Academics at the centre work on areas as diverse as culture as a form of resilience in Ukraine, Belarus, and dissent in Russia and networks of corrupt elites and their professional enablers in Central Asia

A major new research centre is home to experts undertaking crucial work to challenge existing perspectives on Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Events in the region are having an important impact on global security.

Academics at the University of Exeter’s new Centre for Eastern European and Eurasian Studies carry out innovative, cutting-edge research across history, international relations and cultural studies. They are pushing the boundaries of conventional views on this complex area.   

The centre brings together academics at the University of Exeter whose research focuses on the region. Creating this academic community will allow them to work together to advise policymakers.

The centre has three co-directors, Dr Nelly Bekus, Professor Muireann Maguire and Associate Professor Catherine Owen.

Academics at the centre work on areas as diverse as culture as a form of resilience in Ukraine, Belarus, and dissent in Russia, networks of corrupt elites and their professional enablers in Central Asia and the histories of violence and conflicts in Eastern Europe.

Dr Bekus said: “ECEEES exists to observe, analyse, share knowledge and guide policies relating to the complex geopolitics of Eastern Europe and Eurasia and the nations and ethnicities across the regions of the former Soviet Union, including Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia and beyond.

“The centre is a vibrant, inclusive and agenda-setting showcase of the wealth of expertise on the region housed in a variety of disciplines at the university, including history, literature, law, and international relations.”

Researchers will collaborate on innovative approaches to researching the region and support the growth and professional development of postgraduate and early-career researchers. 

They will build collaborative research and training partnerships with institutions in the UK and internationally that focus on the region. 

To join the centre’s mailing list, please e-mail eceees@exeter.ac.uk