Scott Radnitz

Scott Radnitz is the Herbert J. Ellison Professor of Russian and Eurasian Studies at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington. His research focuses on post-Soviet politics, conspiracy theories, disinformation, and authoritarianism. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2007) and a B.A. from UC Berkeley (2000). Radnitz teaches courses on Eurasian politics, security, and research methods. He co-edited Enemies Within (2022) and authored Revealing Schemes (2021), analyzing conspiracy theories in Russia and Eurasia. He was a Jean Monnet Fellow at the European University Institute (2022-23) and affiliated with the Center for an Informed Public. His work appears in journals like Journal of Democracy and Foreign Affairs.

Research interests include disinformation’s societal impacts, geopolitical narratives, and elite-driven political movements. He explores how authoritarian regimes exploit conspiracy theories to maintain power. His current project examines public awareness of disinformation threats. Radnitz advises MA/PhD students and collaborates with PONARS Eurasia. His grants and fellowships reflect sustained engagement with post-Soviet dynamics and democratic resilience.

Teaching spans interdisciplinary Eurasian surveys, Central Asian politics, and failed states. He emphasizes critical analysis of propaganda and conspiracy theories in curricula. Labs/teams include the Ellison Center for Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies, fostering collaborative research on regional challenges.