Political Affairs Analyst

Key Qualifications & Skills

• Must-Have Skills & Expertise;

• Deep understanding of Russian domestic and foreign policy;

• Expertise in geopolitical risk assessment and strategic forecasting;

• Strong knowledge of Russian security, defense, and intelligence affairs;

• Experience in analyzing sanctions, trade policies, and energy markets;

• Ability to write concise policy briefs, reports, and analytical papers;

• Proficiency in data analysis and intelligence gathering;

• Fluency in Russian (native) and proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Prior experience in government advisory, policy research, intelligence analysis, or consulting;

• Strong knowledge of military and economic strategies, diplomatic negotiations, and international relations;

• Experience with media commentary, academic publishing, or think tank research;

• Expertise in Russia's relations with CIS countries, NATO, EU, China, and the U.S.;

• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes in Russia.

Education & Background

Relevant Degrees

Candidates should ideally hold a Master's or PhD in:

• International Relations;

• Political Science;

• Security Studies;

• Economics;

• Law or Public Administration;

• Area Studies (Russia & Eurasia).

Top Russian Institutions to Target

• Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) - Specializes in diplomacy and international affairs;

• Higher School of Economics (HSE) - Strong in political science, economics, and security studies;

• Moscow State University (MSU/MGU) - Leading institution for political science and area studies;

• Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN) - Key research institutions focusing on global economy and political affairs;

• Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia - Focuses on training foreign policy experts;

• St. Petersburg State University (SPbU) - Known for its expertise in international relations and history;

• Target Employers & Previous Experience;

• Think Tanks & Research Centers;

• Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO RAN) - Strategic studies and economic policy;

• Institute for US and Canadian Studies (ISKRAN) - Russia-U.S. relations and security issues;

• Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISI) - Geopolitical and defense research;

• Center for Strategic Research (CSR) - Policy planning and economic analysis;

• Valdai Discussion Club - Global political discussions and strategic insights;

• Council on Foreign and Defense Policy (SVOP) - Defense, security, and foreign policy analysis.

State Media & Analysis Outlets

• Russia Today (RT) - International media coverage of Russian policies;

• RIA Novosti - Political, economic, and security news analysis;

• Kommersant (Foreign Policy Desk) - Economic and geopolitical reporting;

• TASS (Political & Security Desk) - Official government news agency;

• Izvestia - Political journalism and policy analysis.

Government & Policy Institutions

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (MID) - Russian foreign policy and diplomatic strategies;

• Ministry of Defense (MoD) - National security, defense policy, and military affairs;

• Russian Presidential Administration (AP) - High-level policy planning and strategic decision-making;

• State Duma (Foreign Affairs, Security, or Economic Policy Committees) - Legislative and policy research;

• Russian Security Council - National security and strategic planning;

• Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) - Analytical reports on foreign policy and international relations.