Indra Ekmanis

Indra Ekmanis is a Ph.D. graduate from the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington (2017) and a Research Fellow at the Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Her work focuses on post-Soviet security, cultural identity, and the role of nonviolent resistance in Baltic history.

• Ph.D. (2017) with distinction, University of Washington
• Current affiliation: Kennan Institute, Washington D.C.
• Education: B.A. in Global Studies, Arizona State University; M.A. in International Studies, University of Washington

Research Interests include:

• Civic-cultural identity and integration in Latvia
• Impact of media and cultural movements on resistance (e.g., Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Latvian service during the Singing Revolution)
• Post-Soviet governance, social welfare, and security dynamics in the Baltic region

Scientific Awards include:

• Fulbright U.S. Student Grant Award (2016-2017)
• AABS Dissertation Grant (2016)
• Multiple Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (2011-2015)
• Jackson Foundation Ph.D. Travel Award (2015)

Her publications analyze Baltic statehood, Soviet-era protests, and cultural narratives, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with history, political science, and sociology. She collaborates with institutions like the Latvian Academy of Culture and University of Latvia.