Russian history is marked by oppression, with the war in Ukraine serving as a painful reminder. However, in the last 170 years, there have been moments of hope for the country. SSE student and Applied History course alumn, Isak Axelson explores three periods of liberalization in Russia that provide valuable lessons.

As of today, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has persisted for a year. While several countries have helped Ukraine with military, financial and humanitarian aid, Ukraine requires additional assistance to endure the conflict with Russia. What other forms of support and aid are needed for Ukraine’s survival? And how can the EU and Sweden support Ukraine’s victory?

Klara Strömberg received a diploma for the best essay during the Applied History course in 2021. In the interview, Klara discusses her main findings and the impact the course had on her outlook, and shares her current pursuits in pursuing a master’s degree in economics and international economic policy.

Louise Bringselius, affiliated researcher at SSE, and Karl Wennberg, scientific director of GaPP, argue that the Western world and Sweden, in particular, face major challenges and fierce international competition in a new Dagens Industri debate article.

Did you miss the chance to attend the book launch event "Rebuilding Ukraine: Principles and policies" presented by Torbjörn Becker, Beatrice Weder di Mauro and Veronika Movchan on 11 January? Watch the recordings to learn more about their framework for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction co-written together with leading scholars and experts.

Did you miss the chance to attend the annual SITE 2022 Development Day conference? This policy brief shortly summarizes the presentations and discussions at the SITE Development Day Conference, held on December 6, 2022. The main focus of the conference was how to maintain and organize support for Ukraine in the short and long run, with the current situation in Belarus and the region and the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, also being addressed.

On December 14, 2022, Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) invited Professor Konstantin Sonin, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, for a seminar discussion about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, non-democratic regimes and degenerate autocracy. In case you missed the event, watch the recordings to learn more about the research paper.

On December 6, 2022, Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) hosted the annual Development Day, this year focusing on how to maintain and organize support for Ukraine. See photos and highlights from the conference to learn more.

Alexandra Polivanova on political repressions in Russia and the work of Memorial, Russian civil society organization and Nobel Peace Prize winner.