Welcome to my
Research Journal

This Research Journal is where I work through the ideas, questions, and events that stand out to me. From research on politics, culture, and current events, every post is written carefully by me, Tobin Albanese, with the goal of sharing what I have learned while leaving room for deeper thought and honest discussion.

Whether you're here to learn something new, consider a different perspective, or simply read through ideas that interest you, take your time exploring the posts below. Each one reflects something I wanted to understand more clearly.

Stay curious, keep reading, and see where the questions lead.

Research Journal

Latest Briefing

Markets Without Rules

Markets Without Rules

A political economy paper examining why IMF-backed neoliberal reforms failed to produce stable market institutions in post-Soviet Russia. The project argues that rapid liberalization entered a weak institutional environment where informal networks like blat did not disappear, but adapted and became central to how markets actually functioned.

Tobin Albanese2026-06-08

Recent Posts

Strategic Proxies:

Strategic Proxies:

A realist analysis of Iran’s support for Hezbollah, examining how proxy warfare allows Iran to project power, deter stronger adversaries, expand regional influence, and avoid the costs of direct military confrontation.

Tobin Albanese2026-06-08
Pipelines and Democracy:

Pipelines and Democracy:

A data-driven foreign policy analysis examining how Russian energy dependence, democratic institutions, and military spending shaped EU member-state alignment against Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Tobin Albanese2026-06-08
The Invisible Emir:

The Invisible Emir:

Teaser for my psychological examination of Hibatullah Akhundzada, or better known as the Amir al-Mu'minin of Afghanistan. This report explores how Akhundzada represents a different model of leadership, where power is shaped through ideology, religious legitimacy, and internal structure rather than traditional political mechanisms.

Tobin Albanese2026-04-01

Browse by Topics

Geopolitics

International Politics - Topic Paper

International Politics - Topic Paper

This paper explores how states use proxy groups to project power indirectly, focusing on Iran’s relationship with Hezbollah. It introduces the core questions and frameworks that will guide a deeper final analysis.

Tobin Albanese2026-03-26

Cybersecurity

No posts yet.

Economic Intelligence

Markets Without Rules

Markets Without Rules

A political economy paper examining why IMF-backed neoliberal reforms failed to produce stable market institutions in post-Soviet Russia. The project argues that rapid liberalization entered a weak institutional environment where informal networks like blat did not disappear, but adapted and became central to how markets actually functioned.

Tobin Albanese2026-06-08
IRMPS - Final Essay Topic

IRMPS - Final Essay Topic

Energy is not just an economic resource; it's a geopolitical lever shaping alliances and constraints. This research explores how dependence can quietly influence political decisions within international systems.

Tobin Albanese2026-03-26

Military & Defense

Strategic Proxies:

Strategic Proxies:

A realist analysis of Iran’s support for Hezbollah, examining how proxy warfare allows Iran to project power, deter stronger adversaries, expand regional influence, and avoid the costs of direct military confrontation.

Tobin Albanese2026-06-08

Technology & Innovation

No posts yet.

Global Events

Pipelines and Democracy:

Pipelines and Democracy:

A data-driven foreign policy analysis examining how Russian energy dependence, democratic institutions, and military spending shaped EU member-state alignment against Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Tobin Albanese2026-06-08
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