On Monday 11 May 2009, Prof John Russell, Professor of Russian and Security Studies, University of Bradford and Dr Domitilla Sagramoso, Lecturer in Security and Developments, King’s College London will speak on ‘Security challenges in Russia’s North Caucasus’ from 12.30-2pm.
There are clear indications that despite a significant reduction in the level of fighting and security operations in Chechnya, the violence in the region has spread to other republics of the North Caucasus and is far from being subdued. Islamic radicalism has become a serious threat to the stability and security implications in the North Caucasus. The security situation assessments in 2008 and first quarter of 2009 demonstrate that the security situation in the North Caucasus remains volatile. Prof Russell will speak on the ‘Kadyrov’ effect in Chechnya. In his recent book, ‘Russia’s War on Terror’, he argues that Kadyrov’s feudalism and use of his methods to ‘pacify’ the Islamist opposition are inherently dangerous for Russia: if corrupt politicians, poverty and unemployment feed the roots of Islamic extremism, then Kadyrov’s rule is likely to strengthen, not weaken, the impact of Muslim fundamentalists in the region. Dr Sagramoso will explore the security situation and recent developments in the rest of the North Caucasus republics.
Prof John Russell is Professor of Russian and Security Studies in the Department of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, specialising in international terrorism, the resurgence of Russia and the Russian-Chechen conflicts. Author of ‘Chechnya-Russia’s ‘War on Terror’ (Routledge, 2007) and a series of articles on Russia, Chechnya and terrorism, he has also contributed to seminars and research conferences on these themes all over the UK and abroad. He is currently researching the role of Ramzan Kadyrov as a case study in Russia’s relations with the West.
Dr Domitilla Sagramoso is Lecturer in Security and Development at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London. She joined the Department in 2005, having previously been the Principal Researcher at the Caucasus Policy Institute, within the International Policy Institute (KCL). Dr Sagramoso's interests lie in the field of conflict, security and development in Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. She is currently conducting research on Terrorism, Violence and Islam in the Russian North Caucasus. She has travelled extensively to the region, and published an article on the topic in the journal International Affairs, entitled, "Violence and Conflict in the Russian North Caucasus".
The seminar will be chaired by Oksana Antonenko, Senior Fellow and Programme Director of Russia and Eurasia programme and will be held on the fifth floor of Arundel House, 13-15 Arundel Street, Temple Place, London WC2R 3D.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP Olga Komarova at komarova@iiss.org or tel: 07989 112429.
