Georgina Taylor

Profile

Prior to joining the University of Leeds, I studied at Lancaster University where I obtained a BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations (2021) and the University of Warwick, where I achieved an MA (with Distinction) in International Relations (2022). During my Masters I focused primarily on security studies and began preliminary research for my dissertation that focused on Constructivism and the Russia - Ukraine conflict. I have carried forward this research theme to propose a provisional thesis that examines the role of ontological security in IR. Exploring the ‘security of self’ through conceptualisations of identity, my research utilises a Constructivist approach that draws on both historical and current events/relationships in order to understand contemporary conflict. This research framework will be applied to Russia and Ukraine – with a specific focus on Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine – with the aim of contributing to practical and theoretical frameworks that address how (in)security of the ‘Self’ intersects with evolving state identity and the corresponding development of foreign policy.

Research interests

• Ontological Security 
• Critical and Conventional Constructivism
• Securitisation and the Copenhagen School 
• The Russia – Ukraine conflict and the evolution of their relationship (developed from a general interest in Russian history, including domestic politics and international relationships)
• Anthony Giddens & Social Structuration Theory 

Qualifications

• MA in International Relations (Distinction)
• BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations (First)

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Global Security Challenges