Professional Affiliation

Research Associate, University of Leuven

Wilson Center Project

Russia’s National Identity and ’Near Abroad’ Policy

Project Summary

This project studies the relationship between Russia’s national identity formation through its position with its neighbors as it determines near-Abroad policy. The work takes into account the role of sociological concepts in international politics, arguing the need for such an approach since Russian politics must contend with the legacy of the empire. Laenen sets her study in a historical and sociological context. She argues that Russia’s identity conseqeuntly becomes more national than imperialist