Dr. Kozhirova is a professor in the Department of International Relations at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Kazakhstan. She is also a member of the U.S.-based International Studies Association. Previously, she was a senior lecturer and World History Chair of Abai Kazakh Pedagogic Institute in Almaty, Kazakhstan from 1993-1999. She has been a visiting professor at St. Kl. Ohridski Sofia University and the University of New Mexico. Professor Kozhirova received her B.A. in history from Abai Kazakh Pedagogic Institute, her M.A. in political science from St. Petersburg State University, and her Ph.D. in political science from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.