Hello, I’m Dr Anastassiya Mahon — a political scientist exploring how (in)security shapes politics, particularly in authoritarian and illiberal regimes. My work focuses on how threats like terrorism aren’t just talked about in policy but actively reshape societies, institutions, and power structures. I’m especially interested in security as a force for political change, not just a response to crisis.
I teach and write about International Relations, Russian politics, Foreign Policy, Security Studies, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Comparative Politics, and the role of gender in global power dynamics — particularly how gender remains sidelined in security debates.
I earned my PhD in Political Science from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand (you can read my thesis here), and I’m now based in the UK. I live with my brilliant and curious daughter, who keeps me asking big questions outside academia, too.
This blog is where I share thoughts on politics, policy, research, teaching, and the (in)securities that define our world.
Some things you might be looking for:
If you would like to book a consultation with me or want feedback on your work then book here.
My publications are in the publication section. I am in the process of making full texts available but it is a work in progress.
I accept books for review; please get in touch through Unlimited Politics Telegram channel or via X (former Twitter) @Mahon_politics or check out my BlueSky profile.
Looking for a supervisor? I am interested in co-supervising students, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels, on Russian Foreign Policy, Security Studies, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, and Security in the post-Soviet space. Please reach out via Unlimited Politics Telegram channel or X @Mahon_politics.
Images used on this website are either photos I took, AI-generated images, or have been sourced from openly available repositories on the internet unless otherwise specified. I make every effort to use images that are either in the public domain or have been licensed under Creative Commons, allowing for their use without copyright infringement. If you believe any image on this website violates copyright or usage rights, please contact me immediately, and I will address the issue promptly.