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Emma Krdzalic

Global Democracy Junior Fellow

Emma Krdzalic is a third-year student at the University of Georgia, pursuing a bachelor's degree in international Affairs, Political Science, and Russian. As a first-generation Bosnian American from Lawrenceville, Georgia, Emma is passionate about international security, Human Security, and Global Democracy. In Spring 2024, Emma participated in a study abroad program in Verona, Italy, where she engaged in cross-cultural learning while exploring Italy's history and European political systems. During the summer, she embarked on a unique study abroad program in Georgia and Armenia, examining the complex interplay between geopolitics, Russian influence, and regional security. Her time in the Caucasus allowed her to observe firsthand the tension between tradition and modernization, as well as the legacies of Soviet influence on the region’s architecture, culture, and politics. In Fall 2024, Emma participated in the UGA Washington Semester Program, interning with the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) in Washington, D.C. At AFPC, she focused on Russia-Ukraine relations, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, contributing to publications such as the Russia Policy Monitor and Resource Security Watch. Emma’s work has been published by the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, including her article, Tokayev’s Strategy: Balancing Regional Cooperation and Global Ambitions. On campus, she researched different forms of nationalism in the Balkans, focusing specifically on how they influenced the outcome of the Bosnian War and contributed to human rights abuses. Emma has honed her diplomatic and leadership skills through Leadership UGA and Model United Nations, where she represented Kazakhstan at the UNC Model UN conference. Emma's international experiences in Italy, Armenia, and Georgia have deepened her global perspective, while her internship and research have equipped her with the skills to analyze complex geopolitical challenges. After graduation, she aspires to pursue a career in national security, addressing critical issues that shape global security and cooperation.