About Sophie Cooper
My name is Sophie (she/her) and I am from South Wales but am currently studying International Relations and Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews.
My Laidlaw research project will be studying how nostalgia for life in the former East Germany continues to affect politics in today's reunified Germany, in particular Germany's foreign policy towards Russia. This research is trying to explore the legacy of the Cold War in Europe and how its effects continue to be lived by people today. One thing I am particularly excited about with this research is that I will be going to Berlin for a week to conduct ethnographic research (interviews and participant observation) with former citizens of East Germany.
In my free time, I like to read anything i can get my hands on, as well as cook a lot and try different recipes from around the world. I also really love travelling and exploring new places.
I'd love to connect with someone who is interested in politics and diplomacy or otherwise shares my interests. And if you have any questions about my research, I'd love to chat about it!
Recent Comments
Sophie, your reflections on Berlin’s history are so engaging! It’s inspiring to see how deeply you’ve explored the city’s layers and connected them to your research. Keep sharing these insights—they’re truly enlightening!
Thank you, Princess! This trip to Berlin has been so wonderful to delve deeper into a city that I already love so much!
So interesting, Sophie! I really enjoyed reading.
Thank you, Noor!
This is fascinating content, thankyou! I love that its a brake from the norm' and that you explore an interest held since high school. You have inspired me to rethink my research direction and also to watch the films mentioned.
Thank you, Rachel! I would definitely recommend watching the films because they are some of my personal favourites even beyond research
Loved reading your post, Sophie! It's cool to see how Good Bye, Lenin! inspired your research. Your insights on Ostalgie and its impact on German-Russian relations are very interesting. Can't wait to see where your work takes you!
Thank you, Princess! I am very excited to share the research process over the next couple of weeks