Shairbek Dzhuraev received his PhD in the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews. He previously served as Deputy Director at OSCE Academy in Bishkek and as a Dean of Academic Development at American University of Central Asia. Shairbek taught courses in Central Asian politics, Foreign Policy Analysis and International Relations at various times at American University of Central Asia, OSCE Academy in Bishkek and European University at St Petersburg. His research interests include a wide range of political and policy issues in Central Asia, with particular focus on foreign policy, political institutions and regime dynamics in the region. Shairbek holds MSc in International Relations from London School of Economics (2005).