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Russian Doll
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Russian Doll

Hello and welcome to my website.


I’m an Eastern Europeanist, nuclear lawyer, and policy analyst, currently completing my ALM in International Relations at Harvard University, and I’m still at the beginning of my career.


My research centres on defence economics, defence technology, counter-terrorism, and all things nuclear—civilian and military programmes.Strategic studies are at the core of my research, and I use wargaming to test different theories. I speak three Slavic languages and have lived for extended periods across several CIS states, and it’s fair to say I know the region intimately.


I’ve worked on some remarkable projects and with outstanding organisations, where I’ve met some of the most brilliant people. Here, however, I showcase solely my personal work.

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contact ab@a-brown.org
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Vulnerabilities in Russian Weapons Systems
from Chinese Microelectronics

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This is my latest paper, which addresses exactly what its title suggests. It examines China’s production of military-grade and off-the-shelf microchips, their supply to Russia, and the hypothetical possibility that these chips could be used for intelligence gathering targeting Russia. It’s a technical analysis of weapons systems that aims to determine whether the existing technical capabilities allow for such surveillance activities to occur.

This is the full research, a shorter version of which is published on Riddle.
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A very lengthy and official title for my dissertation in Nuclear Law. What I’m really looking into is the violation of the NPT, the concept of the nuclear taboo, and the tension between international law and national security interests. It’s a hard-core analysis of how states justify actions that push legal boundaries and a critical examination of the practical limits of legal frameworks when confronted with security imperatives.

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Defence Economics Dilemma:
Risk vs. Innovation

It’s a wargaming scenario and thought experiment that is rootedin a defence economics dilemma: whether to keep investing in advanced technology that may have been compromisedand nearing obsolescence, or to shift to new technology lacking sufficient empirical data to prove its effectiveness. Budget constraints always complicate the decision-making process.

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Iran’s Nuclear Program and Strategic Intentions

Iran is moving steadily toward nuclear capability, accumulating enriched uranium and developing missile technologies that could significantly alter the balance of power in the Middle East. Although President Pezeshkian has expressed willingness to re-engage in diplomatic efforts, ultimate authority remains with Supreme Leader Khamenei. With Israel weighing possible military strikes, how long will it take Iran to build and integrate nuclear warheads onto missiles? The framework and timeline have been assessed and calculated.

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Deterrence and Compellence: Schelling’s Concepts and the Dynamics of Bargaining Power

Thomas Schelling introduced the term “compellence” to complement the concept of “deterrence.” A discussion of the distinctions between these two concepts can shed light on how the capacity to inflict pain or punishment contributes to bargaining power within strategic interactions. This topic relates closely to debates surrounding counter-value versus counter-force strategies, as well as the concept of tolerable loss

Deterrence Concept
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A literature review on modern Sino-Russian relations analysis

This literature review on modern Sino-Russian relations is intended for scholars, policymakers, and analysts seeking to understand the evolving strategic, economic, and political dynamics between China and Russia in the contemporary international system

Literature Concept
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MC48, Gaither, and Killian: Shaping U.S. Concepts of Deterrence During the Cold War

Three significant reports were prepared for U.S. policymakers during the Cold War: the NATO Military Committee Report MC48, the Gaither Report, and the Killian Report. Each offered distinct analyses of the strategic landscape and proposed different approaches for ensuring national and allied security. An assessment of the underlying assumptions in these reports reveals differing views on what constitutes credible deterrence, ranging from force posture and civil defence measures to technological advancements and the balance between offensive and defensive capabilities.

Cold War Reports Highlighted Document
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The book review of "The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: economic change and military conflict from 1500-2000" by Paul Kennedy, 1987

This book review examines The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500-2000, written by Paul Kennedy and published in 1987. Kennedy explores how shifts in economic strength and military capability have shaped the fortunes of major powers over five centuries, arguing that economic resources ultimately underpin military dotminance. The review evaluates Kennedy’s thesis, his use of historical evidence, and the relevance of his insights for understanding contemporary global power dynamics.

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Massive Retaliation vs Flexible Response

Either “massive retaliation” or “flexible response” may be briefly analysed through Schelling’s capability-communication-commitment paradigm. The strengths and weaknesses of each strategy should be identified, and particular attention should be given to the requirements necessary for successful deterrence under either approach.