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 analysing

  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