Dr. Ibrahim Muradov has published a new peer-reviewed article: “Disrupting the Narrative: Ukrainian Agency in Resisting Russia and Winning Western Support” in Europe-Asia Studies.
Can you tell us a little bit about your research interests and how they led to your publication?
My research focuses on the international relations of post-Soviet Eurasia, especially the Russia-Ukraine war, hybrid warfare strategies, and the geopolitical agency of smaller states caught between great powers. Over the past several years, I have closely examined how Ukraine has navigated Russian aggression and positioned itself in the evolving global order.
This publication emerged from my analysis of the period between 2014 and 2022, during which Ukraine transitioned from being perceived as a weak and divided state to one capable of mounting an effective defense and winning substantial Western support. The article challenges the notion that Ukraine was simply a passive arena for great power competition. Instead, it highlights how Ukraine’s internal reforms, military restructuring, and diplomatic efforts played a decisive role in reshaping Western policies and responses to Russia’s invasion.
The project builds on my doctoral and postdoctoral research and reflects my broader interest in understanding how states under existential threat assert sovereignty and influence international outcomes despite structural constraints. In other words, the article reflects my ongoing commitment to elevating the voices and experiences of states that are often marginalized in traditional geopolitical analyses.
What are the main arguments of your publication/project?
The article argues that Ukraine’s internal agency—rather than Western provocation—was the key driver behind Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. It challenges the dominant narrative that views Ukraine as merely a pawn in great power politics, showing instead how Ukraine actively reshaped international perceptions, mobilized Western support, and asserted its sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression.
What are some of the broader implications of your research?
This research has broader implications for how we understand the agency of smaller states in international relations. It challenges structuralist assumptions by demonstrating that even under significant external pressure, states like Ukraine can influence global policy and security dynamics. It also contributes to debates on deterrence, alliance-building, and the reshaping of the post-Cold War order in response to authoritarian aggression.
What were some of the challenges you faced in your research, and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge was accessing reliable, non-partisan sources during an ongoing and highly politicized war. To address this, I cross-referenced a wide range of Ukrainian, Russian, and Western materials, including official statements, media reports, and academic analyses. Another challenge was maintaining analytical distance, given my personal connection to the region. I overcame this by grounding my arguments in established international relations theory and focusing on evidence-based analysis throughout the research process.
Do you have plans to continue this project? What’s next for you?
Yes, I plan to continue this line of research. My next project examines how a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy—particularly under a renewed Trump administration—could reshape the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war and challenge existing security frameworks in Europe. I’m especially interested in how Ukraine and its European allies may adapt to decreased U.S. engagement and what this means for the broader international order. This work will continue to highlight Ukraine’s agency and the evolving strategies of small and medium powers in a multipolar world. I am currently a Visiting Scholar in the Petrach Program on Ukraine at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University. I have been continuing my research here since September and will complete this stage of the project at the end of the year and will return to UBC.
