Natia Seskuria's Journey to Becoming a Thought Leader in International Security

In this interview, we sat down with Natia Seskuria, an accomplished professional in the field of defense and security. Natia holds the distinguished position of Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), she is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Regional Institute for Security Studies (RISS), a prominent Tbilisi-based think tank. RISS has the distinct honor of being an official partner of RUSI, further solidifying Natia's influence and expertise in the field.

With a multifaceted career, Natia Seskuria's contributions extend beyond her roles at RUSI and RISS. She serves as an advisor at Chatham House and is recognized as a lecturer specializing in Russian politics. Natia's extensive knowledge and experience have not only garnered her a distinguished reputation but also opportunities to share her insights on major international platforms. She is regularly interviewed by renowned television channels, including the likes of BBC, CNN, and many more.

We delve into Natia's remarkable journey, discussing her path from Tbilisi to the international stage and gain valuable perspectives on pressing global issues.

Natia, could you tell us about your educational background?

I completed my school education in Tbilisi, where I attended a French school. My family emphasized the importance of learning foreign languages from an early age. I studied various foreign languages, including French, Italian, and Spanish, in addition to being fluent in Russian and English. French became almost like a second native language to me. While my school friends were contemplating going to France after graduation, I had my heart set on England from the start. I never really had to make a choice; I always knew I wanted to be there.

Consequently, I moved to England at the age of 17. It was a requirement to complete an A-level course, a two-year pre-university program, to gain admission to the top five universities. This marked my initial exposure to the British educational system, and it was a transformative period in my life. I excelled in my studies in Tbilisi, and I felt confident in my abilities. However, the standards in the UK were a different story. I appreciated the analytical approach they fostered, even though at the beginning, it posed a significant challenge for me. I quickly realized that there was much I had yet to learn, and it was one of the most critical challenges I had to overcome to adapt to the system.

After completing my A-levels, I gained admission to UCL, one of the top five universities. This marked an incredibly fruitful and enlightening period in my life. It was my first taste of living independently and overcoming challenges on my own. Personally and professionally, it was a pivotal turning point. I came to admire the English education system, which forces you to navigate your path. It demands hard work, but the rewards are worth it. In England, based on my experiences, I can confidently say that I was consistently acknowledged for my efforts. I appreciate the healthy environment and healthy competition, a notion I was familiar with from the beginning. The sense of free fall, knowing that you can ascend your own peaks, slowly or swiftly, was empowering.

What sparked your interest in politics? Was it a family influence?

My interest was a deeply ingrained passion. From a young age, I closely followed political developments and saw myself pursuing a career in this field. Initially, I considered diplomacy, but I soon found myself leaning towards security. This shift occurred during my time at University College London (UCL). I found that UCL was the perfect fit for me, focusing on the politics of our region through the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES). Many people suggested I opt for a more general field to secure job opportunities and flexibility, which did make me question my choice at one point. However, as I followed my passion and narrowed my focus, it led me to a role at RUSI. Analytical organizations like RUSI seek experts, individuals who possess deep knowledge in a specific field, not just generalists with vast erudition. I greatly value individuals who consistently develop expertise in their chosen direction. During my university studies, I had the opportunity to refine my focus, ultimately deciding on defense and security with a focus on Russia and Black Sea region. My experience during the 2008 war played a significant role in shaping my choice. Subconsciously, this was likely a driving factor, and I explored this direction further by defending my bachelor's and master's theses on this topic. I developed a keen interest in Russia's domestic and foreign policy, which led me to pursue this path.

How much time passed between your university graduation and joining RUSI?

I had just completed my master's degree, with the final days devoted to my thesis. When I heard about RUSI, I was in my second year. I owe a lot to a professor who taught Russian politics and remains a friend to this day. He played a significant role in shaping my academic direction. During one of his lectures, he described RUSI as the pinnacle of our field and an intellectual powerhouse.

Did that moment spark your determination to pursue a career at RUSI?

Yes, it probably did. Although I didn't plan it, I couldn't even imagine it at the time. When I learned of a vacancy for a research assistant focused on Russian studies, I was hesitant to sending my application, even though I didn't have working experience in a think tank. In the past, I worked as an independent consultant for various leading political and risk consultancies in London. I contemplated whether they needed someone with a think tank background. By sheer coincidence, I found myself at RUSI during an event I attended as a guest. When I entered that environment, all I could think about throughout the entire lecture was rushing home to submit my application. Fortunately, I sent it that very day and was called for an interview. I went into the interview with the knowledge I had and a passion for research. It was an unconventional interview, resembling a lively debate in a BBC studio. We discussed current events and exchanged opinions. I relished the process, and it was an enjoyable experience.

Some time later, I received an email stating that out of several candidates, I was the right fit for the position. This was likely a determining factor, not because I was exceptionally bright compared to others, but perhaps because they were seeking an individual with expertise in the specific field I considered myself on the path to mastering. While I was a novice back then, my education and experience seemed to align with their expectations. My proficiency in Russian and my regional background also played crucial roles in their decision. Being from Georgia and having experienced the 2008 war, I was likely better equipped to understand the challenges of the region.

Natia, could you provide an overview of your experience at RUSI? How many years have you been with the organization, how has your career evolved, and what is a typical day like for you?

I joined RUSI for the first time in September 2015. When I first started at RUSI, it coincided with Russia's intervention in Syria, requiring me to work during a period of heightened activity. The projects I worked on were deeply engaging, and I could see the practical impact of our research on policymakers. Although RUSI is an independent institute, it maintains a strong reputation and collaborates closely with not only the British government but also several others worldwide. This places us in a unique position, where our research directly influences the decision-making process. This aspect of the job is particularly attractive. 

Later, when I relocated to Georgia, I became an associate fellow. Being in this region has proven beneficial for certain aspects of my work. However, I frequently find myself traveling for various projects. Notably, I recently established the Regional Institute for Security Studies (RISS) in Tbilisi, an independent organization. This marks the first time RUSI has opened its affiliate in this region. We operate under co-branding but maintain a degree of independence, which streamlines decision-making. Our physical presence in the region enables us to collaborate more closely with RUSI, and we've already undertaken joint projects in Georgia, with plans to expand further throughout our region.

Can you highlight a project that has been particularly successful? Or discuss future directions you plan to explore?

In general, our focus lies in the domain of security and defense with an emphasis on the Black Sea region. Currently, we are involved in a substantial project funded by the British government that centers on cybersecurity in Georgia. This initiative encompasses working with relevant agencies responsible for cybersecurity and extends to raising public awareness. Within this project, we've launched Women in Cyber, a newly established initiative. While such initiatives exist in many countries, we are the first to introduce this concept in Georgia.

Our goal is to promote women's involvement in cybersecurity. In recent years, there has been progress, but lingering stereotypes continue to deter women from entering this field. It's an area that I'm particularly proud of. We're starting a regional tour at the end of October, which aims to visit various regions and inform schoolchildren and students about the opportunities available in this field. Additionally, we have formed a network of women working in the private sector, the public sector, and non-governmental and academic sectors. Through this network, we hope to offer mentoring programs to younger individuals and bridge the gender gap in this domain.

You work in a field often considered male-dominated. What challenges have you faced in this regard?

I've heard various stories and examples around me, underscoring the existence of this issue. Unfortunately, it appears to be more pronounced in Georgia than in the UK. Personally, I never encountered significant obstacles in the UK. I never felt that my age or gender diminished my contributions. However, this doesn't negate the fact that gender bias exists. Nevertheless, this isn't a reason for me to develop an insecurity or harbor doubts. Rather, it's an issue arising from the mindset of those who perpetuate such stereotypes. It's disheartening, but it's not an issue rooted in women's capabilities; it's a problem emanating from individuals who think that way.

To wrap up, let's discuss the Russia-Ukraine war. How do you assess the ongoing conflict, and did you anticipate its prolonged duration? What's happening currently, and what are your expectations?

I did anticipate the war's protracted nature, regrettably.  In February, just a few days before the war commenced, there were prominent experts who believed that Russia's actions were mere blackmail and that Putin would never take such a step. In comparison to prior experiences, such as the war in Georgia, the Syrian conflict, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022 was entirely irrational in my eyes. However, I anticipated the outbreak of the war. Russia's objectives were impossible to achieve, and I'm not sure if this was an intelligence failure or a result of Putin's paranoia, likely both. The idea that Ukrainians would lay down their arms and capitulate was unthinkable from the outset. Particularly after 2014, Ukraine had learned numerous lessons and drawn important conclusions. One of them was to increase Ukrainian armed forces capabilities and readiness. Beyond the armed forces, the morale of the Ukrainian people themselves are remarkable. Every citizen exhibits unwavering determination; there are no doubts about Ukraine's fate or the worthiness of continuing the fight. Even to this day, the polls reflect a high percentage of Ukrainians who insist on fighting to the end to repel Russian aggression.

This is an existential war for Ukraine which shapes its future. It's not merely a rhetorical statement when we say that Ukraine's destiny heavily impacts our region. This war is a continuation of the 2008 conflict, which has regrettably been inadequately evaluated at the international level. At that time, everything seemed to be viewed as a singular, isolated case rather than a manifestation of the aggression that would inevitably lead to greater conflicts. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine is ongoing and could continue for a long time. The situation is extremely complicated. When the war started, it presented a clear illustration of what the future held. Today, the Russian aggression against Ukraine remains one of the most significant challenges facing our region and the world. Russia's ultimate objective is to eliminate Ukraine as a sovereign, independent state. It's clear that Russia doesn't intend to make any concessions. The nature of warfare is also very complex, involving both conventional and unconventional warfare such as cyber threats, and disinformation campaigns. It has implications for not only Ukraine but also other nations in Europe and beyond.