Lena Surzhko Harned

Dr. Lena Surzhko Harned is an Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science and Associate Director of the Public Policy Initiative at Penn State University, Behrend College. She published on topics of nationalism, identity politics, politics and religion, trade policy, European integration, comparative democratization, and mass political behavior in Eastern Europe. Her work appeared in such notable journals as International Research Quarterly, Journal of Common Market Studies, European Political Science Review and others. Her co-authored book “Post-Soviet Legacies and Conflicting Values in Europe: Generation WhY?” was published in 2017 and examines the inter-generational conflict and its consequences for modern Ukraine and Russia. Dr. Surzhko Harned current research projects focus on ideology of Russki Mir and its influence on Russian policy in Ukraine and wider world, dynamics of decolonization in Ukrainian politics and society, politics and religion in Ukraine and Russia, and nationalism and identity in Ukrainian society, particularly among self-described Russian-speakers.  Dr. Surzhko Harned’s commentary on Russia and Ukraine have been featured in numerous media nationally, including The Atlantic and National Public Radio, and internationally.