The research is primarily concerned with the geographical areas of Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus. RUCARR was established in 2016 and is an intellectual hub for scholars at the Faculty of Culture and Society, building on an established area of study that attracts international researchers and students from a variety of backgrounds.

Our research

RUCARR's research deals with political, social, cultural, economic and other relations of significance within and between Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus, as well as among neighbouring states.

Among others, areas of expertise include:

  • political, social and cultural dynamics and history
  • nationalism
  • ethnic and national identity
  • security issues
  • civil society development
  • authoritarianism
  • post-authoritarian transition and transformations

There is an established constellation of scholars at the Faculty of Culture and Society who are experts in area studies on Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus. Our researchers have extensive experience in conducting field research in the region, benefitting from solid knowledge of Russian, Ukrainian and Caucasian cultures and languages, as well as a broad network of local contacts.

RUCARR was founded by professors Bo Petersson and Karina Vamling, who have collaborated together for many years and are now co-directors.

News and events

News

How Georgian villagers halted construction of power plants

Concert, 13 April

Maidan 2014: Prayer for Ukraine

News

Highly-respected Russian academic is new honorary doctor

Caucasus studies

Caucasus Studies includes a range of courses with a focus on the Caucasus region. All courses are offered online with instruction in English. There are no mandatory lectures on campus.

Researchers

Total hits: 14

External group members

  • Carolina Vendil Pallin

    Head of Russia Programme

    Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI

  • Joakim Ekman

    Professor of Political Science, with a special focus on the Baltic Sea Region and Eastern Europe

    Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES), Södertörn University

  • Klas-Göran Karlsson

    Professor emeritus in History

    Lund University

  • Madina Tlostanova

    Professor of postcolonial feminism

    Linköping University

  • Oliver Reisner

    Professor in European and Caucasian Studies

    Ilia State University Tbilisi, Georgia

  • Mykhailo Minakov

    Professor, philosopher and scholar specializing in political philosophy, social theory, international development, and the history of modernity

    Free University (Brīvā universitāte) in Riga

Total hits: 5

Ongoing research projects

Research Project

Death and dying under military occupation: asserting sovereignty in Palestine, Georgia and Western Sahara
Research Project

Authoritarian Policy Transfer in Post-Soviet States
Research Project

Planning for Integration: Landscapes of Power in Borderland Governance
Research Project

Conscription as Political Socialization in Divided Societies? Evidence from post-Soviet Estonia and post-independence Finland
Doctoral Project

Damming Georgia: Hydro-power development in Georgia and its international, national, and local repercussions

Contact

Person taking notes in front of a laptop.

The RUCARR website contains information about current activities, conferences, and previous events. Information is available in several languages from the Russian, Ukrainian and Caucasus regions.