Dr. Rano Turaeva-Höhne brings a rare combination of academic excellence and hands-on field expertise across post-Soviet, Central Asian, and conflict-affected regions. Her fluency in multiple languages and deep cultural insight make her exceptionally effective in navigating complex socio-political landscapes. With over 200 expert reports, a rich portfolio of publications in leading journals, and a strong record in policy advisory and teaching, she delivers both analytical depth and actionable solutions. Her work on migration, identity, and informal economies is internationally recognized and directly informs policy and practice. Dr. Turaeva is not only a subject-matter expert but also a dynamic and reliable professional who adds strategic value to any team. She would be an outstanding asset to any organization looking for deep regional knowledge, intellectual rigor, and real-world impact.
consultant, and senior researcher with over 20 years of
multidisciplinary experience in migration, informal economies,
governance, human rights, and social development across
post- Soviet regions and South-Central Asia. With a PhD from
the Max Planck Institute and a habilitation degree from Ludwig
Maximilian University, she has consulted for major institutions
like the UK Home Office, US Courts, and UNDP. Her fieldwork
spans over a dozen countries, and she has authored influential
publications on mobility, identity, gender, and Islam. Renowned
for her linguistic fluency, academic depth, and on-the-ground
policy impact, Dr. Turaeva seamlessly bridges academic
research with practical implementation and strategic advisory
roles for governments and NGOs alike.
− Uzbekistan: Lecturer, Researcher, Consultant, Senior Expert
− Russia: Lecturer, Field Researcher, Policy Analyst
− Germany: Senior Lecturer, Senior Researcher, Guest Lecturer
− Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan: Field Researcher, Consultant
− Turkmenistan: Expert, Field Researcher
− Ukraine: Policy Analyst, Invited Lecturer
− China: Desk Study Analyst
− Afghanistan & Pakistan: Consultant, Policy Advisor
− Georgia, Armenia: Field Researcher
− UK & US: Consultant, Guest Lecturer
• 1994–2001 (Uzbekistan) – Faculty at Urgench State University, curriculum development, teaching, and research
• 2002–2004 (Tashkent) – Coordinator at a local NGO and roles with UNDP and private consulting
• 2005–2010 (Germany/Uzbekistan) – PhD at Max Planck Institute; conducted extensive fieldwork
• 2010–2011 (Germany/Uzbekistan) – Senior Researcher at the Center for Development Research
• 2011–present – Associate Researcher, Max Planck Institute
• 2015–present – Senior Researcher, Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography
• 2019–present – Senior Lecturer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
• 2005–present (International) – Independent consultant for governments and NGOs (200+ reports)
Books:
Migration and Identity: Uzbek Experience (2016, Routledge)
Labour, Mobilities and Informal Practices (2021, co-ed.)
Religious Economies in Secular Context (2023, forthcoming)
Special Issues Edited:
Halal Economies in Non-Muslim Countries (2020, Brill)
Social Lives of Debts (2022, J. of Extreme Anthropology)
Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals (selected):
Imagined Mosque Communities in Russia (2019, Asian Ethnicity)
Propiska Regime and Migration in Post-Soviet Cities (2021, Cities Journal)
Informal Economies in Post-Soviet Space (2018, Central Asian Affairs)
Muslim Orders in Russia (2020, Nationalities Papers)
Online Discourses & Islamic State Threat in Central Asia (2022, Central Asian Affairs)
Relations of Debt & Credit in Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan (2022, JEA)
Book Chapters (examples):
Gender and Women's Roles in Uzbekistan Tanish-Bilish and Tirikchilik entries in the Global Encyclopedia of Informality
Borders and Road Regimes in Central Asia
Policy Briefs & Reports:
Expert country reports (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan)
Policy brief: Innovation in Agriculture in Post-Soviet Contexts (2011
Basic: Turkmen, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Azeri