The Ukrainian Politics Network
Overview
Description
The Ukrainian Politics Network is an emerging initiative designed to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including academics, students, think-tank experts, practitioners, public organisations, and media professionals with an interest in Ukraine. At this early stage of establishment, the Network is seeking partners who are interested in joining, sharing their perspectives, and contributing to shaping its areas of work and future contributions.
The Network stems from the partnership between the University of Edinburgh (UoE) and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU) under the UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative. This collaboration began in early 2023 when the UoE School of Social and Political Science and KNU’s Institute of International Relations launched the Geopolitics Research Lab. In August 2023, the Lab hosted an exploratory workshop in Edinburgh titled ‘The Consequences of Russia’s War on Ukraine’, which gathered leading experts to examine the war’s environmental, political, and security implications. The workshop also fostered discussions on potential avenues for future research and teaching cooperation. Building on this success, the Network aims to extend its reach to other stakeholders.
Visions for the Ukrainian Politics Network
Anchored by UoE and KNU, the Ukrainian Politics Network aspires to:
- facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge building on Ukraine’s foreign and security policies, including through the support of teaching and research initiatives and by inspiring greater interest in Ukrainian politics among the student community
- explore pathways for postwar reconstruction and reconciliation
- shift the focus in post-Soviet studies away from Russia to highlight historically marginalised perspectives
- strengthen Scotland-Ukraine ties while raising awareness of Ukraine’s challenges and opportunities
- provide a collaborative space for engagement with public organisations, student societies, and media to amplify Ukraine’s story and foster wider community involvement
The Network also aims to create volunteering opportunities for UoE and KNU students to engage with academic, advocacy, and policy practitioners, fostering an environment of learning and impactful participation.
Events and Activities
The Ukrainian Politics Network will host two key events in 2025:
- A virtual workshop focused on contemporary challenges in Ukraine’s foreign and security policies
- A hybrid workshop exploring innovative approaches to research and teaching on Ukraine
These events will help set the foundation for future collaborations, attract partners, and shape the Network’s vision and impact.
Intended Impact and Future Aspirations
The Ukrainian Politics Network aims to influence multiple spheres:
- the broader public: By collaborating with Scottish NGOs and holding a press conference at the Ukrainian News Agency, the Network will raise awareness of Ukraine’s foreign policy.
- Student Community: The Network will inspire greater interest in Ukrainian politics and society through events, publications, and engagement opportunities.
- UK Scholars: An accessible syllabus on Ukraine’s foreign policy as well as publications, workshops and collaborative research funding applications
The Ukrainian Politics Network aspires to become a key catalyst for academic exchange, policy dialogue, and public awareness about Ukraine by establishing itself as a hub for impactful collaborations and innovative scholarship.
Resources
Project team
- Katarzyna (Kasia) Kaczmarska
- Mykola Kapitonenko, Associate Professor, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
- Urania Chan, PhD Researcher, University of Edinburgh
- Kateryna Ustiuhova, Project Administrator
Past events
- Student Essay Competition 2025
Download our PDF for more information.
- Inaugural Workshop - Ukrainian Politics Network, 27 February 2025
Download the agenda and the summary of the Workshop proceedings.
The project is supported by
Research themes
- International Relations Research Group