IREX is pleased to announce the 2012-2013 U.S. Embassy Policy Specialist Program [4] (EPS) recipients. These scholars and professionals will serve as policy specialists at U.S. Embassies and USAID Missions throughout Eurasia. After they complete their fellowship, their research findings will be posted on the IREX online resource library [5].
James Albrecht
University of New Haven
Research Topic: Law Enforcement/Community Policing
Research Country: Ukraine
Abstract: This project will comprehensively analyze criminal justice and police practices and make recommendations to improve community-police relations and to enhance justice sector effectiveness, leadership, and legitimacy.
Zohra Ismail Beben
Indiana University
Research Topic: Youth
Research Country: Tajikistan
Abstract: This research project proposes to look at the intergenerational dynamics in district centers of Southern and Eastern Tajikistan, particularly the question of how youth understand their place within the field of local political and economic institutions in rural Tajikistan.
Anna Borshchevskaya
Atlantic Council
Research Topic: Think Tanks
Research Country: Armenia
Abstract: The researcher will conduct qualitative and quantitative research related to the impact of think-tanks in Armenia, aiming to understand and predict trends and make recommendations based on research findings.
Jennifer Carroll
University of Washington
Research Topic: Health Reform
Research Country: Ukraine
Abstract: The aim of this project is to develop a deeper understanding of the individual and community-wide factors that affect patient adherence to tuberculosis medications in Ukraine. Through the use of both anthropological and epidemiological methods of research, this project will identify both individual and systematic obstacles to adherence, which are the key for scaffolding and supporting treatment efforts for tuberculosis-positive Ukrainians.
Gordon Hahn
Monterey Institute for International Studies
Research Topic: North Caucasus Conflict Mitigation – Islam
Research Country: Russia
Abstract: This project will examine the complex causality and motivations leading some of Russia's young Muslims to join religious extremist and violent organizations, in particular the North Caucasus jihadist network, the Caucasus Emirate.
Reuel Hanks
Oklahoma State University
Research Topic: Religion
Research Country: Kazakhstan
Abstract: This research examines the depth of Islamic belief or religiosity in Kazakh society. The topics addressed include differences in Islamic religiosity across geographic, gender and ethnic differences, the effect of this variation on the character of the Kazakh state, and the views of the post-Soviet generation on the role of Islam in the country’s development and politics.
Brianna Hiser
National Democratic Institute
Research Topic: Media
Research Country: Georgia
Abstract: The amendment on the Georgian Law for Broadcasting attempts to achieve increased transparency through regulations on media ownership and revenue as well as and public availability and awareness of information. This research examines whether this legislation effectively changes the legal framework for media ownership, lowers the perception of bias in the media, genuinely increases transparency of the media, and contributes to a more free and fair media environment in Georgia.
Olha Holoyda
Research Topic: Anti-Corruption
Research Country: Ukraine
Abstract: This project will provide technical legal and business guidance at the Commercial Law Center in Ukraine, including assistance on national legislation/regulations, transparency, governance, public-private partnerships and other related issues to improve the overall business enabling environment and to enhance economic development.
Eugene Huskey
Stetson University
Research Topic: Governance
Research Country: Kyrgyz Republic
Abstract: The project will examine the development of the recently-established public monitoring councils attached to Kyrgyzstan's ministries and local governments. Operating at the intersection between the state and civil society, these councils offer an opportunity to explore an experiment designed to enhance transparency and accountability in post-communist governance.
Eric Lepisto
Research Topic: Youth/Civil Society
Research Country: Azerbaijan
Abstract: This project studies the influence of youth associations on civil society in Azerbaijan by exploring shared goals, professionalism, and challenges to collaboration through focus groups, interviews, and a series of experiential seminars.
Christine Martens
The Spence School
Research Topic: Islam
Research Country: Turkmenistan
Abstract: This project will examine the connection between women, Islam and textiles in Turkmenistan. Specifically, the researcher will examine sacred sites, ceremonies, and rituals, accompanied and amplified by textile traditions in the context of regime-controlled Islam and its impact on observance, the impact of external influences, and predominant strains of Islam in Turkmenistan.
Molly O’Neal
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Research Topic: International Trade
Research Country: Russia
Abstract: The research will investigate the opportunities and adjustments brought by WTO accession for the investment and business development strategies of Russian companies across several key sectors and regions. It will also consider the role of federal and regional economic policymakers and business associations in promoting adjustment to greater opening of the Russian economy to global competitive pressures.
Loren Puette
Agriculture Specialist, International Development
Research Topic: Agriculture
Research Country: Tajikistan
Abstract: This project will develop crop diversification strategies for Tajikistan by analyzing the profitability of various horticultural crops and identifying major constraints that hinder the expansion of production.
Roger Rodriguez Rios
United Nations Office for Project Services
Research Topic: Migration
Research Country: Kyrgyz Republic
Abstract: This study will investigate the economic and social implications of labor migration in Kyrgyzstan with the aim of informing policy-making and improving understanding of this phenomenon.
Matthew Rojansky
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Research Topic: Property Rights
Research Country: Ukraine
Abstract: This project will examine rule of law, property rights and corporate raiding in Ukraine, in particular, the types and causes of corporate raids, the connections between the current property rights regime and corporate raiding, and the impacts of these problems on the Ukrainian business and investment climate more broadly. The researcher will describe strategies available to companies and individuals to avoid corporate raiding, and propose revisions to Ukrainian regulation and better mechanisms for enforcement of existing rules, as well as policy recommendations to help enhance rule of law in Ukraine.
Stephanie Rosch
Purdue University
Research Topic: Agriculture
Research Country: Azerbaijan
Abstract: This research examines how supply chain participation differs for small-scale and larger-scale producers, focusing on how product standards, market structure, contract mechanisms, and legal institutions jointly influence the ability of small-scale producers to participate in export markets.
Russell Zanca
Northeastern Illinois University
Research Topic: Rural Life
Research Country: Turkmenistan
Abstract: This research focuses on rural Turkmen understandings of the state as well as people's knowledge of it and attitude toward its necessity within their daily lives. The project aims to address the salience of the idea of abstract notions of a Turkmen polity among Turkmen in various socio-cultural groups and settings.