About me
I am a historian and analyst of Russian culture and war propaganda. I’m motivated by two questions: what drives Russia’s obsession with war, and why have so many Russians in the past and present fallen for militarism?
I’ve written/been interviewed for the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, New York Times, Guardian, Globe & Mail, BBC, CBC, CTV, ABC, YLE, Radio Canada, Mashable, Dainik Bhaskar, VICE News, Times Radio, and more.
Email me with media requests about propaganda, social media, and Russian views on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
My second book, Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia’s Fascist Youth, was released in summer 2023. The book has been received with positive reviews in publications worldwide; excerpts appeared in Foreign Policy, The Times, and The Week.
My first book, Stalingrad Lives: Stories of Combat & Survival, was released in 2022. Order Stalingrad Lives now.
My work has been featured in numerous publications and showcased in talks at universities, museums and conferences in North America, Europe and Russia.
I completed my PhD at the University of Toronto in 2017 after studying at the University of Bristol (England) and St. Petersburg State Conservatory (Russia).