Kristi Raik

Dr. Kristi Raik serves as Director of the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS) from January 1, 2025, and holds an Adjunct Professor position in International Relations at the University of Turku. Her expertise spans European security, strategic competition in Eastern Europe, EU foreign and security policy, and the foreign policies of Baltic states and Finland.

• PhD in International Relations (University of Turku, 2004)
• Senior Research Fellow at Finnish Institute of International Affairs
• Member of multiple policy advisory councils

Research interests focus on European security frameworks, EU's response to Ukraine crisis, and strategic dynamics in post-Soviet space. Publications in journals like European Security and media outlets such as Foreign Policy demonstrate her analytical impact on contemporary geopolitical debates.

Recent articles highlight geopolitical competition over European order and challenges to security frameworks during the Ukraine war. Her work emphasizes small state agency, EU institutional dynamics, and post-Cold War security paradigms.

Kristi Raik contributes to academic governance as:

• Board Member, Trans European Policy Studies Association
• Council Member, European Council on Foreign Relations
• Advisory Council, German Council on Foreign Relations
• Akademic Advisory Board, Institut für Europäische Politik

Her professional trajectory includes senior research roles at Finnish Institute of International Affairs, EU Council Secretariat, and visiting fellowships in Brussels, Kyiv, and Aberdeen. She has lectured on EU democratization processes and maintains active commentary in international media.