Dr. Jeff Hawn

Dr. Jeff Hawn completed his PhD from the London School of Economics in 2025. His book Failure of Russian Democracy 1990-1993, tracing the causes and effects of the 1993 Russian Constitutional Crisis and how it laid the foundation for Putinism, will be published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2027-2028. Jeff's research examines the failure of Russia’s democratic transition during the Soviet collapse. Beyond Russia, Jeff follows multiple overlapping threads including the failure of Western Foreign Policy towards Russia, the contradictory objectives of economic and constitutional reform, and broader global trends which enabled the rise of authoritarianism in Russia and elsewhere.  

Jeff has been a frequent contributor to various research organisations and projects including United States European Command Russia Strategic Initiative. Additionally he has published numerous articles related to his research in Riddle Russia and Foreign Policy. Jeff has also provided commentary and appeared on several international news programs including CBS News, France24, BBC, LBC, TVT and i24News. Jeff also serves as a permanent advisor to London based Consulting Group Crimson Advisory for geopolitical risk mitigation.

Prior to undertaking his PhD work Jeff held a bachelor's and master's degrees in international relations from American University and a certificate in Russian studies from St. Petersburg State University in Russia. He has a wide range of experience in research and consulting having previously worked as a global intelligence analyst for the private intelligence company Stratfor. Jeff is currently a post doctorate Fellow at the London School of Economics.

‍