Eastern Research Group
Analytical unit of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
| Eastern Research Group (ERG) | |
| Abbreviation | |
|---|---|
| Type | Research Analyst unit |
| Formation | |
| Predecessor | |
| Purpose | |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Parent organization | |
The Eastern Research Group (ERG) is a specialist unit of Research Analysts within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO, formerly FCO). It forms part of the analytical arm of the UK government's HMG Russia Unit and focuses on Russia and the former Soviet Union.[1][2]
Role
The ERG provides high-quality, evidence-based analysis to ministers and government departments on Russian foreign policy and the post-Soviet space. Civil servants in the group frequently undertake on-the-ground assessments in Ukraine to inform Whitehall policy-making.[1] It is distinguished from the unrelated US private consulting firm of the same name.[1]
History
The group is part of the FCDO's Research Cadre. Following the 2014 Ukraine crisis, it was reinforced within the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate (EECAD) to address heightened demand for Russia expertise. It maintains links with academic and think-tank communities, including Chatham House and King's College London.[1]
The ERG runs the seminar series Understanding Russian Foreign Policy.[1]
Known personnel
- Duncan Allan: Senior figure / Research Analyst in the ERG.[2]
- David Lewis: Research Fellow seconded to the ERG (2019–2022), focusing on Russian foreign policy.[3]
- Sarah Nurton: Senior Research Analyst specialising in Russian security issues; joined the unit in 2013 (previously Cabinet Office from 2009).[2][4]
- Elizabeth Teague (1945–2022): Former Research Analyst in the ERG / Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate until 2012.[5]
The wider EECAD network comprised approximately 400 officials as of 2015.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Evidence on Russia: Implications for UK defence and security.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Eastern Research Group (ERG). Folketinget.
- ↑ Policy@Exeter goes live. University of Exeter.
- ↑ Sejong-UK FCDO, Research Analysts Department Discussion. Sejong Institute.
- ↑ Elizabeth Teague OBE (1945-2022). St Antony's College, Oxford.