Open to opportunities

Yana Grebennikova

@yanagrebennikova

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International security analyst and research specialist focused on OSINT-driven political and risk analysis.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can use OSINT, research, and political/security analysis to produce actionable risk insights, collaborate with experts, and contribute clear communication through reports and interviews.

I bring a strong research and analytical foundation shaped by strategic studies and international security work. My focus is translating complex global developments into clear insights—whether assessing security implications for business and regional stability or researching civil–military relations through my dissertation on the Wagner Group.

In my recent role as an International Affairs Specialist research intern for a remote international security podcast, I conducted comprehensive research, identified and approached expert interviewees, edited broadcasts, and ensured smooth delivery across platforms. Previously, as an International Security Analyst (freelance) in Beijing, I analyzed topics including US troop withdrawal impacts, BRICS-related developments, and political/regulatory/security/geopolitical risks using OSINT and data-driven investigation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

International Affairs Specialist

The International Risk Podcast

May 2025 - Aug 2025 (3 months)

Conducted comprehensive research on international security and its impact on business industries including technology, minerals, energy, and AI. Scheduled and coordinated guest interviews, edited podcasts, and broadcast episodes across platforms.

Project Management Networking Technical Skills Communication Skills Public Speaking

Customer Safety Officer

St Andrews Student Union

Oct 2022 - Aug 2023 (10 months)

Ensured the security of 2,000 students by following established security protocols in line with UK legislation and university policy. Maintained student confidentiality in critical situations and implemented fire safety policies for the building.

Stress Resistance Crisis Management Communication Skills Law Enforcement Security and Risk Management Working Calmly Under Pressure Teamwork

International Security Analyst

Consulting

Jan 2021 - Jan 2023 (2 years)

Conducted research on the implications of US troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan on regional security and business development. Assessed geopolitical and security risks, including potential effects of BRICS developments, on CBRI projects.

Investigation Data Analysis Security Studies Chinese Politics Strategic Thinking Analytical Skills OSINT

Bar Supervisor

Shangri-La Hotel

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)

Oversaw daily bar operations to ensure a seamless customer experience. Supervised bartenders and waitstaff and planned special events and promotions that increased revenue up to 15%.

Teamwork People Management Confidentiality

Research Intern

Institute of Asia Pacific Studies

Jan 2015 - Jan 2016 (1 year)

Developed a research database of possible Asia-Pacific university collaborations for a South China Sea conflict research project. Collaborated on research proposals and grant applications and translated a newly declassified Soviet document from Russian into English for the History Department.

Research Translation Teamwork Time Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of St Andrews

MLitt, Strategic Studies

2022 - 2023

Activities and societies: Subjects covered: Strategic Thought; Modern War, and Strategy; Political Economy of Conflict; Development of East Asia. Thesis (2023): The Wagner Group as a Hybrid PMC: Implications for the Civil–Military Relations Balance.

MLitt in Strategic Studies, covering strategic thought, modern war and strategy, political economy of conflict, and development in East Asia. Dissertation: The Wagner Group as a Hybrid PMC and implications for civil–military relations balance (2023).

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), International Studies with Chinese

2013 - 2017

Activities and societies: Subjects covered: EU institutions; EU Policies and the Law; Mandarin 3B; Contemporary Security; Politics and History of the Middle East; International Organizations; China, Russia, and the United States; Issues in Global Relations; Making of Modern Asia; Introduction to IT; Media and Texts. Thesis (2016–2017): Proxy Warfare: Ukraine Case Study. Head of School Scholarship (2014–2016).

BA (Hons.) in International Studies with Chinese, including EU institutions and policy, contemporary security theories, and international organizations. Dissertation: Proxy Warfare—Ukraine Case Study (2016–2017), with head of school scholarship for academic excellence (2014–2016).