Reader in International Politics, Aberystwyth University
I have a background in the study of Russian politics, history and security (MPhil in Slavonic and East European Studies from Oxford) as well as an undergraduate degree (BA Mount Holyoke College, US) and PhD (DPhil Oxford) in International Relations. In addition to my expertise in Russia and the former USSR, I also research and teach in the area of women/gender and conflict.
Ukraine war: religious leaders are playing an important (and unusual) role
Jul 29, 2024 11:58 am UTC| Insights & Views
The Russian Orthodox Church has approved a statement describing Russias special military operation as a holy war, arguing that all of Ukraine should be Russias exclusive zone of influence. Said Ismagilov, one of Ukraines...
Ukraine war: Putin is using Russian children to promote his version of history on Victory Day
May 09, 2024 07:12 am UTC| Insights & Views
On May 9, Russia celebrates Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Unions victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Few people who watch international news coverage of Victory Day parades and events realise that Russias...
Ukraine war: Belarus is not yet committed to a closer military partnership with Russia – here's why
Oct 21, 2022 06:21 am UTC| Politics
Belarus could be edging closer towards more active participation in Russias war in Ukraine. Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko recently announced that troops from Belarus and Russia would form a new joint...
Vladimir Putin has grown into a Russian hero – so where does he go from here?
Jan 23, 2020 10:57 am UTC| Insights & Views
Vladimir Putin has proposed a number of changes to Russias constitution that would pave the way for him to retain his grip on political power even after he is due to step down as president in 2024. These amendments would...
Women candidates break records in the 2018 US mid-term elections
Nov 08, 2018 16:49 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
The 2018 mid-terms broke the records on female candidates in US elections. More than 20 women were on the Senate ballot, while more than ten times that number stood for the House of Representatives. If we also consider...
How the mothers of dead soldiers may be what reins in Vladimir Putin's ambitions
Jan 22, 2018 13:41 pm UTC| Insights & Views
Vladimir Putin seeks to present an image of Russia as a country that is strong, decisive, and able to reshape the world to its own ends. One of Moscows favourite tactics is to use military intervention even while Russian...