On March 22, 2024, Russia experienced one of its most devastating terrorist attacks when four assailants targeted Crocus City Hall in Moscow. The attackers opened fire on concertgoers awaiting a performance by the Russian rock band “Picnic” and then set the venue ablaze. The assault resulted in the deaths of 145 people and injured over…
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Ukraine – What’s Next? Webinar Recap and Video
On 21 February, a panel of scholars came together to revisit the ongoing war in Ukraine and discuss what lies ahead. Three years ago, we hosted a talk for the International Studies Association (ISA) to analyse the Russian invasion and the outbreak of the #UkraineWar. Now, with the conflict’s end seemingly within reach, we gathered…
Ukraine – What’s Next? Webinar and Q&A 21 February 3.30 pm UK time – free and online!
Three years ago, together with some colleagues, we gave a talk for ISA to explain the invasion of Ukraine and outbreak of the #UkraineWar. With the end in sight, we are back to discuss what’s next for #Ukraine, #Russia, #Zelenskyy, #Putin, #Trump, and the #RiyadhTalks in a free online webinar. Register here! https://buff.ly/4aUprMA After 1,000…
Turning My PhD into a Book: Challenges, Insights, and Reflections
It has been a while since I last updated this blog. Life became complicated, and I had to prioritise family, book writing, and mental health. Unfortunately, that meant putting my blog on hold. But I’ve missed it—especially my updates on turning my phd into a book, annual reflections, the collecting-of-stones posts, and goal-setting for the…
Planning for Autumn Writing: A Personal Approach to Boost Productivity
As the seasons change, autumn presents a fresh opportunity to refocus and prioritise creative projects—like writing. The cooler air and shorter days naturally invite introspection, making this the perfect time to settle into serious work. Recently, I attended a writing retreat organised by the British Academy in Birmingham, which helped me make significant progress on…
OPEN ACCESS! Probing the humanitarian securitisation approach to great-power wars: from Bush’s ‘war on terror’ to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine
My latest on securitization, humanitarianism, terrorism, Russia, and the US with the most excellent Dr Michael Magcamit from Manchester University. It is Open Access here. ABSTRACT How do great-power leaders instrumentalise humanitarianism in sustaining the institutional and public mandate demanded by their war agendas? We examine the ‘humanitarian securitisation’ approach adopted by powerful state leaders…
Ukraine war: Russia toughens up draft law to round-up more people for the frontlines
My latest for the Conversation on the changes to how Russia does conscription. Would it affect the Russian public? Yes! Get reading here.
The lives of early careers researchers
In 2023, the British Academy asked 11 Early Career Researcher Network members to share their experiences in UK higher education. I am one of those researchers who shared their stories. This collection of essays brings attention to the voices, perspectives, and journeys of early career researchers, highlighting the realities and challenges they face. These challenges…
Ukraine war: Central Asia is looking to become less dependent on Russia
My new article for the Conversation where I discuss the changes in Central Asia’s political course following the war in Ukraine can be found here. Happy reading!
Crocus City Hall attack is Russia’s second-worst terrorist attack: the aftermath
On the 22nd of March 2024, four assailants attacked Crocus City Hall, where a show of the Russian rock band “Picnic” was about to start. The attackers were killing the people indiscriminately and set the concert hall ablaze. On this day Russia lost 145 people dead and over 500 wounded. This makes the Crocus City…