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The honeycomb Mott insulator, α-RuCl₃, is being intensively studied as a candidate for realizing Kitaev physics. One of the areas of current research is to find routes to enhance Kitaev interactions in order to stabilize a possible spin liquid, by increasing exchange frustration by the application of external perturbations such as magnetic field, doping or pressure. We have explored these possibilities by applying stress and electronic modifications. In this talk, I will discuss effects of these perturbations on structural, electronic, vibrational and magnetic properties.