Professional Affiliation

Schwarzman Fellow, Tsinghua University

Expert Bio

Kristina is an international relations scholar focused on the dynamics of the U.S.-Russia-China triad within the context of great power competition. As a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University, she conducted research on arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, and emerging technology competition between the U.S. and China, explored in detail in her Master’s thesis on “Assessing Strategic Reassurance in Current U.S.-China Relations.” Her professional experiences include conducting geopolitical risk analysis for Control Risks, managing international exchange programs for Eurasia Foundation, and leading resettlement efforts for Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. Kristina speaks English, Chinese, Russian, Belarusian, and comprehends Ukrainian. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Economics with a minor in Chinese from Washington and Lee University, having graduated magna cum laude. Kristina is originally from Belarus.

Expertise

• Education
• International Development
• Migration
• Science and Technology
• Security and Defense

Wilson Center Project

Lessons from Cyberattacks: Developing a Response Framework

Project Summary

The project aims to evaluate opportunities for international cooperation in cyberspace and advise policymakers on how diplomacy can help public and private enterprises mitigate risks from cyber encroachments by malicious actors. The research will focus on cyberattacks attributed to China and Russia, exploring the evolution of their disruptive strategy online and evaluating the appropriate response. In particular, the following questions will be considered: What lessons can be learned from the diplomatic response to prominent cyberattacks in order to strengthen public and private sectors? How can nation-states respond “proportionally” to cyber hostilities, and what diplomatic tools should and should not be considered depending on the severity of a cyberattack? How should nation-states approach cyber deterrence, and where do emerging technologies fit into the picture? The piece will feature a review of existing scholarly literature, official government statements, news analysis, and interviews with cyber experts and other professionals.