PhD: University
of Odessa (USSR; 1988, Linguistics)
MPA: University
of Kansas (1996, U.S. Local Governance)
First field: Comparative
Politics
Second field: Post-Communist
Studies
Expected Graduation: 2012
Biography: I have lived
and worked in three different political and social environments: a communist
dictatorship — USSR, a liberal democracy — United States, and a ‘hybrid’ system
of the post-Soviet Ukraine. My life made me a comparativist and prompted me to
study this field professionally. It also nourished my interest in studies of
inter-cultural contact, especially the broad issue of ‘democracy in translation.’ I
have always tried to parallel the study of academic theory with practical work
in the ‘real world.’ The latter includes service in projects of
the USAID, OSCE, international NGOs such as the Krieble Institute of the Free
Congress Foundation, as well as journalistic reporting for the BBC and Radio
Liberty and political commentaries for the Voice of America.
Research interests: Political
regimes typology; informal institutions; nexus between political ideas and social
practices; political parties as a tool of democratic linkage; human rights; international
development; international organizations.
Other interests: Journalism,
wellness, PTA volunteering, amateur video production.
Words of Wisdom: "With
all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be
cheerful. Strive to be happy." —Max Ehrmann
