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 year ahead. That post is still coming once I have time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and where I’m heading next.
For now, I want to update you on what has taken up most of my time: my book project. It is a continuation of my PhD, but it is far more than just a reworked thesis. The book has been significantly rewritten to include major political developments that occurred after I was awarded my PhD in 2019—most notably, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Unlike my thesis, the book will have a dedicated chapter examining how the war fits into the broader evolution of Russian securitisation.
What My PHD into a Book project Explores
The book analyses how the securitisation of terrorism has shaped Russian policy on three levels: domestic, regional, and international. Securitisation is a political process aimed at bringing about change by framing a particular issue as an existential threat. It is not inherently democratic; in fact, it often bypasses normal politics. This allows policymakers to justify extraordinary measures—centralising power, restricting political opposition, and reallocating resources—under the guise of addressing security concerns.
Moscow has relied on securitisation since the early years of post-Soviet Russia, particularly in response to the Chechen wars. The collapse of the Soviet Union left Russia struggling with territorial integrity, and Chechnya’s push for independence led to two brutal wars. Today, the region remains under the rule of Ramzan Kadyrov, a close Putin ally, whose control is ensured by Moscow’s continued backing.
Putin used the Chechen wars as a springboard to frame terrorism as an existential threat to Russia. In doing so, he justified emergency measures that allowed him to consolidate power and limit political oversight. Over time, the Kremlin expanded this approach beyond Chechnya, applying the same securitisation logic to broader domestic and foreign policy issues.
The Regional Dimension: Securitisation in the Near Abroad
Beyond Russia’s borders, securitisation rhetoric has played a key role in shaping the country’s regional strategy. Russia has long positioned itself as the primary security guarantor in the post-Soviet space, often referred to as the Near Abroad. This includes Central Asia, where states are now navigating a precarious geopolitical landscape following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Central Asian countries must balance their long-standing ties with Moscow against growing opportunities for economic and political engagement with the West. They must also avoid direct sanctions while maintaining trade and energy relations with Russia. Each country has taken a different approach, and Western partners have recently shown increased interest in expanding their presence in the region. This will not please Russia, but it could provide Central Asian states with more leverage in managing their relations with Moscow.
One major unknown in this equation is the impact of Trump’s second presidency. While my book will not cover this in depth—its timeline is cut off in early 2025—it is already clear that Trump’s decisions, such as cutting US foreign aid and withdrawing from international agreements, will have significant consequences. These shifts will likely influence Putin’s calculations regarding the war in Ukraine, the feasibility of peace negotiations, and Russia’s broader geopolitical strategy.
Russia’s Global Role: Securitisation on the International Stage
The book’s final level of analysis examines Russia’s use of securitisation beyond its immediate neighbourhood. This includes its intervention in Syria, its growing influence in Africa, and its broader efforts to project itself as a global counterterrorism power. I dedicate a chapter to Russia’s international political strategies, followed by another on its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The concluding chapter ties everything together, reflecting on how securitisation has evolved as a political tool and how it has transformed Russian security policy over time. A central argument in my book is that securitisation has become deeply ingrained in Russia’s governance framework. Originally employed as a means of addressing regional instability in Chechnya, it has since reshaped Russian politics in ways that are now entrenched and difficult—if not impossible—to reverse. Dismantling these securitised practices would necessitate extensive legal and institutional reforms, which remain improbable under the current administration.
The Challenges of Turning a PhD into a Book
One of the most difficult aspects of transforming my PhD into a book has been reworking it into a compelling narrative. Academic research follows a rigid structure—literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, methodology chapters—which makes sense for a thesis but often makes for dry reading.
For the book, I aimed to craft a narrative that develops organically rather than assembling dense academic debates. My priority is to make it accessible to readers with an interest in Russian politics and security, even those unfamiliar with security theory. Rather than relying solely on abstract arguments, I centre the discussion on rhetoric, speeches, and concrete examples, giving political decisions a human dimension. This method helps readers grasp how securitisation is formed and enacted in practice.
Another challenge has been finding the right balance between academic depth and readability. The book must be analytically rigorous while remaining engaging for a broader audience. This is particularly important given that securitisation is not a uniquely Russian phenomenon.
Securitisation Beyond Russia: A Universal Political Tool
While my book focuses on Russia, securitisation is a political strategy used worldwide. Many of the techniques employed by the Kremlin—framing external threats, invoking emergency measures, bypassing normal politics—can be found in other political systems, including in the West.
For instance, Trump has frequently engaged in securitisation rhetoric, portraying external threats as existential dangers to justify extraordinary policy measures. His discourse about foreign adversaries, migration, and national security mirrors some of the tactics used by Putin. This is not to equate the two leaders, but rather to highlight how securitisation is a tool that transcends specific political systems.
Recognising these patterns is crucial. By understanding how securitisation works, we can critically assess the ways in which politicians manipulate security narratives to advance their agendas.
Final Thoughts on Turning a PhD into a Book
Writing this book has been both an exciting and challenging process. It has forced me to rethink how I present complex political developments, making them more accessible without losing analytical depth. It has also reinforced my belief that securitisation is a vital concept for understanding contemporary politics—not just in Russia, but globally.
I will share more updates as I move forward with the final stages of the manuscript. And, of course, my annual reflections and goal-setting post will be coming soon. Thanks for your patience and for sticking around.