In memory of Martin Kragh

As previously announced, Martin Kragh, Deputy Director of the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI), has passed away after an extended period of illness. He received his PhD in Economic History from the Stockholm School of Economics in 2009. In 2015, he joined UI as Head of its Russia and Eurasia Programme and as a Senior Research Fellow, and in 2021 he became Deputy Director of SCEEUS.

Martin Kragh was one of those who initiated the establishment of SCEEUS, which was created by a Swedish government decision in 2020 and began its work in 2021. He worked tirelessly to broaden and deepen analysis of Russia and Eastern Europe, and to support young researchers and the next generation of expertise.

Martin’s contribution to research and evidence-based expertise cannot be overstated, but he also became well known and highly regarded among a wider audience. His two most recent books, Det fallna imperiet: Ryssland och väst under Vladimir Putin (2022) and Historiens återkomst (2025), were enthusiastically received and widely read. He had previously published Rysslands historia: från Alexander II till Vladimir Putin (2014) and the essay Den ryska revolutionens långa ekon (2017).

In addition to his books, Martin published extensively, including academic articles as well as articles and essays in the media. He was a sought-after commentator in Swedish and international media on political developments. His work has made an important contribution to understanding some of the defining foreign and security policy issues of our time.

Martin received numerous prizes and honours in recognition of his distinguished work, including H.M. The King’s Medal for outstanding research in history and security policy in 2023.

Martin Kragh was a greatly valued colleague. He will be deeply missed by us all.

Fredrik Löjdquist

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