Jessica Russell, from the University of Bath, was awarded a special commendation for her master’s degree in International Relations and Affairs for her thesis titled, “Navigating Chemical Weapons Taboos: Russia’s Response to OPCW Investigations in Syria, 2013-2022.”
On September 17, 2024, the British Council‘s International Relations Society, in partnership with the British International Studies Association (BISA), launched the “New Voices in Cultural Relations” competition. The competition aims to recognize exceptional master’s theses that offer new scholarly insights or propose innovative policy directions in the field of international relations.
Russell’s thesis addresses the strategic media campaign launched by Russia in response to OPCW investigations into the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
Her central research question explores, “How does Russia’s information campaign, regarding chemical weapons investigations during the Syrian war from 2013 to 2022, navigate the chemical weapons norm to advance its geopolitical objectives?”
In this context, her thesis explores three sub-questions: What are the main themes or narratives Russia employs when discussing the use of chemical weapons in Syria? How does Russia leverage the chemical weapons issue to position itself as a significant international actor? And finally, what are the broader implications of Russia’s media campaign on the international norm of chemical weapons and its function in global politics?
According to Russell’s analysis, Russia’s reaction is shaped by the taboos surrounding chemical weapons and their normative impact on foreign policy behavior.
Russell utilized data and over 100 statements issued by the British Foreign Office to build her argument and analysis.
Her thesis concludes that Russia has continued to support the Assad regime’s narrative in confronting numerous accusations. It also asserts that Russia has used the OPCW as a tool to attack the Western system. The comparison of Russia’s discourse before and after joining the OPCW is highlighted as critical to understanding its changing approach to chemical weapons norms.
The competition’s jury described Russell’s thesis as a clear, coherent, and well-structured analysis of Russia’s response to the investigations into the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
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