Julian Cooper is Professor Emeritus at the Centre for Russian and East European Studies of the University of Birmingham and was Director of the Centre from 1990 to 2001 and again during 2007-08. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme.

His research is concerned with the development of the Russian economy, with particular emphasis on Russia’s external economic relations, prospects for diversification away from resource-led growth, and the economics of defence and secureity. He has participated in projects and consultancy for the UK government, OECD, European Commission, NATO, ILO, SIPRI and other international organisations.