To sustain its war in Ukraine, the Russian army needs cannon fodder. Olga Vlasova explores a growing anti-migrant discourse in the Russian media today. She concludes that it is probably connected to the country’s need for a further round of conscription before the spring 2024 elections
Olga Vlasova delves into Moscow's recent unconventional mayoral elections. She finds the campaigns were completely lacking in public debate, and that the result was a foregone conclusion. A stark departure from tradition, these elections could have set the tone for next year's presidential race
Visiting Researcher, Russia Institute, King’s College London
Olga conducts research on Russian politics.
Her background is in practical politics and political science.
Olga's educational journey includes a PhD in political science from Lomonosov Moscow State University, with a focus on the comparative analysis of educational policies in contemporary European states.
She also holds dual Bachelor's and Master's degrees in political sciences and high school teaching.
As a visiting scholar at King’s College London, Olga conducts research into the 'politics of fear and calming' in Russia.
Since January 2016, she has been an Assistant Professor at the State Academic University for the Humanities in Moscow, where she has taught various disciplines, including regional politics and comparative politics.
Olga's contributions extend beyond academia to practical politics.
She has been Director of International Internship at the Higher School of Economics University and has held various management roles at the Moscow School of Management, SKOLKOVO.
Olga's dedication to democracy and public service is evident in her active involvement in Russian politics.
Olga currently serves as an advisor to the leader of the Yabloko faction in the Moscow City Duma and is a member of the Youth Public Chamber of Russia.
She has also been a candidate in parliamentary elections, an authorised representative in presidential elections, and has played a significant role in YABLOKO party campaigns.
Throughout her career, Olga has received prestigious awards, including the Scholarship of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Scholarship of the Vladimir Potanin Foundation.
Olga's research primarily focuses on propaganda and media, societal support for violence, digital authoritarianism, educational policies, and political education in contemporary European states.
Currently, Olga continues her work on the complex tactics employed by the Russian government to manipulate public sentiment in connection with Russia's war in Ukraine.
This project focuses on contemporary 'politics of pacification' strategies employed by the Russian government since the start of the war.
It aims to determine the effectiveness of these pacification efforts and their implications for contemporary governance during crises.
The Loop
Cutting-edge analysis showcasing the work of the political science discipline at its best.
