Ilze Rūse

Ilze Rūse is a Professor of European Politics at the Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL) and holder of the Jean Monnet Professorship since 2020. She coordinates the EU@RGSL project and has held academic positions since 2009, including roles at Stockholm University and Salzburg University. Her research focuses on EU external policy, Nordic-Baltic regional dynamics, and institutional cooperation mechanisms within the EU.

• Education: Dr.phil. in Political Science (University of Salzburg, 2011); Master and Bachelor Degrees in International Relations (Stockholm University, 1998-2000); Bachelor in Natural Sciences (University of Latvia, 1983)

Her research explores post-Lisbon Treaty EU external relations, coalition-building in EU negotiations, and the effectiveness of institutionalized cooperation frameworks. Notable projects include the EU-funded evaluation of post-Lisbon delegation effects in external relations (2013-2016). She has presented at conferences such as Clingendael Institute (2018) and UACES (2014), addressing topics like EU security strategy and Nordic-Baltic visions for Europe.

Professional roles include Ambassador of Latvia to Sweden (2021-present), Head of Department at Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019-2021), and diplomatic postings in Vienna and Stockholm. She has also served as a lecturer at the Stockholm School of Economics and Latvia’s State Administration School.