we use a range of qualitative research methods, including documentary analysis, interviews, ethnography, and network analysis.
Publication highlights
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Ideology along the contours of power: the case of the Caucasus Emirate
Youngman, M.S. (2020) "Ideology along the contours of power: the case of the Caucasus Emirate", Perspectives on Terrorism
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Crossing the Rubicon: insurgent violence in Kabardino-Balkaria and its limits
Youngman, M.S. (2020) "Crossing the Rubicon: insurgent violence in Kabardino-Balkaria and its limits", Perspectives on Terrorism
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Europeanisation
Flenley, P. (2021) "Europeanisation", The Routledge Handbook of EU-Russia Relations: Structures, Actors, Issues
Recent projects
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Research into EU-Russian relations
Including a chapter on Europeanisation in The Routledge Handbook of EU-Russia Relations
Discover our areas of expertise
Russian studies is one of our areas of expertise within our Area Studies research – explore the others below.
Research groups
Sociology and Social Theory Research Group
Our research is located in the disciplinary field of sociology and the interdisciplinary domain of social theory.
Peace, Conflict and Security Research Group
We're researching the complex reality of the struggles over the meaning of security, citizenship and rights.
Interested in a PhD in Area Studies and International Development?
Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Area Studies and International Development postgraduate research degrees page.