Iryna Lukianova is a post-doctoral researcher at the Chair of International Relations and International Political Economy. She obtained her PhD at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv with a thesis on “Foreign policy strategy of Norway” in which she focused on how Norway has achieved and maintained its status as a middle power. Her research centers on the strategic culture of Ukraine and Russia, particularly the dynamics underpinning their use of strategic narratives. Her other ongoing research is on niche diplomacy and soft power of small and middle powers, the study of state fragility, and war and state death relation. Before joining IPZ, Iryna worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine from 2021 to 2022.