Researcher Martin Kragh has died

Martin Kragh, a distinguished senior researcher and expert on Russia and Eurasia at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI), has passed away. The UI announced his death in a press release.

Kragh was a prolific author and a recognized authority on Eastern Europe. His notable works include the books "Det fallna imperiet" (The Fallen Empire) published in 2022 and "Historiens återkomst" (The Return of History) in 2025. He also authored the essay collection "Historien dömer inte bara de besegrade" (History Does Not Only Judge the Defeated).

In recognition of his significant contributions to historical and security policy research, Kragh was awarded the King's Medal in 2023. He had also received other accolades, such as the Zibets Prize from the Swedish Academy and the Stig Ramel Prize.

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He was a fantastic person with a great passion for his subject.

Christer Sturmark, his publisher at Fri Tanke, remembered Kragh as a "fantastic person with a great passion for his subject." Sturmark highlighted Kragh's thoroughness in his statements, which he believed contributed to his frequent engagement as an expert. "He had great respect for knowledge," Sturmark added.

Kragh's life journey included an early career as a DJ, where he achieved second place in the Swedish DJ championships in 2005. He had been battling pancreatic cancer for several years and was 45 years old at the time of his death.

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He was always so thorough in his statements, which I think is the reason why he was so often consulted. He had great respect for knowledge.