Aude Merlin

Aude Merlin is a Lecturer in Political Science at Université libre de Bruxelles and a core member of Cevipol (Centre d'Études des Politiques et des Institutions), specializing in Russia and the Caucasus region.

Her academic foundation includes a doctoral thesis defended at Sciences Po Paris in 2006, which pioneered research on identity transformations in the North Caucasus. This foundational work established her expertise in complex ethno-political dynamics.

Merlin's research portfolio demonstrates deep regional specialization:

• Evolution of combatant trajectories in South Caucasus conflicts
• Representation and collective memory of Chechen and Caucasus conflicts
• Diaspora politics with focus on Chechen communities
• Identity construction in post-Soviet borderland regions
• Comparative analysis of conflict resolution in the Caucasus

Her scholarly trajectory reveals a methodological shift from intensive Chechen conflict analysis toward broader investigations of conflict aftermath, memory politics, and diaspora influences across the Caucasus. Current work emphasizes longitudinal studies of post-conflict societal transformation.