2023 Thesis Award Competition - Winner Announcement

For the 4th time, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for Eurasia (SCCE) in collaboration with the Institute for Russian and Eurasian Studies (IRES) at Uppsala University has awarded an essay scholarship of a total of SEK 20,000. The winner of the 2023 Thesis Award is the Master´s thesis “Business as usual? Third country business and legal effects of sanctions on international trade"by Fatma Ilkem Karayazici and Gustaf Lewander, presented at the Department of Business Studies at Uppsala University in the Spring 2023. 

A total of 9 contributions for the thesis award were submitted and evaluated, covering a wide variety of topics.

Fatma Ilkem Karayazici and Gustaf Lewander have written an essay where they problematize international sanctions against Russia and its implications, as well as how these affect business operations, trade agreements, and financial transactions in third countries.

For companies operating internationally, it is important to understand and manage the risks associated with sanctions. This essay provides us with insights into the significance for companies to develop effective risk management strategies to minimize the impact of sanctions on their business.

The study of sanctions against Russia also highlights issues of ethical responsibility for companies active on the international stage. Companies should be aware of the moral and ethical considerations when navigating business relationships with countries affected by sanctions.

In conclusion, this analysis of international economic sanctions against Russia provides us with an in-depth understanding of the political, legal, and economic aspects that affect not only Russia but also companies involved in international trade and business. It contributes to informing decision-makers and businesses about the complex challenges that arise in the context of sanctions. Accordingly the topic has very high relevance for all companies engaged in international trade and it is very much up to date. 

We congratulate Ilkem Karayazici and Gustaf Lewander for an excellent contribution to a better understanding of this topic and wish them success in their further endeavors and careers! 

Heinz Sjögren
CEO, SCCE

Kaj Hobér
Chairman, SCCE

Claes Levinsson
Prefect, IRES