Faculty of Social Sciences Global Studies Centre: advancing international research

In September 2026, the Global Studies Centre has commenced its activities at the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Faculty of Social Sciences, expanding its current expertise of research into regional and international processes, education and international cooperation.

The centre’s origins date back to the China Studies Centre, which focused on studying political, economic and social processes in China, as well as analysing China’s influence in Latvia and the wider region. As the scope of its research and international cooperation has expanded, the centre is broadening its field of activity to focus on global and regional processes across a wider geographical area. 

The RSU Global Studies Centre is establishing leadership in transdisciplinary research, education and international cooperation based on regional studies. Its aim is to promote expertise of global and regional processes, enabling both the public and decision-makers to understand international events within the context of regional politics, history and social processes. 

‘Regional studies are taking on new relevance, as regional dynamics also shape today’s global challenges.

With the Global Studies Centre joining the Faculty of Social Sciences, it is possible to bring together and further develop our strong regional expertise, while strengthening cooperation with partners in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and elsewhere outside the European Union,’

emphasises Ieva Puzo, Dean of the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences.

The Global Studies Centre is developing cooperation with researchers and similar centres in North America, Asia, including East Asia, as well as in Europe outside the European Union, thereby creating an international platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise and research ideas. The centre’s geographical scope of cooperation also extends to Ukraine, the Western Balkans and the United Kingdom.

New opportunities for students

‘We also serve as a platform for students at all levels here at RSU who are interested in exploring regional and global studies topics in their research,’

says Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, Director of the RSU Global Studies Centre and Director of the Social Sciences doctoral programme.

The Centre will promote opportunities to develop interdisciplinary research, establish international collaborations and engage in discussions on processes affecting Latvia, Europe and the world.

The role of the Global Studies Centre

The establishment of the Global Studies Centre reinforces the role of the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences in the study of international processes and offers new opportunities for the development of research, education and international academic cooperation.