I am a political scientist specialized in marginalized aspects of modern warfare, with a special focus on the role played by gender and stigmatization in periods of armed conflict and transitions to peace. I hold a PhD in International Politics, focusing on how gender impacts the experiences and implications of stigmatization of survivors of wartime abuses in different conflict and post-conflict settings. 

In September 2023 I began a research project focusing on the politics of masculinity and stigmatization of fighting age Ukrainian men who flee the war and/or avoid military registration and potential mobilization. The project aims to investigate the experiences, perspectives and challenges faced by Ukrainian men of conscription age who have fled abroad. By doing so, it seeks to enhance our understanding of how evolving state mobilization policies impact societal perceptions and the lives of men who choose not to fight militarily. This research offers valuable insights into Ukraine’s mobilization laws and practices, examining how notions of masculinity and wartime manhood contribute to a hierarchical stratification among Ukrainian citizens, potentially marginalizing those who have left the country.

The purpose of the project is to improve our collective understanding of the dilemmas and challenges faced by Ukrainian male refugees across Europe and to map out how their decision to leave affects their access to welfare, social status, and prospects of returning to Ukraine. My research provides unique insights into current understandings of men’s roles in wartime and evolving gender norms in Ukraine, contributing to a neglected debate on the protection and rights of civilian men during Russia’s war against Ukraine.

I welcome any suggestions for collaborations and connections, with a particular interest in hearing from Ukrainians willing to share their experiences or perspectives with me on this complex topic.

If you want to know more or have questions about my research, feel free to reach out.

For Ukrainians who want to share their experiences, you can help enrich my study by participating in a confidential interview with me. To learn more about what participation entails, click here.