Scholarships & funding

Europe-Asia Studies Scholarship

This research is concerned with how and with what implications contemporary official narratives of Russian identity have been shaped by the relationship with particular ‘others’, whether ‘internal’, ‘external’, or a combination of the two. The research theme focuses on the post-Soviet period, while taking into account the role of historical developments in explaining some of the present phenomena. The research may include one or more of the following dimensions.

Internal ‘others’:

· non-Russian ethnic groups (non-Slavic ethnic minorities and/or migrants)

· the Ukrainian minority (since 2014)

· sexual minorities

· ‘disloyal’ members of society (i.e. political opponents of the regime).

External ‘others’:

· external actors denounced by the Russian regime as promoting alternative norms or values, presented as an existential threat and a source of ontological insecurity for Russia.

· internal actors linked to external actors by the Russian government (e.g. though the so-called ‘foreign agents’ legislation).

Internal and external ‘others’:

The research considers how the construction of the ‘other’ may lead to its overlap with the concept of ‘enemy’, which, in turn, may trigger: a) ‘us-or-them’ dynamics to respond to a (real or perceived) challenge to official narratives on Russian identity; and b) the securitisation of the ‘other’.

Besides state narratives on the construction of the ‘other’ in its multiple dimensions, we are interested in vernacular (in)security, or the experience of (sub-)groups affected by these dynamics: how they respond to securitisation by official actors, and whether/how they might seek to engage in counter-securitisation.

Due to security and ethical concerns, the research will not include interviews with actors within the Russian Federation. While in some cases it might be possible to interview participants based outside Russia, research methods should focus on other sources (e.g. policy documents, media outputs, social media (where possible), secondary sources)

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria

· Applicants will have a good first degree (or overseas equivalent);

· Applicants will have a demonstratable interest in, and knowledge of, Russian politics;

· Applicants will have advanced knowledge of Russian Please note that all applicants must also meet the entry requirements for the Central & East European Studies, PhD.

Number of Scholarships

1

Value

The scholarship is available as a +3 (3 year) programme only. The programme will commence in October 2024. The funding includes:

· An annual stipend at the UKRI rate

· Fees at the standard home rate or International rate

· Students can also draw on a Research Training Support Grant, usually up to a maximum of £940 per year

How to apply

Please review the application details here. 

For more information contact: Federica.Prina@glasgow.ac.uk