Sophie Cooper (She/Her)

Laidlaw Scholar, University of St Andrews

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!

I am a/an:

Undergraduate Leadership & Research Scholar

University

University of St Andrews

Laidlaw Cohort Year

2024

Research Topic

Anthropology European Social and Political Studies International Relations

Area of Expertise

Politics Social Sciences

I am from:

United Kingdom

I speak:

English German

My hobbies/interests are:

Cooking/Baking Pets Photography Politics & current events Travelling Video/filmmaking

I am open to participating in mentoring/buddy programmes

Yes

Intro Content

Blog Anthropology Arts German Studies

„Die Klänge von gestern“ - "The sounds of yesterday"

Introduction to My Research on Nostalgia for Life in the Former East Germany and Reflection on My Research So Far

Influencer Of

Topics

Channels contributed to:

Arts & Humanities Social Sciences Research

Rooms participated in:

University of St Andrews

Recent Comments

Jul 16, 2024
Replying to Princess Agina

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!

Jul 16, 2024
Replying to Noor Zohdy

So interesting, Sophie! I really enjoyed reading.

Thank you, Noor!

Jun 05, 2024
Replying to Rachel Clinton

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 

Jun 05, 2024
Replying to Princess Agina

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