#2/2018 The Trianon Dialogue in Versailles

Aleksandar Vučić “Serbia is a genuine friend of the Russian people” MGIMO – Patrick Sciences Po Pouyanné 25 years “We need a renaissance of Excellence of courage in our leaders”

Paul de La Morinerie MGIMO's French connection he relationship between France and Russia has “Tsomething unique. It arises from the attraction and mutual recognition of two peoples enamored of absolute, beauty and truth” Jacques Chirac contents

A number of anniversaries 34 26 were celebrated at MGIMO: School of International Relations has turned 75, School of International Economy – 60, Journalism School – 50

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MGIMO’s exchange agreement with Sciences Po 128 and Business School of Konstantin Palace is the state residence of Nancy opened doors for the Russian President just outside St. international students to 210 Petersburg. It is often referred to as Russia and France ‘Russian Versailles’. And it is no coincidence that V. Putin chose this venue for negotiations with his French counterpart 206 Anton Tokovinin (left) is in charge of MGIMO’s Proxenos Chorus. In 1948, a most high-profile Boris Belozerov is a member of diplomatic scandal took place two clubs – of the popular Russian between USSR and USA, which TV game show “What? Where? resulted in the consulates being When?” and of “World Energy 202 closed down 52 Policy” club

Start History and Modernity of the State Early in 2020, the current MGIMO VIP Serbia Dialogue, which has emerged from a of Israel. The Ambassador of Israel Development Strategy will expire, meeting between Presidents Vladimir 6 Golf in MGIMO to Russia, Harry Koren, told MJ about so Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of 42 Patrick Pouyanné: 62 Olymp Putin and Emmanuel Macron, is aimed Aleksandar Vučić: “My dream is to The third MGIMO Rector Golf Cup was this successful project and how it will the University, and his team are to “We need a renaissance at connecting Russian and French civil th become youth coach” devoted to the 10 anniversary of golf develop develop a new one next year of courage in societies at the University 20 Pascal Lorot: our leaders” 68 MGIMO Family 100 Anatoly Torkunov: Friendship Ranking Exclusive One day when Patrick Pouyanné, Last year Russia and Serbia marked the “The Trianon Dialogue Jubelee the head of Total, was still a th President of an independent think 180 anniversary of establishment of the found its niche in the student, he read the famous diplomatic relations. Our friendship has 10 75th anniversary of the tank Institut Choiseul and founder 26 25 years of Excellence address given by Aleksandr gone through the test of time. How do relations between Russia of the project “100 French Economic In 1994, Sciences Po and MGIMO School of International Solzhenitsyn at Harvard University MGIMO graduates, both Russians and and France” Relations Leaders of the Future”, created concluded an agreement on student exchange. This program turned in 1978. What really struck him in Serbs, live and work in this Balkan state? 101 Pierre Morel: Russia’s top 100 and arranged for this speech is the passage where 12 The Journalism School has out to be so vibrant and popular 68 Close-up “The Trianon Dialogue them to meet with the leaders of high the Russian writer discusses what turned 50 French ranking that in 2005 it evolved into a full- 72 Assotiation has made considerable he calls "a decline in courage" in 80 Embassy progress” 16 MEO: 60th anniversary scale double-degree. Today both the West Rector’s Word universities are proudly marking its 103 Sylvie Bermann: Trend th Special Report 22 Anatoly Torkunov: “Our aim 25 anniversary History “25 years ago, MGIMO 98 Trianon and Sciences Po signed a 18 From Zionism to Innovations is to multiply the MGIMO 34 Itinerary: MGIMO – Sciences 52 Red Consul The initiative of the Trianon forward-looking agreement” MGIMO has held a course on the identity” Po – Nancy

2 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 3 Contents Editor's letter 62 122

MJ — MGIMO Journal (Digest) #2/2018

At the Paris Book Fair, Editor in Chief Igor Drobyshev Rector Torkunov presented Adviser a compilation Artem Malgin of correspondence Special Projects between Russia’s Olga Monakhova President Boris Yeltsin and France’s Layout President of Serbia Natalya Kondratyeva Presidents Mitterand Aleksandar Vučić: and Chirac in the 90s 142 Cover Photo: “Do your best to Igor Drobyshev avoid a fight, bu if it is inevitable, fight til Photos: the end’ Igor Drobyshev, Igor Lileev, 68 Alexey Levin, Semen Katz Publisher Mediadom Major Ltd. MGIMO, 76 Prospect Vernadskogo, Moscow 119454 Russia 60 +7-495-233-40-81 [email protected] or MGIMO, the year 2018 was marked by the activities of the Trianon Dialogue, an Contents copyright © initiative aimed at connecting Russian and French civil societies. The initiative emerged All rights reserved from a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron that took The publication is registered at the Roskomnadzor (Federal Service place at the Trianon Palace in Versailles. for Supervision of Communications, FThe Palace, a residence of French kings, has played an important role in our bilateral relations. Information Technology and Mass Media) Realizing the symbolism of the venue, President Macron suggested Versailles for a meeting Certificate ПИ N ФС77-49772, May 10, 2012 with President Putin in May 2017. He probably sought to correct the historical mistake made by Louis XIV in 1698. While on a tour of Holland, Russian tzar Peter the Great requested a visit to Versailles, but Louis XIV politely declined to invite him as he did not want “to be inconvenienced” by the tzar’s visit. Vladimir Putin reciprocated Macron’s courtesy in May 2018, when the French President came to attend the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum and the Football World Cup. President Putin welcomed his French counterpart in the Konstantin Palace, the President’s countryside 106 Marina Loshak: MGIMO Family 202 Team-Manager Savin residence on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. This palace is known as Russian Versailles. It was “We are ambassadors for commissioned by Peter the Great in the early 18th century as an official imperial residence to 148 France 206 Anton and His Proxeny the French art” outshine the famous palace in France. As President Chirac said, 'the 112 210 Order of the Crystal Owl Soyuzpechat Printing House Aleksey Meshkov: relationship between France and This amazing story illustrates how nations should cultivate relations. Despite the relentless “The Trianon Dialogue Russia Moscow, Vereiskaya 29, bld 20A Russia has something unique. It News pressure of sanctions that the West has been imposing on Russia since 2014 for the Crimea’s Circ. 1 000 opens a window of arises from the attraction and mutual “return home,” the Russian and French leaders have spearheaded a rapprochement of the two opportunity” recognition of two peoples enamored 212 Uzbekistan countries’ civil societies. of absolute, beauty and truth.' 116 Cannes. Smart City MGIMO is playing an important role in promoting this initiative; the Russian leadership MGIMO graduates – both Russians 214 MGIMO in Baku 122 Paris. Book Fair empowered MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov to co-chair this civil society forum; Ambassador and French, who live in France, share 215 Guest of honor 128 St. Peterburg. Economic this understanding. The MGIMO Pierre Morel co-chaired it on the French side. Forum Alumni association comprises folks 216 New program Read in this issue about the Trianon Dialogue’s multifaceted activities, carried out with of all walks of life. How do they do? 132 Versailles 216 Eastern forum support from MGIMO, as well as about other international trends backed and promoted by our university. Persona Grata Career 217 African meetings 198 142 Dmitriy Ryurikov: “I was a Ilya Polyakov: “MGIMO What Else? foreign policy aide to Boris alumni are on the same Igor Drobyshev Yeltsin” wavelength” 220 Trianon Rooster Editor-in-Chief

4 MJ #2/2018 2019 MJ 5 start

Golf in MGIMO Photo by Igor Lileev The third MGIMO Rector Golf Cup was devoted to the 10th anniversary of golf at the University Mikhail Kuzovlev (Economic Relations, 1989) First Vice-Chairman of the Board VEB.RF

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ince 2015 MGIMO students have been training and participating in tournaments on the championship golf-course, “Nakhabino”. Currently, MGIMO’s team is in the lead of theS All-Russia Golf Championships for students, which have been held for three years under the sponsorship of the Russian Golf Association and the Russian Student Sports Union. And that was how the idea of holding MGIMO Rector Golf Cup emerged. Now the Cup is popular, not only with MGIMO students and graduates, but also with Civil Service employees, businessmen and foreign diplomats.

As the University’s Rector, Anatoly Torkunov, put it: “Our Cup unites MGIMO graduates of different years who are keen on playing golf. The tournament is also very important for the professional development of the University’s students, as it gives them an opportunity to communicate with representatives of our Diplomatic Corps who are regularly invited to this tournament”.

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School. We’ve calculated that in four years and I studied here, and then Lebedev later we will have a wave of graduates whose headed the University,” he said. great grandparents are our graduates.” Torkunov pointed out that “the School The guest of honor, Alexander Grushko, has a great number of achievements, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of but one thing is crystal clear: we have Russia (‘75) expressed his congratulations. to keep going. When I was the Dean of He read out a congratulatory address the School of International Relations in from Sergey Lavrov (‘72), the Minister of late 1980s, there were only two schools Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, of international relations – ours and the in which the minister emphasized: “The one at the RUDN University, well, and one School creates a talent pipeline for Russian more at Kiev University. Nowadays such Foreign Service, its graduates render a school is a part of 70 universities, and we have to face tough competition. I am orkunov: “The School has a great Tnumber of achievements, but one thing is crystal clear: we have to keep going. We endeavour to succeed at the highest level in this highly competitive environment. And I am convinced that we will do so”

commendable service at the head office and foreign representative offices, ranging essmertnykh: from minor to key positions.” “MGIMO opened Anatoly Torkunov (’72), Rector the doors to life of MGIMO and also, offered his B congratulations to all those for whom for outstanding th the School of International Relations is politicians and 75 anniversary an integral part of life. Having described diplomats whose names the School as “the core of the University,” he recalled the time of its formation, went down in history. of the IR School the hard post-war years and paid tribute It is home to so many International Relations, oldest MGIMO School to its founders who made invaluable iconic thinkers!” contribution to the establishment of the Top foreign educators are joining our Alexander Bessmertnykh – the he School’s Head, professor School and the School of International University at large, not only the School of renowned Russian professors in their work Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR Yuri Bulatov (‘72), started Journalism,” he remarked. “Many International Relations; he also reminded positive that the School will continue at the University. It is critical because we (1991), who was the first alumnus off the official ceremony. He students transferred there and are now an the listeners about the students who were setting the pace in terms of introducing are living in an open world, and we should of the School to hold this position, congratulated all those present honor to these Schools. Seventy-five years the first to be admitted to the University all sorts of innovations related to have the opportunity to discuss and to be emphasized that “MGIMO opened the Ton the jubilee and reminisced about the is a period of time sufficient for strong after its foundation, many of them war development and extension of programs aware of different viewpoints, in order to doors to life for outstanding politicians School’s outstanding alumni who are traditions to establish and dynasties to veterans. “It is a great pleasure to welcome and will make every effort to boost progress. We endeavour to succeed at the and diplomats whose names went down now the pride of the alma mater. “Our be founded. In the 2000s we saw the first Nikolay Ivanovich Lebedev, who was MGIMO international ratings. No doubt, highest level in this highly competitive in history. There is no other university School became a donor for other MGIMO wave of graduates whose parents and the Dean of the School of International it is of utmost importance for MGIMO to environment. And I am convinced that we which is home to so many iconic Schools, namely the International Law grandparents both graduated from our Relations at the time when Yuri Bulatov remain truly international in all respects. will do so”. thinkers!”

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the fans with the insignia of the School of International Journalism, the jubilee number ‘50’, or the flag of the country whose language a person studied at MGIMO. Students offered a great choice of souvenirs: from fan ribbons and badges to ‘jubilee sit upons’ with the fest logo and the text ‘Congratulations!’ in 53 foreign languages taught at MGIMO (well, indeed, any student/graduate, especially those who studied oriental languages, will tell you that their bottom does play a principal role in studies!). However, the game itself was in the focus of everybody’s attention. The alumni team proved that it could not only survive afield for two halves, but

ake-up artists painted the Mfaces of all the fans with the insignia of the School, the jubilee number ‘50’, or the flag of the country whose language a person studied at MGIMO

also shoot and even score! Ivan Fedoseev was rock solid at the goal, he got a prize for that: a pumpkin of extraordinary beauty grown by the Head of the Department of International Journalism Nikita Shevtsov. Alexander Skvortsov scored the first goal and he was the one who made the score 3:3, which resulted The Journalism School in the penalty shootout. Muhammad Timurziev, a Master’s student in his first year of studies, excelled as always, and has turned 50 led the other players of the student team. The latter were better at penalty kicks A relatively new school – that of International Journalism – and won the match with the aggregate th appeared at MGIMO in 1968. Now it celebrates its 50 anniversary! score of 6:5. The Dean of the School of International Journalism Yaroslav Skvortsov presented the winning team ast September a major football day everyone joined in to take part (‘72), and art stars, with the minister of with the trophy. event was held at the University’s in festivities, including veterans, culture of Greater Moscow Region Narmin But, of course, the overall winner was stadium to celebrate the represented by Ambassador Yan Burlyay Shiralieva among them. the School at large, and celebrations of Lanniversary. On a sunny Saturday (‘70) and the Vice Dean Yuri Kobaladze Make-up artists painted the faces of all the School’s anniversary went on! 12 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 13 jubelee

After that Rustam Abiev, a graduate of the School of International Journalism, and assistant to the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Vladimir Medinsky (himself a graduate of 1993), read aloud a congratulatory address of the latter. In particular, the address stated the following: “The School of International Journalism of MGIMO has always been a generally acknowledged brand. Being a hive of student activity and a place of work of leading Russian specialists in the field, the School provides for continuity of generations and encourages artistic freedom”. In five days after the jubilee match all The guests of the event enjoyed a foot- those related to the School of International tapping and at the same time very Journalism gathered together like a big family emotional, kind and cordial performance to raise a toast to the past fifty years and to eagerly anticipate the upcoming fifty ones. ladimir Medinsky: “MGIMO’s School Vof International degree course ‘New Media and Strategic Journalism has always Communications’). been a generally The Dean of the School, Yaroslav Skvortsov ('89), read aloud acknowledged brand. a congratulatory address of Sergey Lavrov Being a hive of student ('72), the Minister of Foreign Affairs of activity and a place of the Russian Federation. In particular, the address specified the following: “Over work of leading Russian half a century of fruitful activity the specialists in the field, School has forged its own traditions and the School provides for become a talent pipeline in the field of international information. We are proud continuity of that a number of its alumni rightly form generations and a part of the ‘gold reserve’ of national encourages artistic journalism”. freedom” naloty Torkunov, MGIMO Rector, addressed the alumni and friends of the School. He recalled of a Russian pop-star Valery Meladze. how half a century ago Yaroslav The guests had a unique opportunity to Shavrov,A the first Dean of the School of ask the singer to perform their favourite International Journalism, enlisted freshmen songs from his repertoire. For instance, from other Schools, first and foremost a traditional Georgian song ‘Tbiliso’ was the School of International Relations; performed especially for the Vice-Dean Yuri the Rector also welcomed Professor Yan Kobaladze, a Georgian by origin. Burlyay, Ambassador, a representative of The celebration culminated at the concert the first class of graduates of the School of and a banquet after it. Toasts to success of International Journalism (by the way, his the School of International Journalism and grandson completed a Bachelor’s program the health and well-being of its academic at the School of International Journalism staff, students and friends were proposed in 2018 and was enrolled on a Master’s until late at night…

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ichkov: “We have to find a delicate Pbalance in preserving the School’s best practices and introducing new elements that would meet the demands of the time and the needs of both employers and students

received congratulations from virtually all countries and regions of the world. Congratulatory cables were sent by the UN Secretariat, State Duma (Russian parliament's lower chamber), Russian Foreign Ministry, Federal Tax Service, as well as by the colleagues from other economic schools and departments in Russia and the CIS. The anniversary featured a landmark event, the signing of a strategic agreement on cooperation between MGIMO and Rosbank, one of Russia’s biggest commercial banks. The agreement was signed by MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov and Chairman of Rosbank Management th Board, and a MEO graduate, Ilya MEO: 60 anniversary Polyakov.

he anniversary was celebrated in the context of an ongoing ankin praised the reform of MGIMO’s economic achievements of school. “The Rector entrusted the School’s meT with a challenging task,” says P Oleg Pichkov, Dean of the School of graduates and the high International Economic Relations quality of professional (MEO) and a MGIMO graduate. “We training in international had to find a delicate balance in preserving the School’s best practices economic relations and introducing new elements that offered by MEO would meet the demands of the time and the needs of both employers and our students.” a congratulatory speech. He praised the On the occasion of the School's achievements of the School’s graduates 60th anniversary, Alexander Pankin, and the high quality of professional Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia The strategic agreement on cooperation between MGIMO and Rosbank training in international economic is signed by MGIMO Rector A. Torkunov and Chairman of Rosbank and a MGIMO graduate (‘85), gave Management Board I. Polyakov (MEO, '01) relations offered by the School. MEO

16 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 17 TREND

From Zionism to Innovations MGIMO has held a course on the History and Modernity of the State of Israel. The Ambassador of Israel to Russia, Harry Koren, told MJ about this successful project and how it will develop. The Embassy of Israel in Moscow and MGIMO have a good record of cooperation. The recent projects include an event held at MGIMO to mark twenty five years since Israel and Russia restored diplomatic relations. As a new Ambassador, who started working in Russia only a year earlier, Harry Koren was looking for interesting cooperation projects and found out that Russian universities offered no academic courses on modern Israel. “Actually, all courses taught in Moscow and Saint Petersburg cover only the ancient history of Judaism, whereas we would like Russian students to explore modern Israel. So I suggested such a course to MGIMO’s Rector Anatoly Torkunov when I met him on the sidelines of the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum. My suggestion was met with understanding and interest, and I appreciate it. The course on the History and Modernity of the State of Israel proved to be so successful that we decided to continue it.”

MJ: What academic competence do you ust forty years ago MGIMO is one of Russia’s leading academic think this course, essentially, helps to institutions and the main university develop? Israel was mainly an training diplomats. I have never checked It helps to understand the phenomenon of agrarian state. it myself, but MGIMO graduates are sure the rebirth of the State of Israel and trace it J to outnumber other graduates among Today it is a modern and from the late-nineteenth-century movement diplomats, not to mention that the Russian for the return to the Jewish homeland innovative state. I like Minister of Foreign Affairs is a MGIMO back to Israel’s becoming a modern and the concise description graduate too. innovative state, a pioneer in the sphere of of our country’s We are aware of the high quality of high technology. Just forty years ago Israel evolution: “From MGIMO’s education in oriental studies. Both was mainly an agrarian state exporting in the Soviet times and now, MGIMO has oranges. Today Israel’s per capita income has Zionism to innovation.” always produced many good Arabists. It is outpaced the European average, overtaking not surprising: your country has always paid such countries as Italy and Spain. I like far greater attention to the Arab world and the concise description of our country’s flexibility. To put it simply, we think two its 22 states that surround one non-Arab evolution: “From Zionism to innovation.” or three steps ahead rather than just one. country, i.e. Israel. When people use the term “strategic MJ: This course seems to be practical thinking,” they usually mean the matters of MJ: Can the competences developed rather than purely academic. It gives security, defense and diplomacy. However, by this course help a student find an students an insight into Israel’s success these can be effectively addressed only in interesting job? story, doesn’t it? a prosperous economy. Israel’s economy is As far as I know, a MGIMO graduate can You are absolutely right. I would like this small but very successful. count on a job in the Ministry of Foreign course to teach students about the workings So I would be happy if Russian students Affairs or internship in an international of Israel’s economy, its economic miracle and in the course could look at Israel’s success company. A line on their CV saying that its secrets, as well as, such important issues story as a good model for Russia to follow. they did a course about Israel can put them as the establishment of the State of Israel, I want them to think about the following in good standing in applying for a job to diversity of its society, national security and question: how can Russia retain its a company that operates in Israel or to our others. huge energy potential and at the same Embassy. We are looking for talented young time modernize its economy making it people; a couple of years in our Embassy will MJ: So what is the secret of Israel's knowledge-based and driven by human give them experience and a good knowledge economic miracle? intellect, the country having no shortage of of the State of Israel. Such experience may The secret lies in Israeli people’s peculiar brains? prove even more useful for work at the strategic thinking which primarily implies We are grateful to MGIMO for the support. Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

18 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 19 TREND Pascal Lorot: Friendship Ranking For the first time Pascal Lorot, now the President of an independent think tank Institut Choiseul and founder of the project “100 French Economic Leaders of the Future” (Choiseul 100 France), found himself in Moscow in the Soviet times. At that time he headed a BNP office in the country. In the early 1990s, he advised Jacques Attali, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Travelling extensively on business, he saw much of the Soviet Union and Russia. “I took a keen interest in the country, and really liked the people I met. Russia is a much more advanced and forward-looking country than is usually thought in the West. It has opened up to the world. Russia’s young people are highly educated and active. They are willing to shape the country’s future.” So Lorot did not hesitate much. “Seeing how many young people are involved in Russia’s economy in very different ways, I decided to create Russia’s top 100 and arrange for them to meet with the leaders of high French ranking. The goal of that meeting was to connect Russia’s young economic leaders with their French counterparts, broadly speaking, French and Russian civil societies. Our countries play an important role in Europe; in a sense, structuring the continent.” The project was launched in France. Moscow on 18-19 April.” Institut Choiseul found talented he goal is to connect On the first day, a gala dinner at the Metropol entrepreneurs, young top managers, Russia’s young Hotel connected the Russian top 100 ranking visionaries seeing themselves as potential economic leaders with fifty guests from France, including national leaders in charge of the country. T participants of the French ranking led by Bris with their French At the very beginning, the ranking was Rocher, President of the Yves Rocher Group topped by Emmanuel Macron, who was counterparts, broadly and grandson of the company’s founder, then an economic advisor to President speaking, French and and French officials. Russian political elite Hollande. Later when Macron was elected Russian civil societies. Our were among the honored guests. “That was President, his French top 100 ranking an important networking event; it laid the fellows were very encouraged by his countries play an important groundwork for a friendship between the success. role in Europe; in a sense, young people of France and Russia drawing “Over the last year, we have been working structuring the continent on our past experience. On the one hand, our closely with L’Observatoire, a think tank past is a lot to learn from too. On the other affiliated to the Franco-Russian Chamber hand, we are looking forward to cooperation in future. On the second day, we held two round-table discussions in partnership with Sberbank and its CEO Herman Gref, one focusing on digital economy, the other, on smart cities. These helped our experts and leaders to define general areas and specific projects for potential cooperation. Like its French counterpart, this stage of the Russian project is called Choiseul 100 Russia. The second stage is planned for the Autumn, Russian participants are invited to France to take part in a similarly big event. “We aim at helping them to build

Press conference at the Interfax news agency on the Choiseul 100 Russia up personal ties, which will translate into business projects geared towards future of Commerce and Industry, and MGIMO one hundred, though, of course, there are success. This will eventually help Russia to find the most talented young leaders many more of them. These young people and France to upgrade leadership on the of Russian economy. We have selected participated in a big event that took place in continent.”

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Early in 2020, the current MGIMO Development Strategy will expire, so Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of the University, and his team are to develop a new one next year. The rector's vision for the new strategy pursues a complex duality – expanding the university's globally comprehensive nature whilst enhancing education quality, and preserving tradition along with developing the university's best features. ‘In other words, as MGIMO expands and grows in numbers, its identity should multiply, not blur. Besides, it is our evolving, and yet always distinct, MGIMO identity that attracts the best student talent in the country,’ he adds.

MJ: Introducing a new ‘Agricultural MJ: What will the cornerstone of the Both federal and institutional Attache’ program appears to be an Strategy be? academic standards for all Bachelor example of this identity evolution, The University of International Relations programs include two compulsory doesn't it? has the broadest international focus foreign languages. Master programs Yes, this is one of the outcomes of this of all Russian universities, graduating in ‘Diplomacy’ and ‘Oriental Studies’ significant trend, which we have been professionals with a unique set of also include two compulsory foreign working on for a while. professional skills, preparing them for languages. Since last summer we have been the competitive global market and for collaborating with the Ministry work in the international political, legal, MJ: MGIMO is not only entering of Agriculture and its head, Dmitry and information environments. At the new professional spheres but also Patrushev, and also engaging with our expanding its presence globally – in trustees from the agricultural sector and GIMO has the educational markets in Russia and regions. Together we have developed broadest beyond. a range of new syllabi for foreign MGIMO today comprises two campuses affairs experts, including ‘International international within the Moscow conurbation: in Agricultural Markets and Foreign M Vernadskogo Prospekt and Odintsovo focus of all Russian Economic Policy in the Agro-Industrial universities. At the same in outer Moscow. There is also a small- Complex’. It is a one-year program scale educational facility in Geneva. (two terms) and, indeed, will prepare time we are constantly There are plans to set up an autonomous ‘agricultural attaches’. It is supported expanding the department of MGIMO within the Far by ‘Rosselkhozbank’ and works in traditional boundaries of East Federal University in Vladivostok. partnership with the two best universities Finally, this year we are opening two in the country – Timiryazev Agricultural the term ‘international’, branches – in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Academy and Kuban State Agrarian in line with our motto, Baku (Azerbaijan) – both of which have University. ‘MGIMO goes beyond a lot of potential. As you see, we are breaking into new Last year was a milestone for us, our professional spheres, forming networking diplomacy!’ University reached an important clusters in many academic areas with threshold, with almost 10,000 students a wide range of higher education enrolled in core full-time Bachelor and institutions. As a result, in as short as same time we are constantly expanding Master programs. two years, we have set up joint Master the traditional boundaries of the term Opening the branches in Tashkent and programs and MBA courses in sports ‘international’, in line with our motto, Baku are also major benchmarks. In diplomacy and sports management ‘MGIMO goes beyond diplomacy!’ both cases there was an official request as well as international commodities As I said before, preserving unique from heads of state. The Baku branch is and raw materials markets. Part of the academic standards in diplomatic part of the ‘Action Plan for Developing modules for these programs will be training, we will keep entering new Key Areas of Russian and Azerbaijan provided by The University of Physical professional niches in the international Cooperation until 2024’, signed on 1 Education and The Mining Institute arena, mastering applied subjects in September 2018 in the presence of the Interview: Igor Drobyshev Photos: Igor Lileev (Moscow State Mining University), economics, law, IT, state policing and two presidents. Anatoly Torkunov: respectively. Last autumn we had corporate management. As for Uzbekistan, the pace of a second advance enrollment for an MBA A MGIMO graduate must be well above collaboration is nothing short of ‘Digital Economics’ program, co-run other graduates of the best Russian impressive. At the end of last year we “Our aim is to multiply with Moscow Engineering and Physics universities; he must be equipped with were officially notified that Uzbekistan Institute. The first enrollment was last a unique set of skills. What can be more had granted free use of a whole building February and revealed a huge untapped unique than, for example, providing in the centre of Tashkent to MGIMO. the MGIMO identity” demand for these kinds of programs. language training in 53 languages? The branches will operate within the

22 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 23 Rector's word

in the ‘WorldSkills Russia’ section of the about this jubilee is that it will take involved in the jubilee activity; we are ‘Young Professionals’ championship, place throughout the whole year, which using the “crowd sourcing” model. There showcasing their key digital skills: web- will make the celebration closer and has been a call for entries for a personal design and development; network and dearer to everyone within the MGIMO success, long read competition for alumni, system administration; and business community. The celebrations will be and the winning stories will be published software solutions. launched in May, when our overseas in MGIMO Journal, on social networks, Another segment we pin much hope alumni come to the 5th MGIMO Alumni and on the Facebook Alumni Association on is a Master program in ‘Artificial Forum in Tashkent. In June, the business website. Intelligence’, created in conjunction with alumni community will take part in the An important groundbreaking concept to two business partners – ADV Group, St. Petersburg World Economic Forum; in be introduced in the jubilee year will be represented by one of our trustees Dmitry October our academic staff and alumni ‘generational continuity’ or ‘mentoring’. Korobkov, and Microsoft. Microsoft from R&D facilities and think-tanks will We are planning to start a new initiative – provided all the necessary software meet at the 12th RISA Convention; for art Trustee-led lectures – and integrate them solutions to our Master program unit

jubilee year is a unique A opportunity to promote and secure a new niche for our university, especially in

MGIMO’s Board of Trustees meeting, chaired by the international arena. S. Lavrov, Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs We would like the th free market with additional partial s MGIMO prestigious Fletcher Law School (USA) MGIMO’s 75 state funding to meet national demand, and Seoul National University are in the expands and Anniversary to leave especially in the case with Uzbekistan. final stage. This year we are also starting a long lasting tangible Both branches have a similar operating grows in several projects in partnership with model – they are compact, focused A British universities. heritage numbers, its identity mainly on Master programs, which usually underpin bilateral economic should multiply, not blur. MJ: How is the digitization process relations. These programs include Introducing a new going at MGIMO? and a team of training instructors. ‘International Private, Commercial and ‘Agricultural Attache’ In 2018, we upgraded our IT hardware These purely digital programs are run in Financial Law’, ‘International Finance and framework; this year we will be parallel with innovative program at the and Risk Management’, and the business program appears to be focusing primarily on digitizing the ‘International Institute of Energy Policy’ IT program ‘System Analysis and Socio- an example of such course delivery process. The tasks (a MGIMO School) in economics and Economic Forecasting’. identity evolution. It is are wide-ranging – from introducing innovation management. distance-learning courses to integrating It is important to mention that MJ: Master programs are also in great our evolving MGIMO and adapting our existing computer digitization and IT-based subjects trigger demand at the main campus of MGIMO. identity that attracts the facilities to traditional course content a change in teaching approaches too; Paris, France. At the meeting devoted to 25th anniversary of partnership between MGIMO and Sciences Po Yes, for two consecutive years we have best student talent in in economics, management and social for the first time in the Bachelor and had equal numbers applying for our politics. Master program in ‘IT in Business’, we are Bachelor and Master programs. This is the country Another direction in development introducing a project-based approach to and culture lovers, there will be a music into the curriculum. 1990-2000 alumni a new trend for the University, which is the Odintsovo campus which now graduate final assessment. festival in Gorky Park and a traditional who once were active members of student involves a serious upgrade of academic runs programs in “IT in Business” art-exhibition; the main sport events will clubs and scientific societies will be staff requirements – older students are programs in 15 academic fields. Almost both for Bachelor and Master degrees. MJ: This year the university is include MGIMO Open Olympic Games as invited to return to MGIMO in the jubilee more difficult to work with, they are more thirty programs are officially co-run Besides, our vocational training facility, celebrating its 75th Anniversary. well as MGIMO Football and Golf Cups. year to share their experience and take demanding and tend to be more direct with our foreign partners, which award MGIMO College, successfully runs the A jubilee year is a unique opportunity These events will culminate in a gala part in their former club activities but and open in voicing their complaints. two, and sometimes even three, Master “Applied Information Science” module. to promote and secure a new niche evening in Moscow on 23 October. at a new, modern stage of their life. We Today, MGIMO (jointly with Odintsovo degrees at the same time. The dual- Incidentally, a team of students on this for our university, especially in the There will be a very diverse would like the 75th Anniversary to leave branch) awards Master degrees for 73 degree projects in collaboration with the program will be representing the College international arena. What is special representation of the MGIMO community a long lasting tangible heritage.

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Interviews and photos by Igor Drobyshev 25 years of Excellence In 1994, Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) and MGIMO concluded an agreement on student exchange. This program turned out to be so vibrant and popular that in 2005 it evolved into a full-scale double- degree Master’s program. This is a remarkable benchmark for this kind of partnership. The project eventually developed a whole new industry of effective Franco-Russian educational contracts. This year both universities are proudly marking 25th anniversary of this agreement.

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As for our exchange students, they often Vanessa Scherrer opt for courses taught in French, which Vice President for International Affairs is untypical of foreign students and Sciences Po, this proves that there are high quality Paris languages courses at MGIMO.

As Sciences Po’s Vice President responsible for international projects, Vanessa Sherrer welcomes dual degree MJ: Recently, MGIMO has focused students from MGIMO who come to study at Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) Sciences Po. on the internationalization of Under Vanessa Scherrer, PSIA has become of one of the world’s leading IR schools teaching 1500 students from education. We are already the most all over the world. In accordance with the estimates of the QS rating agency, Sciences Po ranked fourth in the prominent Russian university in category ‘Politics and International Relations’ in 2017. terms of internationalization: 20% of our students are foreigners. MJ: How do you evaluate the internationalization of our university. known in Russia. By the way, this is However, Sciences Po is not just cooperation between MGIMO- Today a half of the students we teach a general characteristic of our relations an international, but, actually, University and Sciences Po over the are from foreign countries. The solid with other partners in China, the US and a multicultural university. Could you past 25 years? partnerships we have built with leading Europe. This “circle of partnership” is share your experience with us? What We are truly proud of our partnership international universities are the pillars very important. Joint efforts are needed are your ways of attracting students with MGIMO. As far as my evaluation that underpin our growth on a world to develop together. from all over the world? is concerned, I will probably express scale. As I have previously said, 50% of an original idea. The point is that MJ: As a quarter century has Sciences Po’s students are not French. at the beginning of this path, when he educational passed since the beginning of the We are a truly international university. we started cooperation in the 90s, community is cooperation, it may be the right time As for the methods and approaches, we could not anticipate how things always an “agent to ask: Are we on the right track, or I would like to name a few. First of all, would develop. For both Scienсes Po T should something be changed? today we have 470 student exchange and MGIMO this was one of the first of change.” We must The educational community is always an agreements and a little over 40 international programs of this kind. evolve, because we “agent of change,” so to say, an initiator agreements on dual degree programs What is interesting is that owing to its of change. We must evolve, because we with universities all over the world. original and new character, we were work with young people work with young people who are our These are genuine close partnerships of able to attract students from different who are our future, future, people who by definition portend symmetric nature, that is to say, under countries. And today, half the dual people who by definition future trends. And the university is the these agreements, annually we dispatch degree students come from Russia or place where this future takes shape. We and receive at least 1 student. France, and the other half from other portend future trends have to change; the only thing we must These programs make us popular in countries. Hence the conclusion: when never change is our aim, which is to different regions of the world. So, in joint efforts are made and everything look for the best possible opportunities the first place you should broaden the possible is done for the program to Another asset is the ties with MGIMO, for our students, to be at the forefront geography of your partnerships. succeed, it suddenly becomes popular I should say, and the fact that your of the most advanced research, and Furthermore, when launching a dual internationally. Another point is that university was chosen as our leading to maintain the highest quality of degree program we carefully choose the program enabled us to attract partner in Russia. Because of MGIMO, education. but because without doing so we would hen you choose a partner university. Therefore, it is absolutely brilliant students. And Sciences Po has become a more have risked remaining in the past. not by chance that we chose MGIMO professors and lecturers who teach noticeable presence in Russia and MJ: Does this mean that we are on a key education 25 years ago; we were appealed by its similar courses in Sciences Po and ultimately in the world. When you the right track? MJ: To date, hundreds of MGIMO partner in considerable reputation and a solid MGIMO-University have developed an choose a key education partner in Yes, because a track that leads to students have obtained a degree W historical foundation. In the same a country, you certainly important quality, namely mobility that a country, you certainly consider not a higher quality is always the right track. from Sciences Po. Does this make thorough way, we select partner helps them to become better acquainted only the quality of education, but And if there is a need for changes to you feel satisfied? consider institution’s universities across the world. For this is with each other. also that institution’s authority in the achieve this, we should be bold enough Our dual degree students from Russia authority in the a matter of confidence. If a student of domestic education market. to make them. For example, Sciences do very well in their studies, they domestic education mine is given a credit point by a partner MJ: What assets has Sciences Po takes great pride in its Bachelor’s possess a number of qualities that let university, we need to be confident that Po acquired as a result of its MJ: It is true that Russia has no program, the foundation of our higher us consider them brilliant students: market. In my opinion, the assessment is highly reliable on cooperation with MGIMO? other brand like that, a school for education. With that in mind, in the they know foreign languages very well, our partnership with a par with that of Sciences Po. To begin with, our joint program with diplomats that has existed since the recent years, we have profoundly they are good at analysis, and they are MGIMO has made us Thirdly, there should be an attractive MGIMO and the Free University of Soviet time. reformed it and are satisfied with its new hard working. MGIMO students give us offer of subjects that would be appealing Berlin were an impetus for us that In my opinion, our partnership with quality. My point is that we changed not an element of cultural diversity and an well-known in Russia to students from different parts of the led to a large-scale movement for the your university has made us well- because we wanted and decided to do so, alternative view of the world. world. Coming from different cultural

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and educational backgrounds, they was founded in 1872. Soon, we are going share one thing, in particular, the to mark a 150th anniversary. As far as belief that the diploma that they would I know, MGIMO will become 75 years be awarded, will change their life old this year. and help them achieve high results. And, I should say, your university is And to attract students, the choice a world-class establishment, one of the of disciplines should be out of the few universities that offer instruction ordinary. By the way, this point is on so many languages. We appreciate related to the question about the need this when your students come to to change that you have previously us. Let me congratulate you on this asked. What is taught should always accomplishment. be adaptable and should be worthy of We also do quite well in terms of foreign tomorrow’s leaders. So, the third way, languages instruction, which is well not directly related to the process of known in the world. As regards Sciences internationalization, is readiness to Po’s trademark, it has not changed meet high international educational over these 150 years and remains the standards. We should enter the market same. It is a high quality education, offering the best product not only in complemented with the greatest terms of education, but also research, possible diversity. This quality is and practice. Therefore, similarly to characteristic not only of the academic, MGIMO, practitioners in the field teach but also the research sphere, and this at our university. creates opportunities that attract the Finally, a fourth important tool is best brains from the world. Diversity a strategy of internationalization. Which depends on the political will hope we will be of the head of the university, and his together for another willingness to become an international player in this market. This is not even 25 years and will be I th a tool, it is the leader’s philosophy that able to celebrate a 50 consists in the belief that the citizens anniversary. This is of your country – students of your university (in our case the French) will a worthy aim in and of benefit much more if they study in an itself international student environment, they will gain important multicultural experience without leaving their has already been mentioned in the country. context of internationalization, but there is also social diversity, which MJ: MGIMO is twice as young is also very important to us. We are as Sciences Po, which is one of so to say “agents of change” in this the oldest and most prestigious area in France, we offer a wide range universities of the world. However, of scholarships. Equally important is MGIMO has an advantage at least our educational, disciplinary diversity. in one area, I would say, a hallmark That is, I would say that our major that makes us distinct. At MGIMO trademark is a combination of the 53 languages are taught (vis- quality of education and diversity on à-vis Sciences Po that teaches a wide scale, and I would add to this one 25) and it was even listed in the more ingredient, practice. That is why, Guinness Book of Records. This the founders of Ecole Libre des Sciences is our trademark. And what is Politiques – the name of Sciences Po 150 the trademark, the peculiarity, of years ago – realized that the French elite Sciences Po? could not exist in isolation, it needed Yes, we are older than you. Sciences Po the knowledge accumulated in other

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countries and its practical application. MJ: Why did Sciences Po opt for MGIMO? And that is probably another trademark, Pascal Cauchy In the early 1990s, Sciences Po was among the which to me seems to be a blend of Attaché for Academic Collaboration first French academic institutions to implement academic knowledge, scientific ideas, French Embassy in Russia the policy of internationalization. It was research and practical experience brought a coincidence that MGIMO got interested in to the classroom. In 1992, Pascal Cauchy’s daughter was born; at the time he was working at international cooperation at the same time. the French Embassy in Moscow. The next year saw the conflict between All in all, there appeared common ground for MJ: What would you like to wish our Russian deputies and Boris Yeltsin, which resulted in tanks firing at the House cooperation. Besides, Sciences Po and MGIMO alma-maters, MGIMO and Sciences Po? of Parliament. “It was horrible,” Cauchy recalls, “the country was in a state of have a lot in common – they conduct academic First of all, I hope we will be together severe depression. And under the circumstances, it was even more surprising research in the same fields, both institutions for another 25 years and will be able that a delegation from Sciences Po visited MGIMO as early as 1994 and are known to be talent pipelines for political to celebrate a 50th anniversary. This is concluded an agreement on student exchange. Back then no one could elite and Foreign Service. a worthy aim in and of itself. But as I said, imagine that the agreement would last for a quarter of a century! Nowadays In 1994, a delegation from Sciences Po led by much will have to be done to adapt to I have something to be proud of: my daughter is 26, and the partnership its president Alain Lancelot came to MGIMO. new contexts. We will have to respond to between Sciences Po and MGIMO, which I helped conceive, is 25!” We were aware of the difficult situation in the challenges of time and to work jointly Russian education at that time – for instance, about the fact that scholars and lecturers had he very fact that to resign from Moscow State University and our partnership Russian Academy of Sciences because of low remains strong salaries. But we also knew that MGIMO took T in those talented professionals, which was and develops in the face important to us. of political difficulties in You know, we were in a state of some kind of euphoria, there was so much enthusiasm, the world shows how so many expectations; it seemed that we important the role of were creating something new, though we academia and didn’t know exactly what. The French were discovering Russia, and via MGIMO we learnt universities is in modern about its system of education, as only several society years before foreigners were barred from ur program one? First of all, this is a true double your university. Russians were also keen on started to attract education program, which opens up learning more about us. I remember one excellent opportunities for students both in in strong academic partnership without French language teacher who confessed that students from all Russia and in France. Secondly, with time it paying attention to the political situation O gained a very important competitive edge, he had never met a Frenchman before… over the world. In other that may change. words, the degree has as it started to attract students from all I think our partnership is a model for MJ: And how did you get things rolling? over the world. In other words, the degree others to emulate. The very fact that it In September 1994, Katy Rousselet, a political acquired an internatio­ has acquired an international status! Such may remain strong and develop in the face scientist and specialist on Russia, started to nal status! Such a unique commodity is very rare on the of political difficulties in the world shows work at MGIMO; together with her Russian a unique commodity is global education market. how important the role of academia and colleagues she developed the primary I would call our program an engine, with universities is in modern society. cooperation scheme, a basis for future very rare on the global similar programs lining up behind it. By We are not only the “agents of change,” partnership. education market the way, in the near future we are going but are also facilitators of dialogue. And There was a financial side to the matter, of to launch another breakthrough project – the fact that academic relations may be course. MGIMO did not have resources to a partnership between alumni associations stable and capable of developing over the allocate for student exchange. That is why evolved into a full-scale double-degree and endowments of Sciences Po and MGIMO. quarter century is of great importance. the Embassy got involved and established Master’s program. What’s your opinion When I look at today’s students, I have a wish that in 25 years we may a scholarship program: it was important to about it? I understand that our 25th anniversary is repeat what we say today: our relations us to create conditions for Russian students To me, this double-degree is a benchmark so special and so dear only to the hearts is a good way of maintaining dialogue to live and study in France without being on for this kind of partnership. Today many of people of my generation, to those who between our universities, countries and a tight budget. universities offer such program – some pioneered this project and pulled it off. For youths - the best representatives of whom are more successful, though they last for younger generations it’s not a big deal. It’s will become our leaders in another quarter MJ: This program turned out to be so only five years on average, some are less so commonplace – to come and study where century. vibrant and popular that in 2005 it successful. Why is our program a model you want. And this is good.

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Ekaterina: Paul: My father would tell me: “You I have had an interest – even have a way with words, and you a passion – in Russia since childhood. should capitalize on it.” That’s why I would read history books about “ “Russia and its relations with France. in 2010, I entered the Department of Public Relations of the School of I would even ask adults what they International Journalism, MGIMO. knew about Russia, but they had never been there, so they could not tell me As early as in the first year of anything. So I decided to see Russia studies I was inspired by classes with my own eyes. I started surfing the Paul of Elena Smolskaya – a woman Internet, looking for a study program with a European way of thinking, that would help me go there. de la Moriniery a real professional with profound (MGIMO Business School, knowledge of the field of Nancy, 2016) Development manager communications, advertising and CMS Advocates the media. In her classes, together Paris with fundamental knowledge that is integral to an MGIMO education at large, she tried to pass on practical skills. She kept on warning us: do not idealize your profession; you have to be ready for anything, and she was right.

The French language was definitely my favourite subject. I have loved France since childhood, and brilliant French teachers Ekaterina helped shape this love into a very specific life-changing decision – to enroll on a Master’s program in a French university Smirnova to have the opportunity to work in France later on. (MGIMO, 2014 – Sciences Po, 2017) Digital Communications Manager Sciences Po was an obvious choice for me, as it is the Christian Dior Parfums Paris best école in France in my field (“grand école” is the term used to describe the most prestigious French universities). I knew that MGIMO had a joint double-degree MA program with Sciences Po. But it didn’t offer a Master’s degree in communications, which I wanted, so I decided to opt for a more difficult and risky path, by entering into the university Photos by Igor Drobyshev as a regular student.

When I arrived in Paris and began my studies, I didn’t Itinerary: experience any stress and easily fitted into the study process I liked the double degree program and the international environment. But the concept of learning offered by the Business School in MGIMO – in Sciences Po proved to be entirely different from the one we Nancy. It actually was a triple degree have here, at least in the Master’s program. At Sciences Po, we program because it included three were required to present their own analysis of the situation, universities: the one in Nancy, the sciences Po – not only master the factual material. Lecturers did not test your University of Bologna and MGIMO in basic knowledge; rather, they proceeded from the premise that Moscow. At first, I was not considering Nancy you know it and that there was no sense in testing it. Instead, going to Italy, but if I could get to they wanted you to show your analytical potential, an ability to Russia this way, then I wouldn’t mind engage in self-reflection on the basis of the material studied. going to Bologna as well!

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Ekaterina: The main objective of going to Russia was to talk to Russian people and get to know their culture. I decided to specialize in During my preparation for the trip, I was a bit digital technologies in the worried, to be honest. When you are a foreigner, field of communications. “ it is always hard to talk to locals. I was ready for The underlying reason Russians to be a little cool towards their new was quite simple. Thanks acquaintance. Here, unlike back home in France, to meetings with leading you can’t kiss somebody at the first meeting. specialists, directors general When Russians start trusting you though, they of international enterprises are very easy to talk to. I was also pleasantly and department heads who surprised with the pattern of teacher-student regularly delivered lectures relationships at MGIMO. One professor in Nancy or gave seminars at Sciences would say that these relationships at MGIMO Po, I understood that this were “vertical”, but it is not true. I personally had specialization was now at its cooperative relationships with teachers and we height. could discuss any topic both in and out of class. Having done my first internship at the PR Department of Christian Dior Going to Crimea made a strong impression on Parfums, I realized that PR me. One of the MGIMO teachers organized a trip per se was of no interest to for foreign students in which we spent almost me. By the way, I managed to five days there. We visited the magnificent get that placement without Livadia Palace, where Stalin, Roosevelt and much effort, though I’m not Churchill signed the Yalta agreement; enjoyed French. But this seems to be the amazing scenery; and, of course, talked to an exception to the rule, as the locals. I was stunned that life there was so Dior is the principal fashion peaceful because our media says that there is house in France, and the a full-scale war in Crimea. I hardly even saw the French are very particular police there. about their national heritage. I wrote a motivation letter Paul: and applied online sending it together with my CV, At MGIMO, the most important course for and after three interviews me, which I also took in Nancy and Bologna, I was taken on. The head was definitely Marketing, taught by Professor of Global Communications “Aleksandr Svistchev. However, strange as it may Department, my immediate seem, International Relations turned out to be superior with whom I’ve the most interesting course for me. I had never been working up to now, is studied the subject before, but I had always an open-minded man who been interested in international affairs, getting values talent and qualification information through French media and having and pays little regard to a good idea about France’s stance on many nationality; besides, by that issues. Our media, however, does not give any time I had become fluent in insight into Russia’s point of view, strategies and three languages and was real interests. Classes at MGIMO helped me learning a fourth. He wanted to understand the motives that drive Russia to to have an ‘international’ make decisions on the international stage, and to element at the department. promote its point of view through the efforts of The reputation of Sciences Po Russian diplomacy. helped as well.

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Ekaterina: Upon the recommendation of my first training supervisor, I was offered the second internship at the international department of Christian Dior “Parfums, where there was less PR and more strategy. My task consisted of coordination of different markets (there are almost forty of them, including the Russian one) and in adjustment of the strategy developed in Paris to each of these markets. To have an empolyee speaking another language and having a different perspective is advantageous at such a department. It was during this internship that I understood that I would like to minimize the communications component in my future work and focus on development and implementation of global strategies in the digital sphere.

I have been working for Dior for half a year now, doing what I’ve wanted to, that is developing international digital projects related to promotion of the company image.

lasses at MGIMO helped me to understand Cthe motives that drive Russia to make decisions on the international stage

GIMO opened the door to a high-quality MFrench education for me; Sciences Po opened the door to France

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Paul: In September 2016, after an internship with the Dechert law firm in Paris, I returned to MGIMO to “defend my thesis, which was titled “Is Marketing Essential for Law Firms?” The presentation lasted for about 20 minutes, and at first I was rather stressed out about speaking in front of the examiners. But then I took it easy and everything went fine. After that, we had a party on a boat on the Moscow River to celebrate our graduation.

Ekaterina: What is so particular about the work of a digital specialist in well-established French “companies with a long history, such as Dior? They have a lot of codes, image rules, which are to be scrupulously observed by the communication department. If, for instance, Adidas has an up and running cooperation with young rappers, break dancers, sportsmen, a lot of projects with street art, our work is much more complex: in order to do a digital project at Dior, you are to cherry-pick all the elements that meet the company image. And the task of applying cutting-edge approaches while observing the honored rules specified for the brand is a real challenge.

Firstly, I am thankful to MGIMO for my French language and basic professional qualification which I built on during my studies at Sciences Po; secondly, I appreciate the fact that MGIMO opened the door to a high-quality French education for me; not everyone has such a chance. Due to long-standing relations between MGIMO and Sciences Po, the administration of the latter knew that I came from a good, reputable institution. And Sciences Po opened the door to France for me. Now both countries are my home, and I’m very happy about that because I love both Russia and France. I feel Russian and French at the same time. And my dream is to live and work in both countries in the future.

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Patrick Pouyanné: “We need a renaissance of courage Interview by Igor Drobyshev Photos by Total’s Press Department, Igor Drobyshev, in our leaders” Igor Lileev One day when Patrick Pouyanné was still a student, he read the famous address given by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn at Harvard University in 1978. What really struck him in this speech is the passage where the Russian writer discusses what he calls “a decline in courage” in the West, a phenomenon he witnessed during his four years spent in the “free world” after he was exiled from the USSR. He goes on to say that this “decline in courage” is particularly noticeable in leaders and intellectuals, i.e. those who he says have a “determining influence on public life.” At the time, Patrick Pouyanné never dreamed that decades later he would feel the need to reread this passage from Solzhenitsyn's address. And yet he found himself in that very situation in October 2014 when, after deliberating for several hours, the company’s board of directors chose him to succeed Christophe de Margerie, the head of Total, after the latter was killed in a plane crash. Vip

МJ: The details of that tragic event the plane crash. After that, we all went must be seared into your memory. home to sleep for a few hours. I came back What happened? to the office early that morning because I remember that it was midnight on I couldn't sleep. Around ten, Thierry a Monday, I was in my room and I was Desmarest called to ask: "Are you prepared getting ready for bed when the telephone to take on this role? Don't answer right rang. A colleague, choking back tears, told away, take some time to think on it." me that Christophe had been in a serious accident in Moscow. And she added: y father had "Please get to the office as quickly as you can. The situation is serious." a saying that he At two in the morning, Thierry Desmarest, taught me when who was the Honorary Chair of Total, M I was a child: "If you arrived at the head office. We discussed the crisis and decided to wait for the official want it, you can do it!" word from the Russian government about

Honestly, I wasn't completely surprised find a way to do it. Not the "Yes, we can" that had the good fortune happen to be the head of a company. When by the idea. I knew I was on the list of Obama used as his presidential campaign they asked me to lead Total, rather than potential candidates who might one slogan, but rather: "Yes, I can". to be raised with asking myself if I was ready to step up, day take over for Christophe. Around That's probably the reason why Solzhenitsyn's good values like I immediately thought about the crisis our lunchtime, I told the chair that I would words about Western leaders made such an I company and everyone who worked there honesty, hard work, accept his offer, and I added: "If you're impression on me at the time. I found his found themselves in. You don't think about offering it to me, it's because you think I'm address and reread the passage. I'd like to common sense, the yourself, you put it all on the line for the capable. So I'll trust your judgment." quote it, if I may: "The decline in courage, at pursuit of excellence company and the only question you ask times attaining what could be termed a lack and the greater good is: "How can I do my best to shoulder this МJ: When did the ideas in of manhood, is ironically emphasized by responsibility?" Solzhenitsyn's speech come to mind? occasional outbursts and inflexibility on the It was when I started to reflect on the part of those same functionaries when dealing МJ: Solzhenitsyn's critique fits with МJ: Were you able to put Solzhenitsyn's responsibility I had just taken on. My father with weak governments and with countries your personal motto, but it doesn't words into practice in the four years had a saying that he taught me when I was that lack support, or with doomed currents really mesh with Obama's slogan... you have been the head of Total? a child: "If you want it, you can do it!" Ever which clearly cannot offer resistance. But they Solzhenitsyn's words are first and foremost I hope so. I borrowed a few ideas from since, it has been my personal motto and get tongue-tied and paralyzed when they deal a warning. He is cautioning us about the him and used them as the foundation it has guided me throughout my life. Plus, with powerful governments and threatening lack of courage we are all confronted for my guiding principles. First, to be Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in I always encourage my colleagues to do the forces, with aggressors and international with, one that runs the risk of becoming a good leader, it's not enough to believe the naming ceremony of the Arctic LNG tanker 'Christophe de Margerie' in St. Petersburg, Russia same: if you really want something, you'll terrorists." a personal and professional failing, if you in yourself, you also have to believe in the

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future and your values, and you have to be company? We set a 20-year goal and re- the venture. I'm thinking of personal willing to go to the mat for them. committed to our common Total values: risks especially. In his Harvard address, Solzhenitsyn embodied this type of “safety, respect for each other, pioneer spirit, Solzhenitsyn condemned the cowardice courage better than anyone. As a prisoner stand together and performance minded”. of those who have "occasional outbursts in the gulag, he bravely described all the and inflexibility" and take seemingly atrocities he witnessed by scribbling his МJ: What is your vision? "courageous" decisions, yet... these are for ideas on tiny scraps of paper. Whenever Our company has a long-term vision others, never for themselves, decisions there was a risk that they might fall into spanning 20 years. We set ourselves the goal whose consequences they will not have to the wrong hands, he destroyed them after of becoming the "responsible energy leader". endure personally. memorising their contents. Solzhenitsyn's Another principle, which draws on You have to be personally invested in what courage came from the fact that he wasn't Solzhenitsyn's ideas, is that those who truly you do. There is no such thing as courage motivated by his own interests, but by believe in their values will not hesitate by proxy. something much more important – his when the time comes to take decisions. As long as I live, I will never forget the 45 duty to the Truth. He was inspired by this Solzhenitsyn denounces those who are excruciating minutes I spent in the control duty to the Truth when he gave his speech hesitant to act or express their opinion. To room at the Carling plant when I had to at Harvard, a speech that caused a furore in be a good leader you must be brave: say explain to my colleagues why we had to the West. what you mean and take action, then stay stop the steamcracker – which was seen Can you have courage if you have no the course and stand your ground. In doing as the heart of the plant – and reduce the personal values? I don't think so. The so, you must be personally committed, workforce. That was one of the hardest French language itself is proof that the not fearing risks or trying to hide behind moments of my career. concepts of "values" and "courage" are others. When you take decisions in trying More recently, at a time of justifiable always encourage my colleagues: if you Ireally want something, you'll find a way to do it

emotions that I too share, I decided to courage alone is not enough to transform prefer to come to an in populism. In the absence of courage, keep my word and not cancel my trip to society. And Solzhenitsyn was not alone. extremes have rushed in to fill the void, Saudi Arabia when most business leaders He had assistants (the "invisibles"), understanding with with radical attitudes and programs that were boycotting the Riyadh conference incredibly courageous people who my partners under advocate for upending the status quo. That in reaction to the assassination of the risked their own lives to help him hide I is happening throughout the world, a world mutually beneficial journalist Khashoggi. In doing so I was the manuscript of his book, The Gulag that becomes a little more fractured every motivated by my convictions: Total has Archipelago. conditions. That is day. To paraphrase the title of Goya's never been in favour of the sanctions You must also know how to inspire probably why Total is famous painting, "The Sleep of Reason and isolating measures taken against courage in others, literally "encouraging" seen as a desirable Produces Monsters", I would make the In the control room at the Total's Carling plant Russia, Iran and Qatar, nor do we support your troops. Here, leaders lead by claim that the sleep of courage produces boycotts, as these only punish populations example because there is an undeniable partner throughout the monsters. inextricably linked. There is a reason times, you always run a risk: success is and contribute nothing to progress, phenomenon where people imitate their world and a force for Now more than ever, we need a renaissance that the words "valiant" and "valorous" – never guaranteed, and courage isn't always especially when it comes to respect for leaders: if the boss takes courageous good in France of courage in our leaders – political, synonyms of courageous – have the same rewarded. human rights. By contrast, the presence of decisions, it creates a ripple effect, economic and intellectual. But we root as "value"! When I took the decision in 2017 to Western companies can play a major role encouraging others to be more daring. also need this rediscovered courage to make Total the first international energy in this work. We believe that it is better to As a leader, you have to be conscious of МJ: Since Solzhenitsyn gave his speech resonate with the courage of those whom МJ: What are the values you are willing corporation to sign a contract with Iran, maintain frank, open dialogue with these the risk of isolation. So you need a system forty years ago, the world has become Solzhenitsyn termed the "Invisibles". to fight for? that was a big risk. President Trump's partner countries, articulating our values of look-outs who can ask you questions unrecognisable... That is why in the speeches I give to my I had the good fortune to be raised with decisions concerning Iran forced us to and acting in a way that is consistent with and an alert network both inside and Today, just like 40 years ago when he gave colleagues at Total I refer to his ideas from good values like honesty, hard work, withdraw that contract. The line between them and with our commitment to human outside the company. You must know the speech at Harvard – and perhaps even time to time. common sense, the pursuit of excellence daring and recklessness is not always easy rights. how to listen, be willing to engage in more so –, we cannot help but recognise and the greater good. Right away I asked to discern... Certain decisions require The third idea I took away from discussion and recognise that you might the "decline in courage" and worry about МJ: You play an active role in the myself: where do you want to take the you to be willing to lose something in Solzhenitsyn's speech is that one person's be wrong. the consequences, especially the rise Trianon Dialogue as a member of the

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professional life, when you are constantly No, not at all! We strive to strike a fair Information. I travelled all over the world. analysing everything. But life is so nuanced balance in our relations, we want it to be I met with many ministers and heads of that you quickly find that there is more to a win-win. Otherwise, you are doomed to State, and I learned to speak their language it than just rational aspects, that emotional failure. When my colleagues come back and understand the nature of political aspects are very important as well. from a negotiation saying, "We really came priorities. out ahead on this contract!" I know it won't МJ: In Russia, the people who run last long. МJ: How would you define them? major oil and gas companies are My priorities are obvious: increase profits influential figures. We call them МJ: Why? so I can help the company I am responsible oligarchs, a term that became popular Because as it unfolds, the government of for grow. A politician, on the other hand, in the 90s. the country involved quickly realises that does not think in business terms. They There are no oligarchs in France. And the contract will not bring in all the benefits have other goals and a different vision. I'm no oligarch, just a manager who they were expecting, and so they will ask to Their biggest concern is improving people's became the CEO of the company. When renegotiate the terms. I prefer to come to well-being: they need those votes in the it comes to influence, yes, I have a certain an understanding with my partners under next elections. amount of influence at my company and mutually beneficial conditions so that we in the energy sector, as Total is one of can produce a contract that lasts. That is МJ: What would you say about the the largest companies not just in France, probably why Total is seen as a desirable phenomenon of Donald Trump, then, but also worldwide. We operate in areas partner throughout the world and a force seeing as he's both a politician and like the Middle East and Africa. That is for good in France. a businessman? why politicians in France listen to me, It's probably a case of personal ambition. especially when it comes to geopolitical МJ: So that makes you the top diplomat I don't know what made him want to go issues. I don't know if you'd call that for French business? into politics, I don't know what motivated "influence" but at any rate, I don't use my status to influence political decisions. To coordination council for the French o be a good leader, avoid problems. It's true that sometimes put it simply, Total is a company that does delegation. The theme for 2019 is I had to remonstrate with them, up to business, and we try to be the best we can education. What role has the education it's not enough to and including threatening them with be. That being said, I may be mistaken, and you received growing up played in your believe in yourself, financial penalties, but usually reason I may exert a certain influence over French career? T convinced them. That is how I developed officials without realising it. you also have to believe I spent my youth far from Paris, much of the negotiating skills that have served it in the South-western part of France in in the future and your me so well since then. I also learned to МJ: And in the countries where you the town of Saint Jean de Luz. In secondary values, and you have to identify priorities and share them with operate? school, I was part of a cohort of students be willing to go to the others. That is why, even today when I am In certain African countries where oil is who were gifted in mathematics. Thanks mat for them directing my colleagues at Total, I make an important part of the economy, for to my maths skills, I was accepted into sure that they understand the priorities instance Angola (Total produces 50% of the best école supérieure institution in and (most importantly!) that they respect the oil there) we naturally have privileged France – École Polytechnique and when them. For instance, when I was named relations with the government. But I would I graduated, I was ranked as one of the I monitored pollution emitted by industrial CEO of the company, oil prices had say that the inverse is true as well: Angola top ten students of my class. With these businesses in Dunkirk. In the late 80s dropped considerably, and I had to tell is just as important to Total as Total is to credentials, I was able to continue my and early 90s, steel and chemical plants my colleagues: "Our top priority is cutting Angola. I recently met with that country's studies and earn my degree from École des did not take this issue very seriously. costs". Today, prices are higher, so we have president and we talked of important Mines in Paris. And from time to time that would result slightly different priorities. matters. They want us to make greater As I said before, though, it was the lessons in scandals when toxic substances were investments in their economy. I learned from my parents that played found to be released into the atmosphere. МJ: Is it your mathematical mind that I would never call myself a diplomat. During him. Maybe he just thought that since he a decisive role in my career. This despite the I was responsible for negotiating with the helps you identify them? МJ: And what would be the benefit for my time in Paris (and I should note that had achieved everything he set out to do in fact that they were both local civil servants. directors of the companies responsible. I think so. At school I loved physics and you? I started working in government fairly business and his personal life, he wanted I also began my career as a civil servant, and maths. They taught me how to analyse. We are ready to invest, of course, but we young, at the age of thirty), I acquired to take on a new challenge – becoming I worked for the government for seven years. МJ: And were you able to get through When you go to solve a maths problem, strive to make sure that these investments the skills I needed to communicate with President of the United States? to them? For capitalists, it's all about you have to read the problem carefully: will be profitable. politicians. I worked as a technical advisor To be clear: today Mr. Trump is more МJ: In the energy sector? the bottom line, isn't it? every word means something very specific. to the Prime Minister for the Environment a political leader than a businessman. No, I worked on technological and French law did it for me. It is very strict. At school I was taught to think rationally. МJ: And you're willing to twist their and Industry. I was then chosen to lead the But it would be a mistake to consider him economic risks in Northern France: You must abide by the law if you want to And that skill has proved very useful in my arm if need be? cabinet for the Minister of Technology and a traditional politician. Plus, he has to

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CEOs of major corporations. Being a savvy businessman, he put this gift to work for his company. I would like to think that Christophe helped me develop this trait as well. Because getting on well with other leaders is probably a leader's most important task. I'm not in this position to build mathematical models or do important economic calculations, but rather to solve problems that can only be solved through cordial relations with the leaders of countries or other companies.

МJ: So Christophe was grooming you to be his successor? All I know is that the board of directors chose one of the candidates that Christophe had selected and trained over many years. It so happens that at Total, preparing for your P. Puyanne meets Rector A. Torkunov in Versailles

convince voters that his presidency isn't just a business venture for him, that it is built on ideas he truly believes in.

МJ: You succeeded Christophe de Margerie, a remarkable man and succession is the CEO's most important e need speaking freely, they try to guess what businessperson. Did you know him task. That is why I have already identified I'm thinking. I often tell them: "Don't try well? three or four people who could become a renaissance of to guess what I'm thinking, tell me what Yes, very well. I met him about twenty potential successors. courage in our you're thinking." years ago, when I was director of Total W And when you're leading a company like leaders – political, Exploration Production Qatar. In 2002 МJ: What are the main lessons you have this one, you take on a "new dimension", he offered me the job of vice president learned over the past four years? economic and intellectual you become a public figure, making you for finance at the exploration production There are so many. To start, I would say a media target. And you cannot escape division, a position that would determine that it is impossible to imagine what it's them, because the public wants your the course of the rest of my career. He like to lead a company like Total until you continuing through to business dinners at opinion. I quickly realised that anything moved me into the office next to his and experience it. My wife wasn't so pleased 10 pm. When you're the head of a major I said could end up on the front page of he would often stop by my office to chat. when she heard my name had been corporation, a lot of people want to meet a French newspaper, so I had to tread I worked with him for 12 years, until the put forward. She told me: "Your life will with you. carefully and never lose my focus. tragic accident. You see, he and I were completely change, and you'll disappear Another lesson I learned is the following: very different people, but we got on well from our lives". And she was partly right I didn't realise at first that my colleagues МJ: I can imagine how proud your and we were able to understand each about that. were behaving differently to me. They saw parents are of you, especially your other. My life belongs to Total. The best word me differently, as the "big boss". When father who set you on this path, giving to describe it is "focus": from the minute they came to see me in my office, I treated you your personal motto: "If you want МJ: What did you learn from him? I open my eyes in the morning until the them the same as always, as though it, you can do it!" Christophe was renowned and beloved minute I close them at night, I cannot lose nothing had changed. In the beginning, Never in their wildest dreams would they throughout the world for a trait that no one my focus for a single second. this attitude led me to make a lot of have imagined that one day their son else had. He was able to put himself in the mistakes. Finally I realised that I was all would be the CEO of one of the largest other person's shoes and understand where МJ: Do you have time to work out in the alone, with no one above me. companies in France. My parents keep up they were coming from. Thanks to this morning? Before, when I asked my colleagues for with my career by reading the newspaper, gift, thanks to his capacity for empathy, he No, but I try to get a morning walk in their advice, they didn't hesitate to give and then they call to tell me what they got on well with all types of people: from before I head to the office. From then on it's their opinions. But now, when it's their read about me. They are very proud of me, company employees to heads of State and Speaking at a Trianon Dialogue meeting meeting after meeting: starting at 8 am and boss asking for their advice, instead of of course.

50 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 51 HISTORY Red Consul A year ago, Russia’s government filed lawsuits in the US Courts against the United States concerning the illegal seizure of Russian Federation’s diplomatic property. The United States closed Russia’s Consulate General in San Francisco, the Trade Mission in Washington, D.C. and its office in New York City. However, this is not the first major crisis around our consulates in the USA. The most high-profile scandal which resulted in the consulates being closed down, albeit by the Soviet side, broke out in 1948. It was triggered by what became known as the Oksana Kasenkina case. It was the then Soviet Consul General in New York Yakov Lomakin who had to handle that situation. As it happens, he had been in charge of the Consulate General of the USSR in San Francisco several years before, in 1942-1944.

he events that led to the “Oksana Kasenkina case” When the consular car arrived at started unfolding in the summer of 1948. The Soviet the farm, Oksana Kasenkina came government’s ban in June on cargo transit to West Berlin out to meet the diplomats, with via the Soviet occupation zone in Germany ended up her luggage in hand. However, inT the “Berlin Blockade.” The political situation deteriorated following the instructions of dramatically, with people starting to talk about a new war soon. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR began reducing the President of the Foundation, number of Soviet citizens working in the USA. Instructions came about a dozen men surrounded from Moscow to close down the Soviet school in New York. All the the diplomats and their car. teachers and pupils were to go back home by the beginning year. Countess Tolstoy asked Oksana However, on July 31, Oksana Kasenkina, 52, a chemistry teacher Kasenkina to come back into suddenly vanished. the house, locked the door, and The erratic behavior of the teacher enabled the State Department together with her assistant Marta to make a lot of fuss around the so-called “Kasenkina case.” Only Knutson tried to persuade the after the State Department declassified the documents of that period Yakov Lomakin teacher not to leave with the 50 years later, did it become clear what the case was all about. The situation developed as follows: several days before the steamship Pobeda, which was to take Kasenkina home, was due akov Lomakin received to depart, she was taking a stroll in the park, where a person she was not acquainted with, a certain Alexander Korzhinsky, YKasenkina’s long incoherent addressed her in Russian. He was an emigrant from Russia, and letter, in which she was by coincidence, also a professional chemist. On learning that the complaining of being lonely and woman did not want to go back to the USSR, he recommended speaking of suicide. She asked that she go to the editorial offices of the “New Russian Word” newspaper. The newspaper’s editor Vladimir Zenzinov took him to rescue her. It was Kasenkina in his car to a farm which belonged to the Tolstoy necessary that Lomakin go to Foundation, where she was granted sanctuary. However, she did the farm where she was held not like it there: she had to work in the kitchen and at the canteen, serving the farm workers. Convinced monarchy supporters, the people at the farm were suspicious of the Soviet teacher. Feeling Soviet diplomats. Realizing that Oksana Kasenkinsa was firm in her increasingly uncomfortable, after only a week’s stay there, Oksana decision, Alexandra told her employees to let Oksana go. Kasenkina wrote a letter to Yakov Lomakin, the Soviet Consul At the Consulate, Lomakin called a press conference without delay, General, concealing it from her “benefactors,” and asked one of at which the teacher assured a group of American reporters that the hands at the farm to mail it. she had ended up at the farm against her will. Consul Lomakin, in Yakov Lomakin received her long incoherent letter, in which she turn, showed the letter he had received from her, read parts of it and was complaining of being lonely and speaking of suicide. Oksana submitted a photocopy to the FBI for the forensic experts to analyze, Kasenkina asked him to rescue her, pledging her commitment to to make sure that there were no reasons to suspect a kidnapping. “the cause of the [Communist] party,” professing her love of the However, at the same time, these newspapers published a statement Fatherland and profound hatred of the world of capitalism. It was by Karl Mundt, a member of the so-called House Committee on necessary that Lomakin go to the farm. UnAmerican Activities (HUAC) demanding that Kasenkina be

San Francisco, 1944. Yakov Lomakin is speaking to workers at the shipyards calling for 52 MJ #2/2018 the opening of the #2/2018 MJ 53 Second Front HISTORY

subpoenaed, so that she could testify about “the spying activities of the clever boy and started lending him books from his library. In Board of the sectoral newspaper of Soviet diplomats against the United States.” The hysteria in the 1916, Yakov left village school and started working as an apprentice “Consumer Goods Industry” and press and on the radio gradually began to gain momentum. at a cobbler’s shop. During the revolutionary turmoil of 1917-1918, put in charge of the Department Even though Yakov Lomakin’s actions were impeccably Yakov was the only breadwinner in a family with two younger of Wool, Silk and Knitted Fabrics appropriate, the media started accusing him of kidnapping children, his brother and sister. Industry. In October 1938, Yakov Oksana Kasenkina, dismissing her letter as a fake. Journalists In 1918 once his father returned from the fronts of the Civil War, Lomakin was transferred to the and an aggressive mob inflamed by the publications in the media Yakov went to Moscow in search of work, hoping also to continue TASS Information Agency and besieged the consulate day and night. Five days later a disaster his education there. Lomakin joined a crew of workers that shortly afterwards, he started happened: Oksana Kasenkina fell out of a third floor window onto were refurbishing and redecorating apartments in the center of attending English language the concrete surface of the fenced yard of the consulate. She was Moscow. The owner of one of the apartments, Mikhail Malinovsky, lessons for correspondents. taken to hospital. Consul Lomakin allowed the police, who were a prominent gynecologist, who would later become a member of the In the spring of 1939, Yakov suspecting a suicide attempt, to inspect her room at the Consulate. Academy of Medical Sciences, took notice of the handsome young Lomakin was appointed editor They found a sealed letter in her handbag, which was taken for man. One day they got to talking, and the older man was pleasantly of the TASS branch in New forensic analysis. The letter, written in June, had a Moscow address surprised by how much the young man had read and how perceptive York. on it. Oksana Kasenkina was writing to her loved and dear ones and subtle he was. He allowed the young man to use his extensive He had the good fortune that she was looking forward to seeing them soon and dreaming of library, and Yakov’s choice of books showed to the professor how to take part right away in “strolling in the meadows around Moscow.” versatile his interests were. covering the 1939 to 1940 New On August 19, the State Department took a decision to revoke the The crew finished redecorating the Professor’s apartment, but York World's Fair, which was Consul General’s exequatur, thereby declaring him persona non their contacts continued, with Professor Malinovsky more than organized around “The World grata, on the grounds that he had kidnapped a woman who had once inviting Yakov for dinner. Reminiscing of those years, Yakov of Tomorrow” theme. From been seeking political asylum in the USA and had been holding her Lomakin often recounted that he got his first appreciation of table then on, events were developing rapidly. In September 1939, the Second World War began. young guy who used to tend In May 1941, a month before Yakov Lomakin, a student A to the animals in his native at Moscow Textile Institute Hitler’s Nazi Germany attacked village came up with a proposal to use the wool shed by animals, manners at the family meals at Professor Malinovsky’s. This later did him a good service in his diplomatic career. which would make production he State Department took In 1925, Yakov started working at the “Liberated Labor” textile a decision to revoke the much cheaper. For his ingenuity factory and enrolled at an evening high school for workers. In T in identifying additional raw 1929, his efficiency at the workplace and his active volunteer work Lomakin’s exequatur, thereby material resources for the wool earned him a promotion to “SoyuzZagotSherst”, a public joint declaring him persona non grata, stock company purchasing wool from producers. At this company, industry, he received an award on the grounds that he had a young man who used to tend to the animals in his native village kidnapped a woman who had of the Ministry of Textile was able to capitalize on his livestock-breeding skills and his Industry perceptive faculties. He came up with a proposal to use the wool allegedly been seeking political shed by animals, which would make production much cheaper. He asylum in the USA set forth his proposals in a booklet entitled “Collecting the wool shed in captivity against her will. The decision came into force after it by livestock.” The young worker received an award of the People’s was signed by President Truman. Revocation of a high-ranking Comissariat (Ministry) of Textile Industry for his ingenuity in the Soviet Union, Yakov Lomakin was appointed Vice Consul in diplomat’s exequatur is not a frequent occurrence, and it is always identifying additional raw material resources for the wool industry. New York. In February 1942, he was promoted to Consul General perceived as a blow to the sending country’s prestige. In response, In 1930, Yakov Lomakin enrolled at Moscow Textile Institute. He in San Francisco. The new posting gave him the autonomy that the government of the USSR immediately shut down its Consulates pursued two majors simultaneously, presenting and defending with his determined and independent temperament required. He was in New York and San Francisco, which in accordance with established honors his graduation thesis in 1935, and receiving the qualification working round the clock in order to achieve the fundamental rules and practices, meant that the US Consulates in Leningrad and of “engineer-economist.” His graduation thesis impressed the goal of consolidating the Allied Powers during the Second World Vladivostok would have to be closed down, too. Consular relations Qualifying Commission so favorably that it was suggested that he War. Following the signing of the lend-lease protocols, the Soviet between the USSR and the USA were severed for 24 long years and take a post-graduate course. leadership was attaching special importance to the work of the only resumed in 1972. San Francisco Consulate, since the Atlantic was blocked by the * * * Nazi submarines, and the Pacific Ocean became the main route of * * * In his student years at the Textile Institute, Yakov Lomakin was supplies from the United States to the Soviet Union. Yakov Lomakin was born on November 4, 1904, in a village of enthusiastically contributing reports and satirical articles to the Notably, Consul General Yakov Lomakin only became a diplomat Tambov province. At 8, he started working together with his parents Institute newspaper “Textile Institute Student.” His articles did in 1944, as he was originally sent to the USA by the TASS Information Lomakin is engaged in refurbishing on the compound of squire Gousev. The landowner soon took notice and redecorating apartments in Moscow not go unnoticed, and in 1937, he was invited to join the Editorial Agency. He only received diplomatic status two years later.

54 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 55 HISTORY

Relief”, the “Russian-American Society,” the “National Committee Front. At his request, a telegram for Medical Aid to the Soviet Union” and others were among to this effect was sent to President the most active organizations, with the greatest membership. Roosevelt. Yehudi Menuhin, the Committees of “The Russian War Relief” were quickly created in outstanding violinist, performed over forty major American cities. The “Russian American Society” at the rally. John Garfield recited was publishing a bulletin “For Victory” in English and in Russian “A Red Army Soldier’s Letter” with the latest reports from the fronts. Among the sponsors of these in English, while actress Olivia non-profit organizations there were Senators, members of Franklin de Haviland recited Konstantin Roosevelt’s administration, prominent lawyers, bankers, diplomats, Simonov’s poem “Wait for Me” scientists, leaders of America’s major labor unions and cultural in English. figures, including those of Russian descent. For instance, Sergey Rachmaninov, who left Russia in 1917 and was by no means a Soviet * * * power admirer, gave several concerts after Germany attacked the The Second Front was opened USSR, donating all the revenues to the Foundation providing aid to on June 6, 1944, with Allied Forces landing in Normandy. In July, Yakov Lomakin was recalled onsul General Yakov Lomakin to Moscow. The voyage across the Pacific ocean lasted thirteen became a diplomat in 1944, as C days and was dangerous, but they he was originally sent to the USA safely arrived in Vladivostok. by the TASS Information Agency. From there on, they continued He only received diplomatic their journey to Moscow by train. In Moscow they had nowhere status two years later to live. Before Lomakin’s first foreign posting, the family had the Red Army. Learning of the composer’s death on March 28th 1943, been living at the hostel of the Yakov Lomakin ordered a memorial service for the great composer Textile Institute. That is why at at the Orthodox Church of San Francisco. It was an unconventional first they were provided with Consul General Lomakin at a reception in New York step for a Soviet diplomat at the time. accommodation at the “Moskva” Yakov Lomakin spoke to various audiences in the cities on the hotel before a room was assigned Western coast of the United States calling for the opening of the to them in a house built in the n 1945, the House of Representatives created Second Front: workers at the shipyards, businessmen, artists and early 19th century as a rental a standing Committee to investigate un- intellectuals. He proved to be a persuasive and eloquent speaker, house. However in the spring of I who could easily speak impromptu. He was 1946, Yakov Lomakin received American activities. Ten Hollywood movie * * * outgoing and cordial, which a new posting and left for New directors, some of whom were members of the US Opening the Second Front in enabled him to get friendly York with his family. Communist Party, became the first victims of the Europe was the top priority at the with many outstanding people In the less than two years since witch hunt that was launched. All the time. This demand was supported opposing fascism and Nazism, his departure from America, the organizations that had organized relief for the Red in the United States by numerous such as Charlie Chaplin, Olivia de country had changed greatly. The non-profit organizations that Haviland, Martha Graham, Yehudi last American-Soviet friendship Army were closed, their leaders and members were raising money to support Menuhin, Jascha Heifetz, Leopold rally, at which participants spoke blacklisted and persecuted the Red Army. “The Russian War Stokowski, Heinrich and Thomas about “the eternal friendship” Mann, Lion Feuchtwanger, as well as, and a “new world,” was held businessmen, shipyards and media on November 16, 1944, at the Madison Square Garden. Edward Communist Party, became the first victims of the witch hunt that was owners. Stettinius, US Undersecretary of State, who had been in charge of launched. Soon the names of Charlie Chaplin, Paul Robeson, Orson On May 18 1942, Yakov Lomakin spoke administering the lend-lease program, spoke at the rally. Other Wells, Lillian Hellman, Arthur Miller, Pete Seeger and many others at a “Russian War Relief” rally, which speakers included Lord Halifax, British Ambassador, Joseph Davis, were added to the list. All the organizations that had organized relief assembled about ten thousand people and a former US Ambassador to the USSR, Henry Kaiser, an American for the Red Army were closed, their leaders and members blacklisted was attended by US Admirals and Generals, industrialist, and Andrei Gromyko, Soviet Ambassador to the USA. and persecuted. and San Francisco’s mayor Angelo Rossi. In 1945, the House of Representatives created a standing Committee Thus, the atmosphere was extremely hostile. Besides, it so The star attraction of the rally was Charlie to investigate un-American activities, which became known as the happened that Andrei Gromyko’s family was already living in the Chaplin, who demanded in his intervention House UnAmerican Activities Committee, or HUAC for short. Ten small apartment on the premises of the Consulate designated for the that the US administration open the Second Hollywood movie directors, some of whom were members of the US Lomakins. Search was underway for an appropriate accommodation

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bought on 91st Street in last year in America, 1948, was very hard. Dad had lost not only 1975 to house the USSR’s the job, but also any hope to get another one. For a Soviet citizen Consulate General. Work to with a Communist outlook, who did not stop short of candidly rebuild and refurbish the expressing his political convictions, there was no room in that house built in the early 20th America, and he soon came to realize this. He was dreaming of century began, only to be going back to the Soviet Union with his family and more than once suspended when President talked about it with the Soviet Consul General in New York, but Carter took a decision to ban the latter gave him evasive and vague answers, which was driving the Consulate’s opening due Father crazy. Later, when we lived in Germany, the familiar story to Soviet troops being sent to played out again, the only difference being that it was the USSR’s Afghanistan. The Consulate- Ambassador to the GDR rather than the Consul General in New General did not start York that was giving him evasive replies. Father was in despair. functioning in the building Today I understand that all of us in the family owe our lives to until 1995. Three years earlier, these two people. Had we come to the Soviet Union a little earlier, the Consulate in Seattle was no doubt, Father would have been shot, Mother and I would have reopened, and in 2003 – one in ended up in the GULAG, with my younger brother sent to an

Yakov Lomakin is speaking at the UN

for Ambassador Gromyko’s family. So, the Lomakins had to stay at a hotel for some time, like in Moscow. The Consulate General was hanks to Lomakin’s Houston. located on West 61th Street, in a prestigious neighborhood of the Tconnections the Soviet * * * West Side. It was a good building on which we had a long-term lease, government managed to buy for Little is known about Yakov whereas the USSR’s Permanent Mission to the UN could not boast Lomakin’s career and activities such a good building. What was most inconvenient about its premises the Mission an elegant mansion after September 1948. Contrary was that there was no space for diplomatic receptions there. at Park Avenue for US$ 500 to the US media’s predictions It was Yakov Lomakin who was instrumental in solving the problem. thousand, which would seem that Lomakin would be He was good at winning influential people’s trust and was a good a ridiculous price today punished for the failure of the negotiator. He kept aloof from American Communist from American “Kasenkina operation” (or, Communists and their fellow-travelers. Gregarious and hospitable as he probably, thanks to them), he was, he preferred the company of Wall Street financiers, industrialists to return home and applied to the Consulate for repatriation. returned to the central office from Pittsburgh, Detroit and Cleveland, and other representatives of A decision on each applicant was taken in Moscow, and the of the Ministry of Foreign our big business who, on their part, flocked to his cocktail parties and term for a formal response was not specified. Many applicants Affairs and was appointed dinners in the Consulate. Multimillionaires and financiers Bernard had to wait for years. Yakov Lomakin did his best to help these Deputy Director of the Press Baruch and Nelson Rockefeller were among them, bankers Leroy people. It was in that period that many emigrants came back Department. Lincoln and Peter Grimm. By the way, thanks to these connections home: Sergei Konnenkov, a sculptor, Michael Fiveisky and From 1953 to 1956, Yakov the Soviet government managed to buy for the Mission an elegant Alexander Grechaninov, composers, Count Alexei Ignatiev Lomakin was posted in Beijing mansion at 680 Park Avenue, next to the mansions of Leroy Lincoln, and others. There was a large Armenian diaspora in the USA, as Counsellor Minister at the Bernard Baruch and the Rockefellers, for US$ 500 thousand, which with many Armenians also applying for repatriation. In 1946, USSR Embassy. In 1956 he would seem a ridiculous price today. The mansion was built in 1910 the Soviet Parliament issued a Decree “On the procedure of was recalled from China and Charlie Chaplin, who demanded and belonged to Percy Rivington Pyne, a prominent financier. A grand granting USSR citizenship to Armenians returning to Soviet appointed Counsellor at the that the US administration open the Second Front, reception devoted to the October Bolshevic Revolution anniversary Armenia from abroad.” The repatriation formalities were taken Department of International signs a telegram to President Roosevelt was held at the mansion on November 6, 1947, which brought together care of by the USSR Consulate in New York. The Armenian Organizations at the Foreign bankers, Bishops, and diplomats from different countries. They were National Committee of America (ANCA) held a banquet at the Ministry. However, Lomakin’s dynamic personality kept him orphanage for the children of the “enemies of the people.” Both received by leading officials of the USSR Vyacheslav Molotov and Waldorf Astoria New York in honor of Consul General Yakov working. In his leisure time he was writing a treatise “On people the Consul General in New York and the Ambassador in Berlin had Andrei Vyshinsky, who arrived from Moscow to take part in the UN Lomakin and his wife. Less than a year would pass – and the US lacking self-consistency” and a monograph about “The US media”. known all along what was going on in the USSR. However, neither General Assembly Session. authorities would terminate Yakov Lomakin’s work in the USA. However, illness prevented Yakov Lomakin from completing both of them could tell my Father about it. Besides, Father, probably, Consular relations between the USSR and the USA due to the undertakings. He died on August 16, 1958, and was buried at the wouldn’t have believed them. That’s why they were doing * * * Kosenkina case would only be restored 24 years later. Novodevichy Cemetery. He was only 53. everything they could to delay his departure. I will be grateful to After the war ended, the euphoria of victory got the heads A new Consulate at new premises on Green Street in San- In his book “Parting with Illusions” Vladimir Pozner, a well- both of them as long as I live, and I would like everyone to know of many Russian emigrants in the USA spinning. They wanted Francisco was inaugurated in 1973. In New York, a house was known TV anchor, who lived in the US in the 40s, writes, “The their names: Yakov Lomakin and Georgy Pushkin."

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Texts and photos by Igor Drobyshev Serbia Last year Russia and Serbia marked the 180th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our friendship has gone through the test of time.

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MJ: Let’s continue talking about the hardened in many battles. Putin war… Serbia was affected almost as said that he learnt on the streets of much as the USSR. Russia’s wounds are Leningrad that if a fight is inevitable, still bleeding. We still live and work for you hit first. What did you learn on the two, for we do not have enough people streets of Belgrade? to fulfil all of our plans. Do the Serbs I was in a hundred of little street fights, and share the feeling that the wounds have I learnt this – do your best to avoid a fight, not healed? but if it is inevitable, fight till the end. The Soviet people suffered more than anyone else in that war. But in the Balkans, in the south-eastern part of the continent, ’m glad and proud it was Serbia that suffered the most. The that now, when Serbs were one of the few people who Russia is going opposed both the Fascists and the Nazis. I Our country lost more than one million through a hard time, Aleksandar Vučić: people during World War II. And we still Serbia acts as a genuine haven’t recovered. If we hadn’t lost so many friend of the Russian people in the 20th century (let us not forget “My dream is to those who died during the Balkan Wars in people by refusing to the 90s), there would be fifteen or sixteen join sanctions become a youth million Serbs today. There are only seven Interviewed by: Igor Drobyshev million in Serbia, plus 1.2 million in Bosnia Photos by Igor Drobyshev, press service coach” and 200,000 in Montenegro. It is not just MJ: When was the last time you avoided of the Executive Office of the Serbian President a scar or a wound on the body of our nation, a fight without losing face? it was an extremely severe blow to us from Three years ago, in Srebrenica. I came there President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia was the first foreign an economic standpoint. to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic leader to meet with President Vladimir Putin only a day after events that took place 20 years ago (ethnic Putin took office in May, 2018. MJ: How come you became a politician cleansing in the early 90s – MJ). I was We are in Aleksandar Vučić’s office at the presidential palace and not a basketball player? attacked, people threw stones and bottles in Belgrade. Of course, the first question is about the meeting I really wanted to be a basketball player. at me, but I didn’t duck my head, though it with President Putin. Was it symbolic that Vučić was the first I played for the Partizan basketball team, was a completely normal thing to do, given leader Putin met with after the election? “Yes, it means that but I’ve always cheered for Crvena Zvezda. the circumstances. I told myself, I will go Russia respects us and values our relations. It is an honor It was just that Partizan’s training base through it. I should keep my head high to not only for me personally, but for my country as well, – says was closer to my home, and I trained with save face of the Serbian people. Back in Vučić. – I spent two days in Moscow, on the Victory Day Partizan’s players. But I quit – at some Belgrade, I addressed the Bosnians and I took part in the march of the Immortal Regiment, I was point I realized I was not talented enough other Balkan people, “Lets make a better walking Red Square next to President Putin, and that filled to achieve any major success. future together”. the hearts of most Serbs with pride.” MJ: You had very strong basketball MJ: You had moments in your life, when teams back in the times of Yugoslavia. you came within a hair breadth of losing MJ: The march of the Immortal I was very proud to carry Anđelko’s portrait, that march showed we hadn’t forgotten people wanted to at least touch President Let me tell you something, if we take all it. For example, in 1999, you barely Regiment is an important tradition. walking alongside so many people, all those tragic events of the past, and that Putin, to take a picture with him. And since the medals that Yugoslavian and Serbian made it out alive during the NATO Anyone can join it and walk the streets filled with patriotism. It is very hard for me meant we would not let anyone commit a lot of people didn’t really know who I was, national teams have won, it will be more bombing. What was your first impulse with portraits of family members who to describe my feelings at that point, but such atrocities once again. That is a very they kept pushing me away. It was actually than the USSR and Russia have had taken when you realized you had been fought against Nazi Germany. You also I found great joy in it. important message for future generations. quite difficult even for the bodyguards of together. We are currently ranked second, granted a second chance? carried a small photo, didn’t you? Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu. But I was only the Americans are stronger. Maybe Fortunately, I was not hurt back then, Yes, a photo of my grandfather, Anđelko. MJ: Thanks to you, your grandfather MJ: You are quite tall, you really stood happy to step back, because people were so that’s what helped me realize I couldn’t though I saw so many dead people. That He was killed by Croatian Nazis during the got a chance to come back and join out among other people who joined the eager to see President Putin, and I thought, compete at such high standards. But my was a real tragedy. I came to realize that we war. My father never got to meet him, but the ranks if only for some time… That march. please, go ahead, it is your right to see your dream is to become a youth coach. I hope it should value human life and fight for peace he was named after him. My grandfather is what the march of the Immortal That’s true. I used to play basketball a lot president. President Putin’s security tried will come true one day. and stability. When the leaders of other was not the only one killed; Nazis killed my Regiment is all about. when I was younger… But you know, my to get me back closer to him, but to no countries sometimes criticize Serbia, I may other relatives, both from the Vučić family Yes. President Putin said one very height wasn’t really of much help during avail. I think by the end of the march I was MJ: For a politician, it is very important get carried away by emotions, and I want to and the Kunovacs, my mother’s family. important thing in his speech. He said that the march. Very soon I realized how many somewhere in the fifteenth row! to have a strong character, as if tell them all I think about them, but I check

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Russia. Why would we do that? Russia has helped us hundreds of times at the UN Security Council and never did anything that could harm Serbia. In 1999, when Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov turned his plane around over the Atlantic (as a sign of protest against NATO airstrikes on Belgrade – MJ), it meant a lot to us, even though at the time we expected Russia to do even more. But it was Yeltsin’s time then. Now it’s easier for the Serbians; we know we can count on Russia’s support. quit basketball, having realized that II couldn’t compete at high standards. But my dream is to become a youth coach. I hope it will come true one day

I’m glad and proud that now, when Russia is going through a hard time, Serbia acts as a genuine friend of the Russian people by refusing to introduce sanctions. This is the stance that Serbia will be maintaining in the future.

MJ: But the EU policy is based on such impulses and try to be rational. At the n the Victory and here we stand unable to go anywhere, solidarity, isn’t it? A. Vučić delivers his lecture of Honorary Doctor of MGIMO end of the day, words can be forgiven. What Day I took part all we can do is fight for our people, What about EU solidarity with Serbia on is really important is to preserve peoples’ protect them, preserve our sovereignty and Kosovo? We have our own interests, and lives, their future. in the march independence. So, we do what we can. my job is to promote them. This is why We have committed ourselves to our future; O I do what I do. This is why we don’t intend on Red Square, walking we are really invested and want to improve next to President Putin, MJ: Serbia has said many times that it to join NATO, and that’s what I said at the significantly our strained relations with the would not join anti-Russian sanctions NATO headquarters. This is, by the way, Albanians and the Croatians. We want to and that filled the hearts under any circumstances. At the same what allows us to be firm and resolute in our forget the past. But every time we call for of most Serbs with pride time, Serbia seeks to join the EU and these political stance: I can go to Brussels and say discussing our future, they start recalling sanctions are part of its policies. How do openly and out loud that we don’t plan to the past. They have this paradigm in which you manage to tread that fine line? join NATO or any other military alliance. It’s Serbia is to be blamed for everything. But However, it has turned out to be insufficient You know, at first no one believed we would not in our people’s interests. we convicted dozens of Serbs of crimes both for the Hague Tribunal and for the be so unrelenting about it. Even in Russia, they committed across former Yugoslavia. court in Sarajevo. And I can tell you that it there were a lot of articles that said, “Vučić MJ: Kosovo is a tragic wound in the And do you happen to know how many will always be like that, because everyone will join NATO” or “Vučić will introduce hearts of the Serbian people. Do people were convicted of crimes against simply ignores the tears the Serbs cry. sanctions against Russia.” I know, I read you think Serbia will be able to find the Serbs? No one. Not a single Croatian or We are a small country located in the them! Now they say, “This guy keeps his a solution? Bosnian. And I’ve asked many times, why most beautiful part of the world, but promises.” Yes, I openly and honestly tell I’m not sure. We are doing everything in so? And the answer is always the same: it it is also the most complex too – from both the EU officials in Brussels and the our power to work out a compromise. This won’t happen, they are our heroes. And we political, economic, ethnic and geostrategic Russian media, and your journal, that is what I said during our meeting with

even have eyewitnesses of those crimes. standpoints. This place is like a crossroads, Serbia will not support sanctions against President Putin. But we don’t see any President of Serbia at the meeting with MGIMO Rector A. Torkunov

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s a president, you have to make Aunpopular decisions that people don’t like. Why would they need a president otherwise?

intention of others meeting us halfway – was in a hundred of are, and I said so in Russian to Vladimir not from the Albanians and not from the Putin and Sergey Lavrov. I think they know countries that officially recognized Kosovo little street fights, and more about Serbia and Southeast Europe as an independent state. I learnt this – do your than many of our politicians! I was simply There are many questions they can’t I delighted! Please, pass my deep admiration best to avoid a fight, but answer. For example, why should the to the professors who teach them. Albanians, who have Albania as their if it is inevitable, fight till As for the advice, it’s simple: work hard, nation state, have Kosovo as their second the end believe in yourself, and once again – work sovereign state? The Albanians talk about hard! Then you’ll succeed. You’ll be able to the right to self-determination, but they do anything. haven’t even held a formal referendum! MJ: What’s the hardest thing about And since there is no explanation for being the president of Serbia? MJ: I met with some MGIMO alumni this, the West, not caring about the You have to make unpopular decisions in Serbia, and they really want to set international law, found a brilliant solution that people don’t like. Why would they up an MGIMO association there to and declared it sui generis, “of its own kind, need a president otherwise? Anyone would stay in touch and help each other out. unique.” What about Crimea, you ask? become one in that case. I promised them I would take that There was a referendum there. No, says the idea to the Russian embassy, since West, that was aggression! MJ: In late 2017, you addressed a huge His Excellency, the Ambassador, also We’re very grateful to Russia, China and student audience at MGIMO. What kind graduated from our university, and to other countries that tried to stand in the of advice would you give to those who you. Can they count on your support, way of Kosovo’s independence. What’s want to succeed in the political arena should they need it? next? We’ll see. But it will never be a case like you did? Of course. I had a chance to tell them that. of us losing everything and them gaining First of all, I want to say that I was amazed I pledge my full support. We’ll do whatever everything. at how well-informed MGIMO students needs to be done.

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Dusica Djuric (‘13) Adviser, Administration of President of Serbia Belgrade Dusica finished her master’s at MGIMO in 2013 and started working for the Serbian government before later working in the office of President Aleksandar Vučić. In university, I always felt great without any evidence. I can speak calmly she had also survived something similar. support from other people. I will never about this now, being a diplomat, but at She had been awarded the Cuban Order forget how our Spanish teacher, Alla that time, my emotions simply kicked in. of Courage when she was in occupied Zenkovich, stuck up for me in a lesson Zenkovich told the student, “If you had Baghdad with her husband, a Cuban during a discussion about Kosovo and lived through what Dusica experienced diplomat, during the war in the Persian NATO aggression against Serbia in 1999. during the NATO bombings, you would Gulf. One pro-Western student accused Serbs have a different point of view.” She was not simply a professional who of all the horrors of the Balkan wars She had the right to say so, because spoke perfect Spanish – she treated us like her children and taught us how to behave, how to dress, and how to create our own distinct style. She herself was flawless in this way. Her favourite colour

chose to enter MGIMO because in ISerbia Russian education is considered to be the best. I remember that we had a physics teacher in school that gave us exercises from a Russian textbook

was green, because in Cuba this is the colour of freedom. We knew that if she wore a green colour, she was in a good mood. Zenkovich was a translator and personal friend of former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez; she also worked with former Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa and other Latin American diplomats that came to Moscow. That is why her stories and professional experiences that she shared were invaluable for me. I told everyone in Serbia about this woman! Specifically, I am thankful to her for not letting me be insulted on that heated exchanged over Kosovo. By the way, an incident

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like this only happened once. During all my international negotiations. He spoke years that I studied at MGIMO, I felt that with us in the language of diplomats everyone there loved Serbia. and was always analysing practical Specifically because of Russia, Serbs cases, such as the Ukrainian situation feel different these days. The spirit of and the need for an agreement with the nation is strong and the country Russia after the dissolution of the USSR. is strong. We have MiGs and other This issue was near and dear to him, as weapons that allow our leaders to defend he had worked as a diplomat in Kiev on our country and not give anyone the questions regarding the splitting up of opportunity to blackmail us. President weapons, the Black Sea fleet, and the Vučić is a pragmatic politician and legal succession of property. a leader who understands Serbia’s place In MGIMO I was the chair of the in the region, in Europe and in the world. Serbian Association. When I was in my I entered MGIMO because Serbia second year, I wondered why there was considers Russian education to be the no Serbian community in MGIMO’s best. I remember that we had a physics International Students Association, teacher in school that gave us exercises even though Serbs and Russians are so close both culturally and historically. uring all my years I received support in the International Students Association and created that I studied at our own association. The activity of MGIMO, I felt that associations can be evaluated by the D number of events taking place. The most everyone there loved exciting one was the day of national Serbia. I always felt great cuisine, when we offered Serbian support from other dishes. We participated in the MGIMO people. Because of Olympics, where our basketball players consistently showed great results, as Russia, Serbs feel well as in student concerts. different these days.T he I joined the Serbian government’s spirit of the nation is protocol service after MGIMO. The prime minister during that period was strong and the country is Ivica Dačić, and his first deputy was strong Aleksandar Vučić. The first year there I studied the subtleties of protocols, and I later started to work with the from a Russian textbook. I entered prime minister, who during this time MGIMO in 2007, and I immediately liked became Vučić. At first I organised his several particularities of the MGIMO meetings with ambassadors and foreign system. Firstly, the small language delegations, and later I accompanied groups allow teachers to devote time him on trips to different cities, and to each student. Secondly, MGIMO I even went to Moscow with him. is an international school where you Therefore, when he became president, can speak with people from different he offered me a job in his office. I still countries, learn about their points of work with him now. view and compare different opinions. The president gives his employees Finally, the professors are fabulous. every chance to prove themselves, and Among them are well-known diplomats, he expects their full effort on everything like Yuri Dubinin. in return. He has taught me a lot; first He had a particular approach that of all, I mustn’t procrastinate or neglect removed any distance between us – we my duties. This degree of responsibility were all equal, like colleagues. Dubinin is making me a true professional, and it taught diplomacy and introduced us to will come in handy in the future.

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Aleksandar Todorovich (International Relations, 2017) Master’s student University of Glasgow, Scotland spent the last year of high school in Nizhny Novgorod as an exchange student. I lived with a Russian family and I studied Russian. I fell in love withI the Russian lifestyle so much that I decided to look for a scholarship in order to enter a Russian university. I was lucky to find some information on the Internet about a scholarship for Serbian students who choose to attend MGIMO. It was really hard to get this scholarship because they usually go to the children of diplomats, and I come from an ordinary Serbian family. However, thanks to my stubbornness, strong will and habit of trusting my instincts, I eventually managed to get the money I needed. I can say with confidence that I was one of the most successful MGIMO students from Serbia. Not only did I study well, but I was also an active member of the Student Union and the International Students Association; I took part in almost every major event at the university. Almost everyone at MGIMO knew me – or, at least when talking about the Serbian students, I would be the first one mentioned. I am proud of it! I did my pre-graduation internship at the Embassy of Serbia in Moscow, where ot only did I study Then came the day of my thesis defence. they advised me to write my thesis about well, but I was also I knew that the topic would cause a stir and Kosovo’s place in international relations. an active member there would be many detailed questions, so I asked around different departments, N I came prepared. I was sure I could answer but most teachers refused to be my thesis of the Student Union and any question because I had spent my whole advisor, believing that I would not succeed the International Students life in Serbia, and I knew much more on because the topic was too ambitious. the subject than my challengers. In the I have to say they were almost right. Association. Almost end, I got the highest grade in the whole Looking for a thesis advisor took a while, everyone at MGIMO knew group. Two teachers and the head of the and I had lost hope when I happened me – or, at least when committee (a representative of the Ministry upon Ivan Popov, an expert on Spain who of Foreign Affairs of Russia) even came up was our Diplomacy Practice teacher in talking about the Serbian to me saying that they thought highly of my third year. We were quite friendly, and students, I would be the my research and asking permission to use I complained to him about my situation. first one mentioned. I am my conclusions in their work. He immediately said that Spain did not MGIMO taught me never to give up, recognise Kosovo and he was willing to help proud of it! and I realized that in order to be a good me! So we started working on the thesis. diplomat you need to not only think on

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your feet and be charming, but you also ecently I’ve been who know me well. My program is called need to be stubborn. Today, I actively work accepted to Central and East European, Russian and with an array of diplomatic organisations. a master’s Eurasian Studies. I am very thankful to I work on developing international R MGIMO for the impetus that allowed me projects for youth and I consult with program at the to succeed and reach important heights. exchange students about intercultural University of Glasgow I will never forget where it all started and communication. Last year, I moderated where I learned my most important life the European Youth Event at the (Scotland), where I will lessons. European Parliament in Strasbourg. It is study there on the considered the largest political event for Erasmus Mundus EU and EU-candidate youth, with more Milica than 10,000 participants. scholarship, which I was Recently I’ve been accepted to granted by the European Kosutic a master’s program at the University Commission thanks to (MGIMO's European Studies of Glasgow (Scotland), where I will recommenda­ tions­ from Institute, 2013) study there on the Erasmus Mundus Independent Attorney at law in scholarship, which I was granted by MGIMO teachers who cooperation with Deloitte the European Commission thanks to know me well recommendations from MGIMO teachers Belgrade hen I was a child, I liked watching TV series about lawsuits, I liked how the lawyers live and work. WI dreamt about becoming one of them. Having received a Bachelor’s degree at the School of Law at the University of Novi Sad in 2011, I decided to continue my education in Russia. Why not in Western countries? First of all, my mother graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University and believes that Russian education is the best. Secondly, I was raised in the spirit of brotherhood between Serbian and Russian peoples. I chose MGIMO because it’s one of the most famous universities in the world which trains experts in international relations. I joined the Master’s program of the European Studies Institute in International and EU Law. I lived in the dormitory where in addition to Serbians there were citizens from the former Republic of Yugoslavia, namely, Croatians, Bosnians, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Slovenians. Together we cooked, went to the restaurants, had fun. Despite the fact that the Balkan wars of 1990s left their mark on the relations between our countries, they mostly affected our parents, and we didn’t have any inter-ethnic tensions. In addition to International and EU Law, I also studied at the Human Rights

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Protection program which was launched I would also like to give special thanks employee with this specialization, and, that year according to the auspices of to the MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov, secondly, because of my good Russian: the United Nations High Commissioner who allowed me, based on my academic it turned out that in Serbia there are for Human Rights. It was really difficult achievements, to study in the second few lawyers who can communicate to combine the two, but there was an year free of charge. It was an exception, with numerous Russian clients in their additional incentive: the program was because as a rule foreigners don’t have native language. Last year I decided to free to those who wanted to try it. such privileges. make a step forward in my career and join the local Deloitte team. I mainly deal with corporate law/ merges and acquisitions, commercial law, bank and finance law, as well as, with antitrust law. I am grateful to MGIMO not only because of the knowledge that I have received, but also for the eventful life, for many good people whom I met there. I was lucky to have wonderful group mates with whom I still keep in touch. I always call them, and some of them even came to my wedding.

Drljević Vukašin (International Journalism, 2014) Procurement and Business Development Manager, Soon after I developed an interest Petrol Group in corporate law and after graduation would like to give I wanted to work as an attorney at a legal special thanks to the decided to enter MGIMO because firm that provides legal assistance to MGIMO Rector I really wanted to study public big corporations working in Serbia. At I relations (PR). I discovered that university I paid special attention to the Anatoly Torkunov, who this was the best subject to learn at antitrust law that deals with offenses and allowed me, based on IMGIMO, the institution that basically abuses concerning competition. In Russia my academic created this field in Russia. it’s the Federal Antimonopoly Service’s Studying in MGIMO was difficult. jurisdiction, while in the European Union achievements, to study I often heard that the School of the European Commission is in charge of in the second year free International Journalism was easier that. In Serbia there is also a Commission of charge. It was an than other departments, but these for Protection of Competition. That’s exception, because as people apparently do not imagine the why my Master’s thesis was on an related number of hours, days and weeks that topic – on corporate raid and its impact a rule foreigners don’t students spend on learning languages on human rights, such as when one have such privileges and different projects. I by no means company buys another one, the rights regret my decision; after all, MGIMO are very often violated, and people get was and remains a brand and a sign of sacked. Nobody had written anything After I returned to Belgrade in 2013, quality that, when mentioned, people about this topic at that time. Therefore, it I passed the state exam that gave me the nod knowingly and feel envious, was quite difficult to gather the materials right to work in the judicial system, as dreaming of belonging to this private and analyse them. However, my MGIMO well as the qualifying exam necessary club. Indeed, this is the way MGIMO is. scientific supervisor Tamara Shashikhina to get the status of an attorney. I got The lessons of Elena Zaburdayeva, helped me a lot, I am very grateful to her. a job because, first of all, they needed an deputy dean of the School of

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International Journalism, had the geopolitical problems that have led to the greatest effect on my understanding Nikola development of modern history. of PR. These were often practical I believe that there are two people who cases. Once, she took us to a press Bradas have influenced my personality more than conference for the renowned pianist (International Relations, 2014) others. I would first like to express my Denis Matsuev, and on the way to the Co-founder and Executive Director, great thanks to Vladimir Shishkin, who Tchaikovsky concert hall, she said Technocracy Associates used to be the dean of the department of that it was us who had to organise the learned about MGIMO by accident international students and who helped me event on-site. She entrusted students during a trip to Moscow in 2008. Our enter MGIMO’s preparatory department, to find experienced PR specialists guide, when talking about international where I was able to learn Russian. I would who could not only give a lecture politics, mentioned MGIMO and told me also like to say thank you to Irina, an but also supervise the development Iabout the institution. I was interested and employee of the dean’s office at the School of compulsory individual projects. I felt that this university was the ideal place of International Relations, who was Deadlines were strict and there was where I could study to be a professional responsible for international students. She not enough time, but by scrambling in the field of international relations. convinced me to abandon my “rebellion” through this time crunch, I learned My decision to enter MGIMO was also and to start behaving like a real diplomat. more about PR than from many connected to my youthful rebellion and to This coming of age was possibly one of the lectures. my aspiration to change the world. most important moments during my time I liked the historic disciplines as well, at MGIMO. for example the history of Russian believe that the After finishing university, I returned literature and the history of Russian knowledge I gained to Belgrade and worked in a consulting journalism. I also remember lectures by from MGIMO, which business for four years. Thanks to the Vladimir Medinsky, who was appointed I knowledge I received at MGIMO, I was Russia’s Minister of Culture four days expanded my horizons quite successful in conducting business after his last lecture in our course. And, and enriched my analytics and carrying out special projects I would particularly like to acknowledge connected to large-scale investments in the the French department, which has understanding of the Western Balkans. This was a result of the Russia’s best teachers on the subject. world, helps me in my mutual assistance I had at the beginning The main thing I am thankful to MGIMO business, which of my career with several colleagues with for is foreign languages, of course. I use whom I had studied at MGIMO. At the end them every day at work. introduces new financial of 2017, together with another MGIMO Unfortunately, finding a job as technologies into new graduate, I co-founded the company a journalist or PR specialist in Serbia management models Technocracy Associates, which introduces was rather difficult. I sent my CV new financial technologies, supports start- and had some interviews some time ups and offers professional assistance to ago, but I eventually decided to try Being a Croatian Serb, i.e. belonging to an corporations and government structures a different field and found myself in ethnic minority, I was particularly interested that aim to form new management models the company Petrol LPG, a subsidiary in questions about how governments based on solutions like Big Data and data of Slovenia’s national oil-and-gas handled interethnic relations in places that analysis, blockchain, artificial intelligence corporation. I started working there had had internal conflicts in the 1990s (the and cloud technologies. as a procurement and business former Yugoslavia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and I believe that the knowledge I gained development manager. This is highly Armenia). I aimed to understand the sources from MGIMO, which expanded my dynamic work in which I do not use of conflicts and possible solutions to them, horizons and enriched my understanding templates; every day I learn something as well as the influence of these internal of the world, helps me in this business. new and grow professionally. problems on the formation of foreign policy. Aside from that, the variety of subjects It is surprising how many MGIMO At MGIMO, I studied social sciences within I studied helped me to develop leadership graduates work in oil companies in which I searched for greater understanding qualities, which have allowed me to many different positions. It happens of mechanisms at the foundation of those work confidently and professionally that I’ll be in negotiations for many processes that result in a nation prospering, with corporations and state institutions. hours with a partner, and later I’ll and all of its citizens enjoying freedom, I can say with confidence that thanks to learn that they also graduated from while others become a “prison of nations”. MGIMO, my dream to change the world MGIMO! Compromises and agreements Learning about international relations that originated in my youth is starting to immediately become more likely. helped me to understand the sources of become a reality.

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Serbia is a European country which hasn’t joined Western sanctions against Russia. “Serbians are our major supporters. There aren’t many countries in the world where we have been working for so long in such an intensive and fruitful way as in Serbia. Serbians are sincerely happy about Russian successes, and they love both Russia and its president Vladimir Putin, because they understand: the stronger we are, the easier it will be for them”, says Alexander Chepurin.

MJ: Do they perceive the operation MJ: Is Kosovo a “Serbian Crimea”? in Syria and reunification of Crimea Yes, it’s Serbian territory. It’s the cradle Crimea as Russian successes? of Serbians and a sacred place for Serbia. The majority of the Serbians stick to Kosovo also should return to the legal the following logic: Crimea is a Russian framework and state boundaries of Serbia territory, and it reunited with Russia. in conformity with international law. Speaking frankly, many didn’t know that it was part of Ukraine after the opening of the MJ: What’s the situation like today? USSR. There is a UN Security Council Resolution 1244 adopted on 10 June 1990, stating that Kosovo is a part of Serbia. This is the he West uses the only international legal document. But de facto Kosovo, a pseudo (para) state, EU membership as self-proclaimed in 2008, exists on its a carrot, but own, a quasi border, or an “administrative T boundary line”, separates it from the main Serbians firmly oppose accession to NATO. territory of Serbia. While the American MJ: What is the Russian official pressure increases, position on the issue of Kosovo? Belgrade doesn’t intend There are three points to mention. First of all, we don’t recognize Kosovo as to give in a sovereign state, we firmly adhere to the UNSC Resolution 1244. Only Belgrade and

Alexandr Chepurin (‘75) Russian Ambassador to Serbia Belgrade

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Pristina can agree on the status and on MJ: But on the other hand, Serbia There were only three of us, everyday the degree of autonomy of the Kosovar seeks to accede to the EU, and the around three hundred people came to get province. Secondly, this decision should entire union has imposed sanctions a visa, that’s why you can’t but learn all be made without impudent pressure against Russia. of the peculiarities of the job. Now these of the Western countries on Belgrade. The accession negotiations have been in procedures are automated, back then they Thirdly, we will be ready to provide all process for many years. Many associate EU were rudimentary. assistance in the search for compromise membership with higher living standards, Working in a port has its peculiarities; it and a definitive settlement. which is not guaranteed, though. made the tasks very diverse. Every day Russia supports the aspiration of Serbia several of our ships, both tourist and cargo, to find a solution within the framework MJ: But Serbia hasn’t acceded yet. entered Genoa. The captains came to the of the national constitution and the How long will this process take? Consulate to present their reports while we UNSC Resolution. We are ready to back It will happen no sooner than in 2025, visited the ships. those compromises, which the people and it’s an optimistic forecast. What of Serbia, a friendly nation to us, would will become of the EU by then? Serbians MJ: Who was your main teacher in the consider acceptable. It’s for Serbia to definitely don’t want accession to the profession? show initiative and to determine its EU to worsen the relations with Russia. When I returned to Moscow in the late position. Russia’s role consists in possible We are not sure that the EU will still 1970s, I started working in the First assistance at the request of the Serbian European Department, which was side. It’s noteworthy that more and more ussia welcomes back then the leading department of countries consider going back on their the Ministry. It was headed by Anatoly decision to recognize Kosovo. The first Serbia’s firm Adamishin. I have been working under his countries to do so were Suriname, Sao decision not to leadership for many years. Adamishin was Tome and Principe, Liberia. R a superstar of the Soviet diplomacy. Behind join American sanctions his back we called him “Adamo”. (Salvatore Secretary of State) Mr. Karlov informed peculiarity of the In 1996 when I went as Ambassador to MJ: Are Serbians our only like-minded against Russia. It’s the Adamo was very popular in the Soviet him with regret that without “additional Copenhagen where I worked until 2000. Europeans? position of the Union at that time). consultations” the diplomatic relations work in Serbia is Russians and Serbians have a lot in overwhelming majority will not be established this year and a high intensity MJ: This is the entirety of Yeltsin’s common. Serbians are the biggest nation in MJ: How did he teach you? suggested revisiting this issue in a year, A second presidential term. I wonder of Serbians. Any leader, of bilateral political the Balkans and this nation is divided. They When there was a high level visit, we but Casaroli without any embarrassment dialogue. I don’t know what was the attitude towards Russia were the core of Yugoslavia. The ethnic who acts otherwise, will prepared analytical papers, which were exclaimed: “Don’t worry about that. What abroad in these turbulent years ? Serbs live both in Serbia and in neighboring not stay in power here used as drafts for Anatoly Gromyko and can a year might mean to us? We use any other country where One of the features of foreign policy was countries: in Bosnia and Herzegovina Leonid Brezhnev. Adamishin rewrote centuries to measure time, so it’s okay”. we have so many inertia. If we speak about the Western (in Republika Srpska), Montenegro, them himself. We typed them, read Well, we established relations with the political meetings foreign policy, now its inertia consists in Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia. In a sense, exist then. Now such doubts are only them through, then gave the papers Vatican in two years, with Mr. Karlov as the reluctance to recognize that Russia Yugoslavia, which collapsed in 1991, increasing. Moreover, Serbians firmly back to him… An important element of an Ambassador. I was sent as the Second has already taken a merited place in the suffered the fate of the USSR. oppose accession to NATO, and the issue this school was making the transcripts Secretary to our Embassy in Rome. world. At that time it was vice versa. Pro- Russian-Serbian relations are built at of Kosovo remains contested. While the of conversations between the senior Shortly after that Mr. Adamishin became and you came back from Italy to American and very pragmatic Denmark spiritual and emotional level, as we American pressure increases, Belgrade officials. It’s an art whose aim is to make its head. a different state, to Russia. was stuck in the time when the USSR are close because of our ancestors and doesn’t intend to give in to the Western the transcript even better than the actual The new administration in the Ministry still existed. According to protocol, at faith, as well as, at a pragmatic level, as demands. There are more questions conversation. It’s about seeing minor MJ: It was the beginning of thought about the future, that’s why all ceremonies US representatives went our understanding of the world and our than answers. The West uses the EU things, which can be omitted, making the perestroika, wasn’t it? a human resources reform was initiated to first, then were Russian representatives, interests are quite similar. membership as a carrot to make Belgrade conversation smoother without shifting Yes, it was an interesting time! make the MFA system more modern, just, followed by Germany, Great Britain, Russia welcomes the military neutrality of more tractable. away from the essence. I remember when 100 thousand people transparent, appropriate to the foreign etcetera. Serbia, its reluctance to accede to NATO, In the department I was also in charge of took to the streets of Rome to meet policy goals. I can say that in the five years The Danes followed these rules and as well as, its firm decision not to join MJ: How did your career develop the Vatican. I went to Rome several times Mikhail Gorbachev during his visit to that I worked for the HR Department (first always put us at the very top of the the EU and American sanctions against after you graduated from MGIMO with Ambassador at Large Yuri Karlov. Italy. In the Embassy, I was working in the as deputy Director and as first Deputy (for rankings as a superpower. It’s the inert Russia. It’s not a whim of a leader. It’s the and before you were appointed Both the Vatican and Russia wanted to economic group and I felt the reforms that a year in each position), and then three foreign policy mindset that allowed Russia position of the overwhelming majority of Ambassador in Serbia? establish official relations in some format, were coming. It was lively and extremely and a half years as Director) we created to stay at the top of the hierarchy. Serbians. Any leader, who acts otherwise, The first foreign language that I studied and at the beginning some steps were interesting work. I was always looking for the system, which hasn’t been changed On the other hand, I think that the Danes will not stay in power here. The majority at the Institute was French, the second made. But then the negotiations lost information, I met a lot of people, and thus far. kept Russia on first place because it was of the population is pro-Russian, and one was Italian. I specialized in France, momentum: some objections from our then wrote reports to Moscow. not clear what would happen to Moscow. we have managed to enhance these but I began my diplomatic career at the church arose. I remember when at the MJ: When did your ambassadorial Maybe, they didn’t want to scare us and sentiments. consulate in Genoa (Italy). I learnt a lot. meeting with Cardinal Casaroli (Vatican MJ: And then the USSR disappeared, career start? let us become an obedient disciple. Today,

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despite the fact that Russia again is them are friendly to us. In a country where in the University of Belgrade were held by a superpower, not everybody wants us to people like Russians, there are a lot of Russian professors. be at the top of the hierarchy. opportunities for productive cooperation. NIS, the biggest Serbian company, Another peculiarity of the work in together with PAO Gazpromneft, accounts MJ: Did you come back home only Serbia is high intensity of bilateral for 14% of all budget revenues. under President Putin? political dialogue. I don’t know any Serbia supplies eco-friendly agricultural Yes, and under the new Minister Sergey other country where we have so many goods. The European Union hasn’t Lavrov. I was in charge of relations with political meetings. In recent years Serbian brought GMOs here so far. Serbia is the CIS countries, then I became Director President Alexander Vucic, who supports a country of plums, and its production is of the Department for Relations with comprehensive development of relations very high. Serbia is also the main exporter Compatriots Abroad. with Russia, had about fifteen meetings of raspberry and, of course, of rakija, In these years there wasn’t much done in with President Putin. The ministerial, slivovitz, dunja, kruškovača. this area. The problem was that during business, cultural and scientific meetings the Soviet era those who left the country are also held at a very high level. Almost MJ: More than forty years have passed were considered enemies of the Soviet all of our ministers have visited Serbia. since you graduated from MGIMO. authorities, and the Soviet attitude That’s why we have achieved such results. Does the education that you got there towards them was very negative. It still help you? was mutual. Almost all emigrants were nowledge, I have warm memories about the years anti-Soviet. There were millions of such spent at MGIMO. It is, without a doubt, people. They were later joined by the efficiency, one of the best universities that gives Russians who stayed, not of their own will, a responsible advantages at the very start of one’s in the former Soviet republics. The task K career. MGIMO teaches work ethic, gives attitude, a sense of duty was set in the following way: to create education, makes you understand that you a structure that would be conducive to - these are the key need to develop throughout your life. establishing respectful relations with characteristics of The Institute taught me to do a little bit diasporas and channels of interaction. a young diplomat that more than necessary. I always tell young In seven years, until November 2012 when diplomats: “If you do 105% of your task, I got seconded to Belgrade, we created are taught in MGIMO you will be successful, because you will a network of compatriot organizations and which the feel more confident. If you do 95% of around the world. There are coordinating diplomatic service your task, you can miss something, lose councils in 96 countries. We founded an confidence and eventually you will find institute of regional conferences, world develops no satisfaction (will not savor your work) thematic conferences. Twice a year we in your work and lose self-respect. Being held world congresses with participation reliable is very important, and if people of the Russian President. The World MJ: What’s the structure of our can trust you, it’s the basis for success”. Compatriots Coordination Council was economic cooperation with Serbia? Knowledge, efficiency, a responsible created, and included highly reputed On our part, this is not only oil and gas, attitude, a sense of duty - these are the people. but equipment, including the equipment key characteristics of a young diplomat for energy sector, trolley buses, drugs, that are taught in MGIMO and which the MJ: Are there many Russians in etcetera. We supply military and tech- diplomatic service develops. Serbia? nology goods. We co-produce some of Diplomacy requires you to be actively Here our diaspora is not the biggest, as the military equipment. involved in the work and to think about it it comprising several thousand people. Our IT-companies like Yandex and all the time. If your main priority is work, The majority of Russian abroad live in the Kaspersky are working more and more then you will succeed. Besides, it can be Ukraine, the Baltic states, Kazakhstan, actively here. The Serbians are very easily combined with caring about your Germany, the USA, Israel. talented people (think about Nikola Tesla, family and health, with your interests In most cases our Serbian compatriots are for example), they have a very strong such as sport or culture. the grandchildren of those who emigrated mathematical school, in whose creation What else is important? Never be satisfied to Serbia after the revolution. The number our emigrant professors incidentally with what has already been achieved, of Russians who have come here during took part. After the revolution Russian never be complacent. When you have the past 20 to 25 years doesn’t exceed scientists and experts didn’t go to France done something, rejoice, but your next two thousand people. These are mainly where the fate of a taxi driver was awaiting thought should be that you can do even women who married Serbians. 99.9% of them, but to Serbia. Many key positions better.

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the passion for aviation. One of the memorable moments I had with Russia in international settings. themselves admit. So there are a number of Luckily, I had an emergency landing field, in Croatia was participation in the Serbia is a small country and can’t issues which I elucidate to my counterparts so to speak; I was enrolled in a humanities preparation of the first and so far the pay equal attention to all aspects of in Serbia’s Foreign Ministry, having class at school, where we studied in-depth only visit of Russian President Vladimir the international agenda, which Serbs studied them thoroughly myself. For literature, history and foreign languages. Putin to this country. I worked with instance, at the beginning of my mission, After consultation, the family decided the President’s protocol department to resent level of I had to deal with the question of the that I should apply to the best humanities coordinate events: I ensured the correct strategic code of conduct for outer space, not an university in the country; for us, that order of delegations, change of flags, partnership that issue of immediate interest to my Serbian was MGIMO. I spent the following year among other things. P counterparts. Still they showed interest preparing for the entrance exams, and I got My posting to Croatia turned out to be exists between Russia in and understanding of my position. In admitted! pretty long, I had worked in Zagreb for six and Serbia and the conjunction with Serbian colleagues, we In March 2004, I did a pre-diploma years and a half. Eventually in 2014, I was work on a host of foreign policy issues. We internship with the Russian Foreign offered a posting in Belgrade. Now I am degree of mutual almost always concur in our approaches Ministry and went to the Balkans and a counsellor on political issues, with a focus understanding render to issues. To a great extent, this testifies to Belgrade for the first time. I liked Serbia on Serbia’s foreign policy. The scope of work very interesting the level of strategic partnership that exists at first sight; eventually, I managed to test issues involves Serbia’s relations with and fruitful between Russia and Serbia. This degree of and improve my knowledge of the Serbian third-party countries, its participation in mutual understanding renders work very language and feel the spirit of the country. international organisations and interaction interesting and fruitful. At the same time, I could feel that the situation in the region was volatile. Just a couple of days after my arrival in Belgrade, ethnic violence broke out in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo, leaving n MGIMO, I was assigned the Serbian Ilanguage. Since then my life has been connected with the region, and I have had no regrets about it whatsoever!

Vladlen Zelenin (‘04) many dead and wounded. The capital of Counsellor Serbia was also seized by unrest. Russian Embassy in Serbia Later, when I entered the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department in charge of the Belgrade Balkan region, my boss told me there was entered MGIMO in 1999. That year a settlement called Aviagorodok in an opportunity to get posted to Croatia as was tragic for Serbia and life-changing Domodedovo, a location where people who a protocol assistant to the Ambassador. for me. In spring, NATO bombed were employed in the aviation industry I should say that was the best possible Belgrade; in summer, I enrolled in lived. All streets there carried the names of scenario for a young diplomat: this job MGIMOI and was assigned the Serbian prominent aviators and aircraft designers. enables you to accompany the ambassador language. Since then my life has been Everything that surrounded me from and acquire valuable experience. You get to connected with the region, and I have had childhood inspired romantic enthusiasm observe the inner workings of the embassy. no regrets about it whatsoever! for flying. I even attended a course at I was lucky to work under Ambassador Why did I choose MGIMO? It was another Moscow State Aviation Technological Mikhail Konarovsky, who shared with me twist of fate. I was born and raised in University; however, one year there was the knowledge he gained over many years an “aviation family”. I mean we lived in enough to understand that I didn’t have of diplomatic experience.

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interesting and extraordinary people. Embassy in Serbia. The “You never know” Igor After receiving my Master’s degree, rule applies in my case: every day brings I got married (by the way, I met my wife, something new and exciting. I may need Khopryachkov Masha, at MGIMO) and went to the Russian to organize the visit of a delegation or (‘15) the arrival of an interesting or important Attaché t the embassy, person. This dynamism keeps you alert Embassy of the Russian «You never which is necessary to solve the current tasks. Federation in Serbia Today, Russian-Serbian relations are know» rule works: dynamic. As a result, I am a part of history decided to connect my life with Serbia A in the making. For example, on 22 February every day brings in high school when my interest in 2018, there was a solemn ceremony in history of this country sparked. That’s something new and the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade in why it wasn’t by chance that I chose exciting. This dynamism honor of its completion by Russian artists. IMGIMO where Serbian was taught. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, keeps you alert, which is In 2009 I entered the School of commemorated the momentous occasion International Relations. The university necessary to solve the with a speech. I remember looking at the is still dear to me as it gave me an current tasks mosaic dome and feeling that I had made opportunity to meet and make friends with the right choice. Dmitry Karapotkin (’16) Attaché, Chief of Protocol of the Russian Embassy in Serbia

hen a MGIMO student, I came to Belgrade twice for the introductory and pre-graduation internship Wto see whether I am ready for the real diplomatic work and to gain a good reputation in the eyes of my future bosses. Maybe, I overdid it, as they entrusted me with the very “dangerous” post of the Chief of Protocol. With this position, you always need to be alert as your gaffes might have some consequences. In general, I like my job. When you work with protocol, you feel that you are in the middle of action. Sometimes you arrange the meeting of the Ambassador with the President of the country or with the Foreign Minister, the next day you accompany him in business trips or at official events, then you are in charge of the high-level official visit and even attend talks. These are priceless moments: I have something to tell my grandchildren about. Diplomats believe that working in protocol is a sort of “school of hard knocks”. After that a young diplomat will

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iplomats believe welcome her there and tell her about the Kira that working in church. We managed to solve this problem protocol is a sort by calling the senior priest whose number Kornilova (‘15) D I got in my smartphone. In my career there Attaché at the Chancery of the of “school of hard have been dozens of such situations, when Russian Embassy in Serbia knocks”. After that you need to understand just in several a young diplomat will seconds what should be done and whom Priština you should turn to. was happy to enter MGIMO, it was have nothing to fear The education that I received in MGIMO my dream! However, during the first helps me a lot in my work. Thanks to meeting of freshmen when all of the the Serbian language I work in Belgrade. students were divided into groups have nothing to fear. Nothing disciplines Occasionally I use French, my second I was surprised to learn that I was more than working with protocol, which foreign language, as well as English, my going to study Albanian. “It’s terrible”, doesn’t tolerate uncertainty and requires first foreign language, which is always I thought. Albanian didn’t fall into the extreme accuracy. If you ask me to describe needed. The languages are our everything! category of the languages of my dreams. my work at the protocol section in three Naturally, legal knowledge, the ability to However, during the first class of words, I will quote the motto of the Russian properly read and interpret laws, as well Albanian, our teacher, Ekaterina airborne forces: “Nobody but us”. For as, international legal instruments, and Kapralova, sparked our interest in this example, the visit of the Russian Federation clear thinking learnt during the years at little known country. It turned out to Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko was university help a lot. Finally, a MGIMO be a wonderful place, and Albanian almost over, she was to go to the airport, graduate is primarily an expert with a solid is one of the most unusual European but at the last minute she decided to go to background in international relations. This languages. the main Serbian church, Church of Saint quality distinguishes us from graduates of I remember when on the 1st Savva, though it was not planned. While the other universities where the students are September of the new academic year motorcade was on the way to the church, not specifically trained for the MFA. This is we didn’t go to the university but to we had to find somebody who would what we can and should be proud of. Domodyedovo airport from where our

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group departed for sunny Albania However, everything was arranged and for a long time, if it was outstanding to take free classes of Albanian for we were looked forward to the arrival of Pavel Lyadov who led you into it! international students. Albania next September. My academic achievements at surprised us not only with its warm MGIMO is not only about foreign university along with the knowledge climate, but also with extraordinary languages, there are a lot of subjects of a rare language opened up the cordiality and hospitality. If we asked taught by the best professors in Russia. doors to the MFA. Two months after

he issue of settlement in Kosovo is still in my graduation I received my first secondment to the Russian Embassy the limelight of the international community in Albania. and is regularly discussed at the UN Now I am working at a very T interesting location: the Chancery Security Council. From my perspective, my presence in the region of conflict, which we of the Russian Embassy in Serbia in Pristina. Twenty years after the repeatedly discussed during our classes, is pure armed conflict of 1998-1999 and ten luck for me as a young diplomat years after Kosovo proclaimed itself the Republic of Kosovo, the issue of settlement is still relevant. It is still people in the streets how to get to You will certainly remember the in the limelight of the international a certain place, they willingly showed passion for and the peculiarities of the community and is regularly discussed us the way and even accompanied development of Siberia, which were at the UN Security Council. From my us so that we wouldn’t get lost. At discussed during the classes of ethno- perspective, my presence in the region the same time on the eve of the trip political history of Russia, if you studied of conflict, which we repeatedly I had lots of doubts: Albania wasn’t with Yuri Bulatov. You will remember discussed during our classes, is pure considered to be a very safe country. the subtleties of the diplomatic protocol luck for me as a young diplomat.

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Foreign Parcel Trading company VS. Biysk Meat Factory. This factory sent substandard tushonka (canned stewed meat) to our specialists who worked in Mongolia, and so we decided to file a claim. I need to confess that in the very beginning I was not extremely enthusiastic about this job because I specialized in the public law at MGIMO. However, later I grew interested in commercial law and in litigating such cases as well as preparing for them. I received useful skills and an insider’s view of the foreign trade union work. Soon I was offered to go to our Trade he EU doesn’t hide its discontent Trelated to the special relations that have existed between Russia and Serbia. The Serbians are under enormous pressure, but they have enough strength and patience to withstand it

I remember two teachers in particular Representation in Belgrade. I took a crash Andrey who impressed me. One of them was course in Serbian, and in 1991 I started Vitaly Kabatov, who had been a musician, working in Serbia. After seven years of work Khripunov (‘86) but then had to change his profession in this country, I mastered the language Russian Trade Representative because of a serious injury after being so well that I could interpret during the in Serbia trapped in a burning tank during a war. negotiations. Later, he became a well-known expert This secondment was a priceless hy did I choose MGIMO? My in international law, specializing in the experience thanks to which I became an father graduated from this Roman law. expert on Serbia. I witnessed the collapse university; then he worked After MGIMO I started working in an of Yugoslavia, how the war in the Balkans in Poland, where I had lived organization associated with the Ministry started and spread, and how the Western Wbefore I was 7. That’s why I knew what it’s of Foreign Trade, namely, in the trade union sanctions affected the country. like to be a diplomat. When I was in high called Foreign Parcel Trading company. Its Though there were no military actions school, I learnt about the existence of the main function was to send goods to our in Belgrade itself, the war brought there UN, about the Sixth (Legal) Committee, diplomats abroad as well as to the experts a lot of challenges. Sometimes shelves in and about international law. In the late who provided technical assistance for the the shops were absolutely empty. Due to 1970s, there were few international USSR-allied countries and who built their hyperinflation, we received our salaries in lawyers, and I wanted to serve my country industrial facilities. dollars, but it didn’t help much. I remember in this capacity. Unexpectedly, I became an expert in that you could exchange a 500 bln dinar bill I entered the department of Public Law commercial law. Being counsel, I took for 1.5 dollars, but if you lingered for a day at the International Law School where on many cases and was in court almost or two, it depreciated by half a dollar, being I started learning English and Spanish. every second day. I remember a case called a subject to four or five denominations. The

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government didn’t manage to print the stations and, by this way, participating in Belgrade. The changes that happened in numbers on the bills with additional zeros. the privatization. In 2008 Gazpromneft our economic relations with Serbia have The food shortages made us do the started investing in the Serbian economy been enormous. We are present not only in following: several families went to a village by purchasing NIS company, which had the energy sector. There is also a subsidiary together, bought a 600 kg bull and carved earlier been subsidized, and turned it into (not a representation!) of Russian Railways, it up. It provided enough meat for four a successful business. Now its revenues Metrowagonmash, which supplies rolling families for two or three months. make up 15% of the country’s budget. stocks for the railroads, just as the GAZ In 1998 I returned to Moscow and, as In late 2008 I returned to the Ministry group supplies buses. Serbia is an innovative deputy Director, I started improving the of Economic Development, but this time country; that’s why the IT sector is Legal Department of the Ministry of as deputy Director of the Department booming: Yangex is becoming more active Economic Development. In three years, of Europe. Four years later I once again on the market, and we hope that very soon the number of people working there was appointed Trade Representative to Kaspersky will follow. increased from five to seventy. For me, it Now we are working on the next, more was important to succeed as a manager. In e consider advanced stage of cooperation, which is the 2002 I was sent to Belgrade in the capacity localization of production. Two years ago of the Trade Representative in order to Serbia to be Russia initiated the creation of a Russian restore and expand our presence in Serbia. a foothold for industrial zone here. In general, we consider In the 1990s, we supplied the area energy W Serbia to be a foothold for getting access to getting access to the EU fertilizers; soon, large Russian companies the EU markets as this country has official began operating there. The relations were markets as this country status of an EU candidate country and is part damaged due to NATO’s aggression and the has official status of an of a free trade zone. We have a free trade bombing of Belgrade in 1999. EU candidate country agreement with Serbia, which allows, among As soon as the situation normalized, we other things, for the recognition of product began to export cars and equipment there and is part of a free certifications. again. In 2003 Lukoil started operating in trade zone It’s important that our companies, which Serbia, buying a big retail chain of petrol are expanding in Serbia, are actively involved in social and humanitarian projects, sponsoring sport clubs and renovating cultural heritage sites. If Russian Railways renovate a road, they take care of a site, say, a school near this road in a small town, and renovate it at their own expense. Recently, Gazpromneft refurbished the dome mosaic of an Orthodox Church of Saint Sava, which is the biggest church in the Balkans, not just in Serbia. The Serbians supply Russia with agricultural goods such as fruit and vegetables, and meat and dairy products without GMOs, which is wonderful. But the Serbians face a dilemma: they are in talks to join the WTO, but in this case the use of GMOs would be inevitable. They might manage to refuse the production of the genetically modified products, but they will have to permit its imports. The EU doesn’t hide its discontent related to the special relations that have existed between Russia and Serbia. The Serbians are under enormous pressure, but they have enough strength and patience to withstand it: they understand very clearly what they might gain by cooperating with Russia.

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Interviews and photos by Igor Drobyshev Trianon The initiative of the Trianon Dialogue, which has emerged from a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, and aimed at connecting Russian and French civil societies, found its niche in the relations between Russia and France.

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panel initiative housed in the Russian a MGIMO alumnus, these innovative as well as other relevant suggestions friend Pierre Morel, who in the early 90’s Cultural Centre in Paris; the activities processes are taking place in many from the members of the Coordinating was working in Moscow as the French focused on the Russian-French relations Russian towns. Last year Russia came Council. One in particular is the idea to Ambassador to Russia. Together we and included the presentation of 35th in the World Bank rankings of run a series of leadership meetings for launched the first cooperation initiative a bilingual publication – correspondence urban comfort, compared to its 120th young, aspiring economists and public with Sciences Po in 1993, when the between Boris Yeltsin and two of France’s servants from Russia and France. two universities signed a cooperation presidents, Jaques Chirac and Francois he key event of agreement for the first joint education Mitterrand. MJ: Last November Paris hosted program. The program turned out so Last October, within the framework of the year was the a large-scale reunion event for popular that by 2005 it evolved into a fully- the Trianon Dialogue, MGIMO hosted International graduates of dual-degree Master’s fledged dual-degree Master’s program the Russian Congress of French Teachers T programs run by MGIMO in conjunction co-run by MGIMO and Sciences Po. In Economic Forum in St. attended by teachers and heads of with French universities. It celebrated the course of these 25 years, hundreds of international program divisions from Petersburg which 25 years of collaboration between students from both sides have graduated 150 Russian and French universities. included a range of MGIMO and Sciences Po. with this dual degree or taken part in other The congress brought into focus the Trianon-related events, Yes, it was a milestone event for us. related exchange programs. To me this is cooperation between Russia and France I was lucky to be collaborating with my a massive success. in the sphere of education. in particular, the In November The Paris Peace Forum meeting between hosted two sessions of the Trianon members of the Trianon Dialogue, where the model of ‘Civil Societies in Times of Crisis’ was the Dialogue Coordinating key event. MGIMO had a stand at the Council and the two forum and, over the course of the hour- heads of state, President and-a-half discussion with the public, it Putin and Emmanuel presented the Russian experience of ‘civil’ and ‘academic’ diplomacy as well as the Macron Trianon Dialogue itself.

MJ: From your perspective, how well position six years ago. Today we have the was the main theme - ‘City of the ambitious plan to be 20th by 2020. Future’ - of the forum presented? MJ: Would you say that The Trianon Dialogue found its niche in the relations Anatoly Torkunov: “The Trianon between Russia and France? I think it did. Primarily because it does Dialogue found its niche in the not compete with any other formats of cooperation between Russia and relations between Russia and France” France. Besides, this forum essentially provides a framework both for dialogue MJ: Summing up the results of the first of Trianon-related events, in particular, Russian and French urban planning between civil societies and professional year of the Trianon Dialogue, initiated the meeting between members of the experts extensively discussed it not only collaboration; it aims to embrace all by Russia’s and France’s heads of state, Trianon Dialogue Coordinating Council in Cannes but also at panel sessions social spheres of bilateral relations and what would be your main comment? and the two heads of state, President of the Moscow Urban Planning Forum has minimal vertical hierarchy. First, we did not expect it to be such Putin and Emmanuel Macron. The latter in July. Everybody agreed that the Speaking about our immediate plans for Pierre Morel: “The Trianon a major success. After all, it is no secret must have been impressed during his topic allows us to address the social, the Trianon Dialogue, this year is the year that the latest political context, including visit. economic, transport, ethno-political, of universities. Our French partners have Dialogue has made the events of last year, could have Among the highlights of the forum, and environmental aspects of modern come up with an initiative of a Russian- interfered with our plans. But, with the I would single out ‘The City of the Future’ megalopolises, small towns, and mono- French Bilateral Year 2019 in the sphere considerable progress” exception of some slight hitches, all our session held in March under the auspices industry towns. Visitors to Moscow had of education and public outreach. The plans were implemented. of MIPIM, an international property a chance to see the changes that have Coordinating Council convened on 27 MJ: Mr. Ambassador, analysing the endeavour. It will take time to establish Of course, the key event of the year was market expo in Cannes; this became the taken place in the city over the last few November to approve the action plan for Trianon Dialogue’s first year what is direct contacts between Russian and the International Economic Forum in leitmotif of the year. years. According to Moscow government this year, paying particular attention to the most important result? French civil societies, so we decided St. Petersburg which included a range The event coincided with the discussion minister, Sergey Cheryomin, himself education and public outreach activities The Trianon Dialogue is a long-term it would be imprudent to start out

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with large-scale projects, which may in the context of Franco-Russian reaching out to new groups in our eventually lose traction. The first relations? countries, encouraging initiative on Sylvie Bermann: “25 years ago, MGIMO plenary of our Coordination Council As I have already said, it will take some the part of our citizens, helping their took place on the sidelines of the St time before the project reaches its projects to be noticed and to find and Sciences Po signed a forward- Petersburg Economic Forum, which was full potential. However, it has already new partners in the other country. attended by the French President. We made considerable progress. We have Discussions about “The City of the looking agreement” had an opportunity to participate in all developed new formats of joint events. Future” revealed that we both share French ambassador in Russia talks about educational aspects of the “Trianon Dialogue” important events of the Forum, where Take, for example, the new twin version ideas and concerns about this all- we promoted the Trianon Dialogue; of our information platform dialogue- encompassing subject. I am convinced MJ: This year is the 25th anniversary some of these events were even that education, as a theme for our of MGIMO’s cooperation with French initiated by us. dialogue next year, will demonstrate this universities. It started in 1994 with At the beginning both sides were n agreement on to the full. the establishment of Sciences Po, the excited to use the opportunity to find educational first Russian-French Master’s program out what the Russians and the French cooperation MJ: 25 years ago you witnessed the for international relations in Russia. think about each other’s countries. A signature of a landmark agreement Can you assess this achievement as Two research centres conducted a joint between MGIMO and on educational cooperation between an ambassador and a graduate of in-depth study and found that our Sciences Po has brought MGIMO and Sciences Po. Sciences Po? nations tend to have mutual respect to life a whole new Yes, I remember it very well. The project It is true that 25 years ago, Alan Lanslo, and interest. This finding was confirmed was prepared by a group of Sciences who was at that time the director of by the results of a competition “Do you industry of effective Po employees spearheaded by Director the Paris Institute of Political Science know Russia?” which was held among Franco-Russian Alain Lancelot and in conjunction with (Sciences Po), and Vice-Rector Ivan 18-25 year olds and proved to be pretty educational contracts MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov. The Tyulin signed this forward-looking difficult. Out of five finalists, who were French Embassy fully supported the agreement. In order to understand the awarded tickets to football World Cup project, and even hosted the signing of significance of this project, you need the agreement, which took place at the to remember the time that this took enormous Louis XV table in the large place. The breakup of the Soviet Union salon of the Ambassador’s residence. allowed for the opening of a new page I assumed the duties of Ambassador in in Franco-Russian academic contacts. 1992 and could see how the MGIMO The most important thing was that Rector embarked on a transformative two of these rather similar academic overhaul of the institute, much in tune schools simultaneously voted in favour with the new times, in order to offer of internationalising their courses, which students new academic programs in was an uncommon approach in 1994, economy, finance, journalism, and so on. even in France. These efforts didn’t remain unnoticed: The success of this project is visible in its a dual degree, still unusual in post- development, and it has been the result of Soviet Russia, soon started gaining constant work to update, adapt courses, traction among both applicants constantly engage the teaching staff and and enterprises in search of trained generate enthusiasm amongst students. personnel. Every time I came to MGIMO, Since then, MGIMO and Sciences Po have I had an opportunity to talk with young followed similar paths; they have chosen Russians studying French, brimming to open up to the business world and with youthful enthusiasm (and internationalisation, and are now among questions!) and soon enough with their the best international relations schools in French peers from Sciences Po too. Thus, the world. there eventually developed a whole new MGIMO and Sciences Po choose a rather industry of effective Franco-Russian original way to mark their 25 years of universities. This important element of European questions, and Sciences Po held educational contracts. Its undeniable cooperation. First, the meeting last year cooperation is often not given enough a meeting that discussed the scientific matches, four had never been to our trianon.fr. We can already see that success can be illustrated by the fact that between Pascal Perrino, President of the attention, although the associations aspects of cooperation. This exclusively country! along with embassies, which maintain last November about 300 French and Association of Sciences Po Graduates, have expansive professional networks of important work must be used by the and develop bilateral relations, Russian graduates of the joint program and Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO, graduates. coordination council of Trianon Dialogue MJ: In your opinion, has the the Trianon Dialogue is playing an participated in the alumni reunion in helped to foster cooperation between Secondly, the National Assembly in and included in the Franco-Russian Trianon Dialogue found its place important role in Paris. the associations of graduates of both Paris introduced a colloquium on agenda.

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MJ: The main idea of the forum last of that period, I have warm memories of Xi Jinping’s government. There is year was the “City of the Future”, of my first stay in Russia. Perestroika a confrontation of two trends: one is which is seen as a “smart, comfortable was a fascinating period filled with connected with ancient China, while the city”. During the year you have been bitter disputes about the future of the other is modernity, and it cannot fail to working as a French ambassador in country, disputes that my acquaintances fascinate. This is a huge country with Moscow, have you noticed anything constantly had in kitchens everywhere. a powerful culture like in Russia, but in particular about this topic? How it is heading down a different path of “comfortable” and “smart” is MJ: You are a specialist on China, and development. China has changed radically Moscow? you were the French ambassador and has become one of the world’s leading The changes going on in Moscow to China. How did you become economies. are impressive. They restored some interested in this country? buildings by narrowing some roads, just I have been interested in this country MJ: Russia has recently committed to as Paris had done; they also created for a very long time: it was the culture turning to “the East” and becoming comfortable green zones and walking that attracted me. I had been to China closer to China, not the least due to areas, especially in the centre of the several times for long periods. When the deterioration of relations with the city, where there were not enough I was finishing at Sciences Po in 1976- West. Are you not afraid that France before. The development of the city’s and its partners in the EU are coming to transportation infrastructure, the a “point of no return”, at which a return extension of metro lines and the he success of to the former level of relations will construction of the Moscow Central MGIMO - Sciences become unrealistic? Railway have made the city more Po agreement has It is perfectly clear that in recent years the practical for all of its citizens, especially T Russian-Chinese partnership has seriously for those who live far from the centre. been the result of expanded. However, I don’t think that the Modern informational technologies constant work to logic of creating a block or alliance can simplify the lives of their users. update, adapt courses, be applied to the cooperation of Russia I consider the absence of ads in public and China, and that Moscow’s interest in spaces to be a positive. Moscow has constantly engage the Beijing will lead Russia to permanently proven that it is possible, and I hope teaching staff and separating itself from Europe. that other cities around the world will generate enthusiasm From the moment I came to Moscow, follow its example. amongst students I have constantly observed a tendency towards closer economic, cultural and MJ: You have already worked as demographic connections between Russia a diplomat in Moscow, and your time and Europe than between Russia and as a diplomat coincided with the 77, I was living in China during the end Asia, regardless of the difficulties of their exciting period of Perestroika. What of the cultural revolution, studying in political relations. I do not sense a clear do you remember about those years? the Institute of Foreign Languages in departure from this basic tendency. Of course, life has changed a lot since Beijing. For a year, I had been living I think that France and Europe are the end of the Soviet period. The change among those known as gong nong always ready to renew their partnership that strikes me most is the appearance bing (students-workers-peasants- with Russia if Russia demonstrates an of Moscow, which has become enjoyable soldiers). I immersed myself in the way aspiration to overcome our differences to live in. There are more parks and that normal Chinese people lived at when it comes to observing international restaurants offering unbelievable this time. I still have fond memories: rights. I am not sure that Russia could find gastronomic diversity – in a word, the I harvested rice from rice paddies in such a balanced partnership anywhere city has become an international cultural the people’s commune, and I welded in else. President Macron, from the moment capital. a factory. When the arrest of the Gang of he took power, has expressed a desire for I really love Russian literature; one of my Four was announced, I found myself on a greater dialogue and cooperation with best memories of this time was visiting Tiananmen Square. Moscow. He confirmed this during his the country house of Pasternak in In 1980-82, when I arrived in Beijing as visit to St. Petersburg in May of last year. Peredelkino, where I, as a new diplomat, a diplomat once again, I closely followed He also stressed that it is worthwhile to managed to rent a small home next door the reforms of Deng Xiaoping. Between have a more detailed discussion about to visit on weekends. I was glad to return 2011 and 2014, I was the French the framework of European security with to this place once again and meet the ambassador to China, and I returned the United States and Russia, and we are son of the writer. Despite the difficulties to Beijing during the strengthening working on exactly this today.

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MJ: The museum block you are building in central Moscow will make the city more comfortable and “smarter”, won’t it? We hope it does fit in with this concept. It is going to be a unique space for a person to be able to get various impressions, which can be compared to cognition. We have planned a lot of places meant for people of all sorts to feel good and comfortable: both for intellectuals, I would say, for introverts who seek solitude, I mean the depth of immersion, specific knowledge and impressions; and for more broadly thinking extroverts who seek a different relationship with art implying more movement and emotions. We are going to have as many exhibition projects both big and small, such

e always feel like we are Wa buffer zone for a constant exchange of prisoners in a crazy world, in which humanitarian efforts is the only remedy to make a difference

as lectures where one will have an opportunity to learn new things from Marina Loshak: the intellectuals, to participate in serious talks related to art (fine, music, “We are ambassadors choreographic and philosophical). A person’s understanding of art for the French art” is becoming broader and more comprehensive, partly due to the fact “We always feel like we are a buffer zone for a constant that information is no longer exclusive. exchange of prisoners,” Marina Loshak, Head of Moscow’s a young man will soon be so overwhelmed Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, says about the role of by information overload that it will culture in a crazy world in which we have lived for a long time become more of a burden, and the man already, and humanitarian efforts is the only remedy to make will want and aspire to get impressions. a difference. One of such initiatives is the “Trianon Dialogue”, Emotional development of a person is our designed to bring together Russian and French civil society key movement. actors. Marina Loshak, as a member of the Trianon Dialogue We are trying to study ourselves, divide Coordination Council, likes the idea of a “smart city” which has ourselves into separate worlds and become the main topic of the forum last year. microworlds, each of which can function on its own or join another to function in

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a different way. That is a great idea, but see Moscow as a smart city? he is a good listener and a man of action, we do not know if our idyllic dreams will The word “smart” explains well: a smart which is very important. come true to the full. I favor idealism, person loves comfort and knows how to Speaking of the future, urban planners which I believe is crucial to make make use of it; a silly person does not should think about ecology, electrocars, progress: if you can dream big, it will be know what comfort feels like. It seems filling stations for them, people’s really great if half your dreams come true. to me, Moscow has a unique path to preferences who drive green cars, and development. I believe, Moscow is lucky rivers as a thruway. It is crucial to move MJ: Back to the smart city, how do you to have Sergei Sobyanin as its mayor since unprofitable production out of the big center and to turn residential areas into more vibrant districts, so that different events could be held in all parts of the city, not only the center. The situation with big cities is quite clear, but about small cities and towns? There should be the right culture hubs there. I love Moscow, since it is my space, and my biorhythms coincide with it. Every time I return to Moscow – I very often e are a party to all dialogues Wirrespective of these foolish sanctions and grievances towards each other. What is remarkable is that the cultural community makes more steps towards each other than it did before

have to go on business trips – I feel that at last I am home, the place I belong. There are not so many big cities with such a strong energy to give you a chance – take it if you like, if not…be a Buddhist.

MJ: You often go to Paris, whose mayor – Ann Hidalgo – is as active as you are and has a development strategy. Did you notice anything that could be applied here in Moscow? It’s hard to say. When I am in Paris, I always walk the same museum routes, gallery blocks. I love this city. It has a different energy. But Paris is not young by its life energy. It is in its fifties, which is a wonderful age, an age of intellect, experience, maturity and informed

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existence! Moscow is very young! And Picasso-Paris opened a very important I love this “green” period when you can exhibition devoted to Picasso’s Blue and make stupid mistakes, do something Rose periods and gathered all his key wrong, be light-minded. It is wonderful, works from museums all over the world. isn’t it! It is simply impossible to imagine this exhibition without such pieces of art as MJ: Speaking of cultural relations with “Girl on a Ball”. We are always reluctant France, do your plans coincide with to give this masterpiece for exhibiting. the goals of the “Trianon Dialogue”? However, as partners we gave the painting France and French art make up a very to maintain our traditional cooperation, important part of our museum identity which we find very significant. Now you since French collections is one of the can see it everywhere in Paris. most important and recognizable brands of our museum: I mean, impressionists MJ: You are indeed actively engaged and postimpressionists, whose works in dialogue with France… are essential to our collection, as well as We held it before the “Trianon Dialogue”, the pool of French painters in general and will continue to do so afterwards. We beginning from XVII century, which are a party to all dialogues irrespective comprises the most important painters of these foolish sanctions and grievances and their key works. We are rightfully towards each other. What is remarkable French art ambassadors both at home and is that the cultural community – not only abroad. We organize exhibitions across the museum one – makes more steps the globe, promoting French art, work towards each other than it did before. In together with major French museums. this sense, I am very optimistic about our Two years ago, we shocked France by future. organizing an exhibition, which included paintings by a well-known Moscow MJ: You have got another 5 years collector Sergei Shchukin. The event took as Head of Moscow’s Pushkin State place at the Louis Vuitton Fund, and was Museum of Fine Arts. Supposing, attended by a record number of people – you are offered to head the Louvre, 1.3 bln – for the first time in the entire how would you contribute based on history of exhibitions in Paris! We very the experience you got here, in the soon plan to exhibit works by another Pushkin Museum? great collector, Ivan Morozov. I do think it The Louvre is too big and complex for will be a fantastic success, too. me, and I love museums – and cities as This past success inspired us to create well – which are to a person’s capabilities. a Club of friends of the Pushkin Museum The Louvre is not even a city, it is rather in Paris, which brought together friends a country with its own laws and rules. and fans of the museum, including I belong to those people who can criticize businesspeople and those who are ready only themselves and their own space. to support French art on our territory. How would I contribute to the Louvre? The geography of interaction and This museum is very complex for me in friendship with our French professional terms of navigation, which is why if I ever partners is very wide. We maintain very became its head, I would first decide on close cooperation with Musée d'Orsay. navigation to make the museum more We have many exchanges with the Centre comfortable and cozy. The museum Pompidou, the Louvre Museum, the Art collections are huge and fantastic, and its Museum of Paris, the Branly Museum potential is great! on the embankment, Grand Palais and But let me say it again, I find it crucial Petit Palais, and many other museums. to feel the scale of my existence in some Every year we exhibit many of our works space, to know the limits of my existence. at different French exhibitions. In mid- Despite its grand size, Moscow does define September Musée d'Orsay and the Musée these limits within my favourite spaces.

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MJ: At the meeting of MGIMO graduates in Paris, there were not only Russian graduates working and living in Paris, but also the French alumni who graduated from the dual- master’s programs MGIMO-Sciences Po and other French universities. By the way, I delivered a lecture to master’s students at Sciences Po not that long ago. I liked the European youth. They listened with interest and asked questions that really made sense.

he Trianon Dialogue is Ta window of opportunity, and it is important for us to do everything to not let the international geopolitical winds blow this window shut

MJ: When it was time to enter a university, why did you choose MGIMO? I am a member of an MGIMO dynasty. Aleksey Meshkov: My father graduated from the International Law department and “The Trianon Dialogue my older sister studied International Economic Relations. Both my sons have opens a window graduated from MGIMO – my older son was in the political science department of opportunity” and my younger one was in the International Institute of Energy Politics. Politicians of both countries desire to “take a breath of fresh air”, according As you can see, each had their own to Russia’s ambassador to France. interest in MGIMO and each consciously went into their profession.

Last November, Aleksey Meshkov, Russia’s ambassador to France, celebrated one year since being appointed MJ: The Trianon Dialogue is picking winds blow this window shut. From both MJ: You started your diplomatic sides, I feel that there is a desire to take to the position. However, he prefers to count from President Vladimir Putin’s visit to France in May 2017 and the up steam. career in Spain. What were the most Yes, it received a full official framework a breath of fresh air from this unpleasant memorable things about your time negotiations with Emmanuel Macron in Versailles. “This summit was the start of a gradual end to the crisis in in Saint Petersburg at the meeting of narrative that our “Anglo-Saxon working there? Russian-French affairs and of the return of our relations to a normal course,” he said. “It hasn’t all been simple, both coordinating councils of the forum colleagues” are trying to impose on us. I arrived there in 1981 literally a few over the period of a couple of months we had the full visit of President Macron to the economic forum in St with President Putin and President As for the Trianon Dialogue, everyone weeks after the renewal of diplomatic Petersburg, where there was a bilateral summit, and his double visit during the World Cup. Indeed, the detractors Macron In other words, now there in our embassy is sincerely glad that it relations, and this period was a boom in Europe, if you remember, generally called for a political boycott of attendance at the World Cup. The summit is a window of opportunity, and it is is Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO, for Russian-Spanish relations in all in Saint Petersburg added a real impetus to bilateral relations, this was very noticeable according to the sharply important for us to do everything to who is leading the Russian side. We will areas. We built a foundation for Russian- rising rhythm of consultations along the lines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments.” not let the international geopolitical do our best to help him. Spanish cooperation.

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Of course, I remember the heroic act of There were many different stories, and after the terrorist attack, I accompanied King Juan Carlos I on 23 February 1981. they were significant. One of these the then minister Igor Ivanov to New It practically undermined the coup, was connected to the participation York. Because of the terrorist attack, already carried out by a neo-Francoist of Russian sailors in saving Italians the UN General Assembly was moved to group. These things cannot be forgotten, during the terrible earthquake of 1908 a later date, but the leadership of Russia and the courage of these people warrants in the Messina Strait. Our ships were took the decision that our delegation great respect. not far from the place and they were would arrive anyway and hold a series the first to help. They saved thousands of meetings. Therefore, we were the first MJ: Wasn’t there an episode with Yuri of people, and afterwards the citizens of the official foreign delegations to Dubinin, the Soviet ambassador who of Messina named one of the streets arrive in the United States immediately the Spanish offered to hide from the in honour of the Russian sailors. after these tragic events. Francoists? However the story does not end here. However, the planes didn’t fly there, and I’ve heard this story twice. At first, Once, a person I knew came up to me the airspace was closed! So we had to Dubinin himself told me. During the during an event and said something first land in Washington, where we met coup, he visited a Spanish friend of his, unexpected. “I am thankful to the with the leadership of the US. President who told him, “Don’t worry, sit with us Russian sailors. If it weren’t for their George W. Bush expressed his deep here quietly. My father was a Francoist help then, I wouldn’t have been born! appreciation for President Putin, who, minister, and it’s unlikely they will search The thing is that my grandfather, who as we remember, was the first head of for you here.” Fifteen years later, when was a small child back then, stood in state to call him and offer help. We went this friend passed away, I heard this story to New York by bus. I will never forget from his son. “My brother and I were the image. Above the place where not sleeping,” he said, “and our father came n general, if a person that many days ago stood the famous to us, saying, ‘I would like to say goodbye, wants to be “twin towers” was a column of smoke. as we have the Soviet ambassador here as a diplomat, he must These were heavy impressions… our guest, and it’s possible that we won’t I The second time, I was appointed to by nature be a builder. see each other again.’” So courageous was the position of deputy minister in 2012 that man; he wasn’t afraid and he didn’t Building is far more after returning from Italy. This was ask the Soviet ambassador to leave… interesting than purely a European assignment, and destroying I supervised two-thirds of the European MJ: You worked as the ambassador to countries and all of the European Italy for more than nine years. institutes. What did I gain during this This is a great part of my life. It period? You’ll be surprised, but most featured the rapid development of our a window opening on the third floor importantly, it gave me more patience; bilateral relations. There were many of a ruined home when the Russian after all, this was a very complicated accomplishments. When I arrived in sailors saw him. They managed to take time. After a year, things started Italy, trade turnover was around $9.5 him away from there.” happening in Ukraine, although the billion, and it had increased to $53.5 That is to say that in Italy, as well as in crisis had been coming for a while… billion when I left. It was a period of Spain, we were building a foundation President Putin’s speech at the Munich intense growth in cultural exchanges, for Russian-Italian cooperation, and Security Conference in 2007 was and eventful political contacts – there building is far more interesting than a warning from Russia that affairs were were approximately 40 summits between destroying. In general, if a person not headed in the right direction. The the Russian president and Italian prime wants to be a diplomat, he must by coup in Ukraine was simply used by minister. nature be a builder. our colleagues in the West, who tried For me, the spiritual side of work has to keep a unipolar world, as an excuse, always been important. One of my MJ: You have held the important which would have allowed them to fondest memories is the establishment of post of deputy minister of foreign legalize, so to speak, the attempts to the first Orthodox Church in Rome. After affairs twice in your career. The first isolate Russia. 2,000 years of Christianity being in this time was in September 2001, and Of course, this was a rather difficult city, this was the first Russian church, you started five days before the period of work, but on the other hand, and in close vicinity to the Vatican. Many terrible terrorist attack in New York, it was connected with fascinating work people took part in making it happen. which changed the world. Was this in a team that was smoothly operating Even I, as the ambassador, feel my a difficult way to start? with the leadership of our Minister of contribution. Yes, it wasn’t simple. After all, a week Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov.

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very March, two months prior Like other European cities, Paris is to the Cannes Film Festival, undergoing profound and rapid changes this resort town on the French today. There are new public spaces; there Riviera is occupied by real-estate are innovative forms of interaction, such mogulsE and other businessmen. as co-working and teleworking, and there The scale of the property-related is commercial innovation, including Cannes trade show defies imagination as each show-rooms for common use, fabrication A MGIMO delegation visited Cannes, France, in March 2018 to hold a “City and every country and many large laboratories available for anyone who wishes of the Future” session of the Russia-France Trianon dialogue within the cities have a pavilion of their own. The to produce something, and pop-up stores. framework of the MIPIM-2018 real estate exhibition. United States, however, is for some New services are in demand as well, primarily reason represented very modestly in healthcare due to the ageing population. with the low-profile booths of a dozen It is recommended that the participants US states located in remote corners involved in the tenders should by no of the otherwise impressive Palace of means limit their imagination and Festivals. The United Kingdom, on the creativity – the buildings they design contrary, has a huge area right on the and plan should be multi-purpose coast. London alone has a pavilion as and smart, as in mutable. They should large as that of France, the host country, be eco-innovative, make good use of while Manchester boasts an impressive revolutionary technologies in energy entrance to its premises with a long path production, consumption and utilization, leading directly to the beach. as well as produce zero-waste and low- carbon technologies. * * * The winners of the tender will be given A panel discussion on “Smart Cities” a chance to purchase or lease a parcel with the mayor of Paris, Ms. Anne of land to implement their projects. The Hidalgo, as its headliner has become one initiative itself has already embraced of the most anticipated events. nineteen cities and towns in France and The mayor launched a “Reinventing has become known as the “Reinventing Paris” campaign a year ago announcing Cities” project. a tender on novel projects for twenty- Mr. Raymond Johansen, the mayor three objects in the city. of Oslo, spoke about the difficulties

accompanying the path to a “smart city”. the way, there is something we take pride ergei Cheryomin: tourist showcase,’ he added. It should One of the most acute is the lack of in: as of the end of 2017, one-third of all “An ambitious be noted here that Mayor Lisnard, who understanding of this task on the part of new cars sold were electric.” is a strong proponent of democracy, is investors, who view the demands of the task that we set well-known for his temper if the security market as their priority. “The market is S * * * today is for Moscow to of his city’s residents is endangered. Last good when it serves the interest of people, The Trianon dialogue on the “City of become No. 20 in the year, he prohibited Muslim women from rather than dictates its own rules,” the the Future” kick-started at the Gaidar wearing burkinis, traditional Muslim garb, Mayor said. “For instance, a city needs more Forum in Moscow, ahead of the event world by 2020 in the at the beach. As both tourists and Cannes green space, which, however, contradicts at the Palace of Festivals. Participants World Bank rating in residents felt unease, the mayor reacted the demands of the market. Besides, looked into the issues related to mobility, terms of urban comfort” promptly without fearing criticism by immigrants account for 32 per cent of the architecture, town-planning, landscaping multi-culturalists. population in Oslo, so we need to somehow and introducing digital technologies in The mayor of Strasbourg, Mr. Roland address the challenge of integrating them “cities of the future”. about fifty per cent of Cote d’Azur GDP Ries, spoke about a whole array of while taking into consideration their The mayor of Cannes Mr. David Lisnard with this figure steadily growing. “We aim interesting projects meant, on the one interests to the fullest possible extent. By pointed out that tourism accounts for at turning Cote d’Azur into a universal hand, to change the city environment

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from the Moscow market in the complicated year of 2014 when anti- Russian sanctions were introduced.” The city authorities have achieved significant success over the past six years to turn Moscow into a smart city. It

ood architecture is a living space Gwhere one would want to wander and draw a structure which one enjoys looking at

Mayors of Oslo, Milan and Paris in a heated discussion

and, on the other hand, to fit into it harmoniously. Take, for instance, a new residential eco-area, The Danube, in Strasbourg’s city center. It is, in fact, a pedestrian oasis surrounded by urban buildings. There is a square in the very heart of the area with nursing homes and an educational center located on its perimeter. Unexpected though it may be, that is a good example of successful urban integration since the area is in harmony with nearby business clusters, public facilities and tourist centers. A new insular area named after Andre have been installed in schools, at the Malraux, a novelist, may also be of entrances of residential buildings interest in Strasbourg. That is particularly and courtyards, which has helped significantly to reduce the incidence of crime. An intellectual (“smart”) transport true with regard to the library which ranked first in the world in terms of traffic system enables the city to collect useful is located in a reconstructed barn and jams back in 2012; however, the capital road data information. Moscow was the is a point of attraction at the local is not even among top ten problem first in the world to launch high-speed university. cities today. In recent years, Moscow wi-fi in its underground, and is now Mr. Sergei Cheryomin, Moscow has invested huge sums of money to system-wide. Government Minister, Head of the develop its transport infrastructure, “Due to these achievements of Moscow, Moscow Department for Foreign constructing new underground lines, Russia ranked thirty-fifth in the World Economic Activity and International local communication facilities, highways, Bank rating in terms of urban comfort last Relations, and an MGIMO alumnus, flyovers, and expanding parking space. year. Six years before, however, it ranked opened the Russian session of the Now, Moscow is among the top three in 120. An ambitious task that we set today meeting. parking. “One may park their car in the is for Moscow to become No. 20 in the “France enjoys the fifth place in city center just using their smartphones,” world by 2020,” concluded the Minister. economic cooperation with Moscow,” he adds Cheryomin proudly. The head of the “Asadov” Architectural said. “There are 200 French companies There is a most state-of-the-art video Bureau, Mr. Andrey Asadov, spoke about with direct investments working in surveillance system in Moscow. One a nation-wide initiative “Living Cities” Sergei Cheryomin, Moscow Government Minister Moscow, and none of these withdrew hundred and thirty thousand cameras under which Russian architects create

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“Moscow is gradually starting to take we are conducting thorough research in interest in redesigning the environment, order to understand which combination in rethinking and reconsidering it. My of functions may satisfy the demand company at the moment is involved into for innovative housing. What kind the reconstruction of a dull office building of people should live here? If we talk created in the early 80s. Together with about the new millennium generation, a group of sociologists and economists, they, according to a variety of surveys, unlike their parents, easily transcend oscow is the limitations of the habitual patterns which made their ancestors feel so safe starting to take and sound. The new generation tends interest in to possess less but use more. It is no M coincidence that it is this generation redesigning and that the new projects related to new rethinking the patterns of urban existence are meant environment to satisfy for. First and foremost, I mean the the demand for concept of a shared economy, which implies that people seek to pay for innovative housing something together, a savings over individual purchases.”

models and various elements of a “city start viewing things from a different angle”. characteristics that we have access to. of the future.” According to Mr. Asadov, he new millennium Mr. Evgeny Yurasov, a representative We aim at “inscribing” our project into places we live in are the most natural generation, they, of “Restavracia N” company, told the existing environment that formed environment to show and develop their unlike their parents, the audience about a responsible in the area throughout its history, at abilities: “We are doing our best to create T development concept the company had using its hidden reserves rather than just a living space where one would want to easily transcend the worked out for one of its recent projects exhausting the capacities Moscow has wander and draw. There is an opinion limitations of the habitual in downtown Moscow – Knightsbridge given us.” that good architecture means drawing patterns. They tend to Private Park, a residential area. “A Ms. Anastasia Smirnova, a partner at a structure which one enjoys looking at. key feature of the project is that we SVESMI Architectural Bureau, pointed out A new qualitative environment sets a new possess less but use more intentionally make use of only seventy that an interesting project may quite often benchmark for development; its residents five per cent of technical and economic appear in a seemingly hopeless place:

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the Parisians witnessed the premier ofТрианонская the the suggestion to donate thisнеделя new artistic Afternoon of the Faun choreographed by space to Paris should be included into the Vaslav Nijinsky, whom also danced the main Trianon dialogue program of cultural events. part. *** The theatre was under reconstruction, Mr. Anatoly Torkunov, MGIMO Rector so the Rector enjoyed an exclusive tour and co-chairman of the Trianon dialogue of the premises that were being restored, organizing committee, Mr. Pierre Morel, the historic hall and backstage. However, co-chairman from France’s party, Mr. it was even more fascinating to dive into Alexei Meshkov, Russia’s Ambassador to the absolutely unique world of “DAU”, France, Mr. Vladimir Grigoriev, Deputy an epic film, which is considered to be Head of the Federal Agency on Press and a mysterious and one of the most awaited Mass Communications, Mr. Valery Fedotov, cultural projects. A tremendous way Director General of the Russian Public has been covered from creating a script Opinion Research Centre VCIOM, Mr. dedicated to Lev Landau, an outstanding Alexander Orlov, Executive Secretary of the Soviet physicist, to an unprecedented socio Trianon Dialogue Organizing Committee – and anthropological experiment that offers all came to see the Russian booth at a thorough and candid reflection on human the “Salon du Livre” Book Fair. France’s psyche, freedom and art. Ambassador to Russia Mme. Sylvie Bermann The world release of the film was and the former assistant on international scheduled for early 2019 in Berlin, London relations to President Boris Yeltsin Mr. Dmitry Ryurikov joined them there. The opening ceremony of the display t was fascinating to “Russia – the Guest of Honor” had provided dive into the for a variety of events. The main event, absolutely unique unfortunately, was cancelled as France’s I President Emmanuel Macron posted a twit world of “DAU”, an epic expressing France’s solidarity with the film, which is considered United Kingdom on the Skripalj poisoning, to be a mysterious and just a few hours before the opening ceremony. one of the most awaited Ambassador Meshkov, who told the press cultural projects repeatedly how “deeply he regretted the fact,” still decided to stay silent on the subject in his opening speech. Mr. Vladimir Grigoriev recalled that Russia and Paris. Meanwhile, Ilya Khrizhanovsly’s had already been the guest of honor at the studio was finalizing mural paintings Book Fair twelve years ago. “At that time Paris in some of the theatre’s administrative France had another president, who was fond Second leg of the Trianon week takes place in Paris. MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov participates. facilities to express its gratitude for of Russian literature, knew it well, had a nice hospitality. These wall paintings depicted feel of it and even attempted translating it.” GIMO Rector Anatoly héâtre du Châtelet it was possible that a brief meeting between the theatre’s significant contribution into It was, naturally, Jacques Chirac, whom Mr. Torkunov’s visit to the “Salon France’s President and the co-chairman of with the guidance of Mr. Ilya Khrzhanovsky, creative work of Russian emigrants in Grigoriev had in mind, and whom translated du Livre” Book Fair was has made a signifi­ the Trianon dialogue organizing committee the film director. the 20th century – from Sergei Diaghilev the whole of “Eugene Onegin” into French supposed to become the main cant contribution would take place to synchronize watches The Théâtre du Châtelet is a theatre and to Rudolf Nureyev. So far the theatre has in his younger days. highlightM of the three-day-stay of the MGIMO T with each other, so to say. That, however, opera house located in a square that bears introduced more than twenty Russian ballets Rector Torkunov informed those into creative work of delegation in Paris. France’s President Mr. was to happen at the opening ceremony of the same name in the very heart of Paris. to the European public; it has been a haven present that the Trianon dialogue – a new Emmanuel Macron, who had previously Russian emigrants in the the Russian booth in the evening. Prior to The construction took place on the spot of for the Russian vanguard in Paris for many way of having a dialogue between civil th announced his intention to take part in 20 century – from Sergei the event the Rector had had a number of a demolished prison in the middle of the 19th years. societies launched on President Macron St. Petersburg Economic Forum in May to Diaghilev to Rudolf meetings; for instance, Torkunov attended century. Notably, it was here that the first The meeting with Mr. Ilya Khrizhanovsky and President Putin’s initiative – had meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin the Théâtre du Châtelet to become the first performances of the well-known Russian appeared on Rector Anatoly Torkunov’s been implementing quite a few projects within the Trianon dialogue framework, was Nureyev guest at a unique and at that point closed to Seasons by Sergei Diaghilev, the legendary agenda due to an unexpected initiative of in the realm of culture, adding that the expected to visit Russia’s booth there. Thus, the public space created by Russian artists Russian impresario, took place in 1909. Later the project’s masterminds. It was then that compilation of correspondence between

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Russia’s President Boris Yeltsin and France’s Presidents Mitterand and Chirac in the 90s had been the first book to be published bearing the logo of the Trianon dialogue. Rector Torkunov invited all those interested in attending the ceremony of launching the book in the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center.

s Ambassador Morel pointed Aout, it was President Mitterand’s firm belief that NATO expansion should be discussed with Russia. In no way has France ever ignored Russia’s position. On the contrary, it has always considered Russia to be its partner

The announcement of the names of five French citizens – the winners of the “Do you know Russia?” quiz – followed on the Trianon dialogue on-line platform. Each of them received an opportunity to visit the FIFA World Cup in Russia as a prize.

* * * As those directly involved with the correspondence between the leaders of the two states participated in the event, the launch of the abovementioned book set the tone for a conversation on Russian-French relations, which was held in the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center, the one on Quai Branly. Ambassador Meshkov opened the discussion. “When I started reading the book, he said, I was surprised to see that it is as relevant as ever. For instance, Yeltsin wrote to Mitterand on August 6, 1992: “We have once and for all put an end to the epoch of confrontation and proceeded in practice to establishing a new international order based on our shared commitment to democratic values.” And so

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it was! And what have we got eventually?! discussed with Russia. In no way has France is the concept of a “gentlemen’s agreement” Sadly, nothing else but degradation… So, on ever ignored Russia’s position. On the in international law meaning an oral the one hand, this book is good evidence of contrary, it has always considered Russia understanding that should be as efficient as missed opportunities. On the other hand, to be its partner, urged to listen to Russia’s a written one.” A short and noteworthy reply this book is evidence of progress since it is voice, involve it in both economic and by President Yeltsin followed: “Well, since due to Russia and France’s efforts to create political matters.” that was a gentlemen’s agreement, those a reliable international security system that Dmitry Ryurikov, a person very closely that do not abide by it are most likely not General de Gaulle’s idea of a Europe from the related to correspondence between the gentlemen”. Atlantic to the Urals has transformed into the presidents, recounted an episode when French Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1988- idea of creating a new space from the Atlantic NATO expansion to the east was mentioned 1993 Roland Dumas told those present to Vladivostok.” during President Yeltsin’s conversation about the preparatory work performed upon Anatoly Torkunov noted that his with some experts. “I recall one of them President Mitterand’s request in order to counterpart – co-chairman of the Trianon saying: “Indeed, there is no document receive President Boris Yeltsin during his dialogue organizing committee Ambassador on the West’s promise not to bring NATO official visit in 1992. “President Mitterand Pierre Morel – was directly involved into closer to our borders. Nevertheless, there had given me carte-blanche, so I arranged accommodation for the Russian delegation in the Palace of Versailles! I even managed to make some of the premises in the palace open for a few days. Later I called President Yeltsin’s people to see if everything was alright for him. I was told he was very pleased but wondered whether that was the way Mikhail Gorbachev had been received. I said it was not. Yeltsin liked the answer a lot!” The Palace of Versailles has always had a special role in relations between the two countries. The very fact, one of the speakers noted, that President Macron realized the importance of the symbol and suggested it as a venue for his first meeting with Vladimir Putin receiving him like a Tsar speaks for itself. President Macron probably wanted to make up for a historical faux pas committed a long time ago by Louis XIV of France. The story in question goes back to 1698 when the events of that time. “I was lucky as in t a reception in Peter the Great’s Grand Embassy, stationed 1993 Pierre Morel and I were those that Ambassador in Holland at that time, raised the question put forward an initiative to create and sign Meshkov’s of visiting Versailles by the Tsar. Louis XIV the first Russian-French Master’s degree A declined politely as he did not want to program between MGIMO and Sciences residence in rue de “deprive himself of comfort.” Po. Twenty five years on we continued our Grenelle, French cinema The participants completed the Trianon activities, this time by means of the Trianon week by attending a reception in Ambassador dialogue launched to facilitate intercourse star Fanny Ardant Meshkov’s residence in rue de Grenelle. French between our citizens, our youth primarily, to became a total surprise cinema star Fanny Ardant also attended, the fullest possible extent.” for everyone. Meanwhile which became a total surprise for everyone. Ambassador Morel pointed out there As it befits a star, Mme. Fanny Ardant was “on was no confrontation between Russia and guests enjoyed exquisite a pedestal” from the very beginning, enjoying France in the 90s. “Indeed, there were some specialties of Russian a glass of wine aloof. Accepting complements differences with regard to determining the cuisine. The kholodets from admirers of her talent, she remained common stances on the European continent. totally untouched by the dishes served. Those However, it was President Mitterand’s firm was especially good were exquisite specialties of Russian cuisine! belief that NATO expansion should be The kholodets was especially good.

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Konstantin Palace in Strelna is their monitors and were sleeping in their located on the southern coastline headphones; reporters were wandering of the Gulf of Finland. It is the state around, under the vaulted ceilings of the residence of the Russian President Palace, bombarding the security guards just outside St.Petersburg. It is with questions. In response, the guards often referred to as ‘Russian advised them to keep calm and eat their Versailles’. Peter the Great started sandwiches; they must have been informed its construction in the early 18th century with a view to making it an official imperial residence that would surpass the world-renowned Versailles.

t is no coincidence that the Russian head of state chose this venue for negotiations with his French counterpart; a year ago the latter met Iwith Vladimir Putin in Versailles, where in Le Trianon Palace the two leaders worked

Trianon and Konstantin The highlight of the Economic Forum in St.Petersburg in May was the visit of the French head of state, Emmanuel Macron. His busy two-day schedule there was taken up by discussions with Vladimir Putin.

onstantin Palace that after the Great October Revolution utin and the ‘When in 1966 General de Gaulle wanted the Palace was used, for quite a while, as to visit Russia,’ Macron said later at the in Strelna is the a mental asylum. Macrons spent press-conference, ‘he chose St.Petersburg state residence of Then, from the main arch onto a balcony a while, admiring for his speech about the heroic resistance of K half the size of a football pitch came the P the besieged Soviet soldiers and local people the Russian President the picturesque just outside St.Peters­ Russian head of state with the Macrons, who were surrounded by the German army. accompanied by two translators. Putin and surroundings. The Tomorrow I am going to visit Piskarevsky burg. It is often referred his guests spent a while, with their backs bright May sun, infinite cemetery to pay tribute to the victims of the to as ‘Russian Versailles’ to the reporters, admiring the picturesque blue sky, the French siege of Leningrad.’ surroundings and discussing something. The president’s tan, his However, a consistent sanctioning policy bright May sun, infinite blue sky, the French of the EU against Russia stands in the out the ‘Trianon Dialogue’ initiative that president’s tan, his wife’s slim tanned legs – wife’s slim tanned way of converting this sentiment into would foster closer ties between Russian all created a Mediterranean holiday mood, legs – all created an effective partnership. Vladimir Putin and French civil societies. as if these people were in a Cote d’Azur a Mediterranean made an implicit reference to the situation A few hours before the negotiations in paradise, and not near Piskarevsky cemetery when, without the fear of embarrassing Konstantin Palace the media filled the or Nevsky Pyatachok (the Neva Bridgehead) holiday mood Macron, he suddenly praised … Finland: ground floor rooms; the TV crew had set up which once saw hell on earth. ‘Well done for Finland – a company there

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daunted in the least, addressing Putin several times as ‘Mon cher Vladimir!’, by which point the complex but intriguing ‘chemistry’ between the two leaders became apparent. At the session of the Trianon Dialogue Coordinating Council, co-chaired by MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov and Ambassador Pierre Morel, Director of Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) Valery Fyodorov presented findings of the recent public mood survey to his colleagues. He offered an analysis of Russia’s reception of France and the French nation. Chairman CEO of ‘ADV Group’, Dmitry Korobkov, pitched a digital platform, created as part of the Dialogue initiative, its greater and more diverse digital and acron several media potential for better cross-national times addressed dialogue. The French side was represented, Putin as ‘Mon among others, by President of Total Patrick M Pouyanné, who stressed the need for cher Vladimir!’, by which regular meetings between young leaders of point the complex but Russia and France. intriguing ‘chemistry’ The Trianon Dialogue session The session was followed by an award between the two leaders ceremony – French students, winners rianon Dialogue, of the quiz on knowledge of Russia, became apparent despite the held under the auspices of the Trianon pessimism of some Dialogue, were awarded with prizes and T tickets for the World Cup. invested six billion Euros into the Russian sceptics, not only Trianon Dialogue, despite the pessimism economy, while the whole of France – fifteen survived but secured of some sceptics, not only survived but thousand. Is this normal?!’ The hall, filled secured comprehensive support from its with business people, burst with laughter. comprehensive support ‘founding fathers’ and precipitated a return At the same time, Putin added, that at last from its ‘founding of the former relationship between Russia year end the turnover of goods between the fathers’ and France. That is a crucial achievement two countries grew by 16.5%, despite the of the St.Petersburg Forum. sanctions. In the next six months it grew by another 25%. There are about 500 French Macron developed the ballet theme, but companies operating in the Russian market. with elegant subtlety. ‘Dear Vladimir,’ he They are actively involved in Yamal LNG, said to Putin, ‘we know how much you a liquid natural gas extraction project, as well love judo.’ Then, placing the remark in the as in other major schemes. Russian Rosatom political context, he continued, ‘we know meets 25% of France’s demand for uranium that you highly appreciate flexibility based fuel. a feature of Russian-French relations, on one’s own force control, willpower and said Putin, is ‘a mutual interest and affection respect for the opponent. Let us follow the displayed by both our nations throughout same principles on the international scene.’ history, and the resulting close cultural Vladimir Putin picked up this cue, making an interweaving. For example, in 2018 we are implicit but unmistakable reference to the holding joint celebrations commemorating sanctions: ‘The whole world plays football, the 200th anniversary of the famous French following judo rules, for some reason. As and, also truly Russian, choreographer a result, what a pretty state of football we Marius Petipa.’ have here!’ His French counterpart was not Members of the Dialogue with V. Putin and E. Macron

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Grand Council Text by Igor Drobyshev Photo by Igor Drobyshev, Igor Lileev, in Versailles Russia's Foreign Ministry

During his Great Embassy, Peter I visited Reims, France where he was shown the Reims Gospel used for the coronation of French monarchs. There was one problem with the Gospel; the ancient parchment had been written in a language not known to the French. It could be used to take an oath on it, but it could not be read. Peter took the Gospel and unexpectedly started reading it without difficulty. The Gospel, written in Cyrillic, was brought to France in the 11th century by the youngest daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, who married his daughter to King Henry I of France. Boris Titov, Russian business ombudsman, shared this historical fact with the Russian and French members of the Trianon Dialogue Coordination Council. He regarded it as an amazing testament to our common history. The Coordination Council met in Versailles on November 27 and heard this story when they discussed the Trianon Dialogue plans for 2019.

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guests including a member of the National was accompanied by a presentation of and Sciences Po. The participants were Assembly, Caroline Janvier. Russian wines given by Pavel Titov, President officially welcomed by Caroline Janvier, At the beginning of the reception Anatoly of the Russian Wine House, Abrau Durso and Head of the Franco-Russian Friendship Torkunov said, “It is a dream. I could have son of Boris Titov, Presidential Commissioner Group and a member of the National never imagined having the honor and for Entrepreneurs’ Rights and member of the Assembly. The opening ceremony was opportunity to be invited to dinner at the Russian part of the Trianon Dialogue. marked by the speeches of the Trianon

n the eve of the meeting, the t the exhibition shared a long, distinguished dining table hosts organised a reception with Chairman and CEO of Total, Patrick for the Russian delegation at devoted to Jean Pouyanné; Director of the Pushkin the Grand Trianon, the palace Alexander State Museum of Fine Arts, Marina Loshak; whereO back in May 2017 President Putin A Deputy Head of the Federal Agency on Press Solzhenitsyn, original and President Macron agreed to establish and Mass Communications of the Russian reception was the Trianon Dialogue. At the reception, Co- manuscripts of The Federation, Vladimir Grigoryev; ADB Chairmen of the Dialogue Ambassador Pierre Gulag Archipelago and President, Dmitry Korobkov; businessman organised for the Morel and MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov his other works were Robert Paranyants; political expert, Fyodor Russian Lukyanov; Executive Secretaries of the A delegation at the Grand displayed Dialogue, Alexander Orlov and Nicolas Chibaeff; and dozens of French and Russian Trianon, the palace where back in May 2017 President Putin and President Macron agreed to establish the Trianon Dialogue

Grand Trianon and enjoy a lavish banquet in the company of these remarkable and outstanding people.” He proposed a toast * * * Dialogue’s Co-Chairmen Ambassador, Pierre to the Trianon Dialogue, “a long-standing The following day the French National Morel; MGIMO’s Rector Anatoly Torkunov; and successful initiative conducive to the Assembly (Palais Bourbon) hosted France’s Ambassador to Russia, Sylvie strengthening of our historical ties and a reunion of graduates of MGIMO’s Franco- Bermann; Russia’s Ambassador to France, friendship.” Russian double master’s degree programs. Alexey Meshkov; President of the Sciences The dinner, where many guests drank The reunion celebrated the 25th anniversary Po Alumni Association, Pascal Perrineau, toasts to the success of the Trianon initiative, of the agreement signed between MGIMO among others. A special address on French-

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One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and push their way through a crowd of and others, as well as photos taken by the newsmen with bulky TV equipment. This writer in exile. logistical mishap turned out to be a blessing Georges Nivat did not attend the famous in disguise. In the confusion, members of Harvard speech given by Solzhenitsyn in the Council hastily took vacant seats instead 1978, but he remembers what shock waves of those assigned to them thus ignoring Solzhenitsyn’s criticism sent through the the boardroom seating arrangement, with Western world. “Six months after the speech French members facing the Russian ones. people still resented it: we had supported For example, a French film producer found him, and many other dissidents, helped himself between the academic, Alexander him to leave the USSR, and he showed Chubaryan, and Director of the Pushkin such ingratitude and all of a sudden started State Museum, Marina Loshak; Boris Titov attacking the West.” felt the elbow of the French big business, in Rector Anatoly Torkunov studied the Pouyanné. exhibits with great interest and finally told The meeting was arranged to discuss Georges Nivat that he had also taken part what had been achieved in the year since the establishment of the Trianon Dialogue, as well as plans for the next year. Le Drian Russian dialogue was given by Jean-Pierre Chevènement, French President’s special natoly Torkunov: envoy for relations with Russia. One of the highlights of the visit was “Our dialogue the exhibition ‘Alexander Solzhenitsyn: should be a Writer in Conflict with His Age’ organised A innovative. That’s why by a renowned researcher of the writer’s works, Georges Nivat, in order to celebrate we started by launching the centennial of Solzhenitsyn’s birth. a platform providing an The exhibition was displayed at the opportunity for civil town hall of the 5th arrondissement of societies and Paris, the former premises of the Tribunal situated in the famous Latin Quarter. The professional exhibits included items most intimately communities to engage connected with the writer’s work: original in a new-format manuscripts of The Gulag Archipelago, dialogue and contact he French each other directly” National Assembly (Palais Bourbon) proved to be very interesting; the TV T audience met it with enthusiasm.” hosted a reunion of graduates of MGIMO’s * * * Franco-Russian double The main goal of the delegation’s visit to master’s degree Paris was to participate in a meeting of the Trianon Dialogue Coordination Council. programs Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, and his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, took part in it too. in the celebration of Solzhenitsyn’s 100th As the meeting at the Grand Trianon was anniversary. “Several MGIMO students about to start, the bus with the Russian and professors – I was one of them – were delegation was still on the way from Paris invited by Russia-K TV channel to recite to Versailles. The participants eventually excerpts from The Red Wheel. The project had to run along the uncomfortable cobbles

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emphasised the regular political dialogue, a generational gap in the perception of be our information platform, which we hope could exchange different information in particular at the highest level, as an historical events. “These events were part will become truly interactive.” using lateral ties; in particular, it concerns important achievement. of our life, some of us even participated An important issue was raised by Dmitry young people who prefer the Internet Concurring, Sergey Lavrov, however, in them, whereas younger people did not Korobkov, President of ADB, a company that to TV. This product is functional, was noted that “a genuine coordination of live through them but have to live in the designed a unique web portal, the world’s launched simultaneously in the two efforts in tackling such threats as terrorism world shaped by those events. By the way, only intercountry platform for digital countries and already has some traffic. and organised crime has been hindered next year will mark 30 years since the interaction between civil societies: “Our However, to make it fully functional by an unprecedented crisis of confidence Berlin Wall fell, the event that changed platform helps to create a community that next year, we will need to focus on in relations between Russia and the Euro- our lives. Our world was born then. But Atlantic region… We would regret it, if then Russia and Europe started drifting far our relations fell prey to the massive anti- apart. It may sound counter-intuitive but Russian campaign orchestrated outside our generation’s experience of the Cold Europe but supported by Europeans.” War and confrontation was unifying in a sense; we had a common project of a kind. atrick Pouyanné, Those who were born later did not; they are developing in absolutely different worlds. CEO of Total, There is a widening gap of understanding talked about between them. Their assessment of P historical events differs considerably, French a summit of Russian start-ups presenting and Russian adolescents start their lives with very different backgrounds.” themselves to big This opinion was supported by Alexander business of France, Orlov, Executive Secretary of the Dialogue, seeking promotion in who was more outspoken and talked about history classes at school. “Many Russian this country two things. To start with, we will need hundreds of volunteers, role models and The Minister said that in this context “the opinion makers that could transform this Trianon Dialogue should promote a positive platform into an interesting and viable and forward-looking, bilateral agenda environment, attracting the youth. They primarily through wider interpersonal should come from cultural, scientific, contacts. The more extensive the contacts student and business communities rather are between Russian and French people, than state affiliated ones.” the more objective their understanding is of The scientific and educational how our societies live and what preoccupies dimension of the platform was them. Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian and I would emphasised by Claudie Haigneré, At Sciences Po, graduates like the Trianon Dialogue to put a premium politician, and former astronaut who of MGIMO’s Franco-Russian double on engaging the youth in mutually visited two space stations, Mir and ISS. “It master’s degree program enriching joint activities… The Trianon is important to engage young people in celebrated the 25th anniversary Dialogue has the potential to become France and Russia in an exchange of ideas; the core element effectively cementing ellow jacket for example, we can launch contests like of the agreement signed between interaction between the two societies.” participants of the Paris Peace Forum were “Letter to the Intellect of the Future” for MGIMO and Sciences Po embarrassed when the French leaders protesters French teenagers, select a hundred of the * * * did not say a single word about Russia’s flooded Paris. The best letters, award the winners, publish When the ministers left, the members participation in World War I; Russia’s Y a collection of letters or hold conferences sound of sirens, angry engaged in an earnest discussion of the losses were the biggest, amounting to over with presentations.” challenges facing the Trianon Dialogue, the 3 million people. That was not a deliberate chants and the crack This idea was further developed by most important being engaging the youth. omission, just ignorance of history. I know of stun grenades Vladimir Grigoryev, Deputy Head That concern was almost unanimously it first-hand, my children go to a French echoed throughout the of the Federal Agency on Press and shared by those who were present. school, and I am aware of how Russia’s Mass Communications of the Russian “We are all over 50 here,” Fyodor Lukyanov history is taught there. This should change. Champs-Elysées Federation: “We will try to integrate said pointing out a serious problem, i.e. One important driver of this change should Russian creative writing contests with

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peaking at a meeting of the Trianon Dialogue Coordination Council. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, and his French Scounterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian emphasised the regular political dialogue, in particular at the highest level, as an important achievement. They also stressed that “by no means should we seek to replace the existing mechanisms of cooperation between Russia and France.”

French ones. We have a systematic to Moscow, participate in exchange programs from Anapa that were served at the The discussion quite often reverted to about numerous events in different approach to identifying young talents that for personal and professional development dinner.” start-ups. Besides Boris Titov, cooperation s both Co- areas. As Co-Chairman of the Council, could produce serious literary projects offered to railway companies by the Boris Titov, in turn, used the opportunity between Russian start-ups and big French Chairmen of the he also underlined that “by no means in the future. In addition, I would like to Corporate University of Russian Railways to emphasise that our cultures have enterprises was mentioned by Patrick Jean Council put it, should we seek to replace the existing support Dmitry Korobkov: the platform and Russian University of Transport. We a lot in common, even in winemaking. Pouyanné, CEO of Total. In particular, he A mechanisms of cooperation between a year after the launch, should offer content tailored for young want them to speak a common language, “We are proud to say that the French talked about a summit of start-ups and big Russia and France; they are operational people and embracing histories of Russia use the same technologies and be willing to winemaking tradition has been carefully enterprises where small-size companies the Trianon Dialogue enough. I agree with Foreign Ministers and France, their nature, geography; cooperate in future.” studied in Russia. It is known that the could take turns presenting themselves to became “a model for Sergey Lavrov and Jean-Yves Le Drian that it should also include book and film This part of the discussion was summed Russian production of champagne, or big business. The idea proved interesting to bilateral relations” our dialogue should be innovative. That’s collections, e.g. 100 Best Books, 100 Best up by Vladimir Yakunin, a well-known rather, sparkling wine was developed by 30 Russian start-ups that would like to seek why we started by launching a platform Films, as well as virtual museum tours, public figure: “We know very little about the best French experts from Champagne, promotion in France using the potential of providing an opportunity for civil societies and all this should be made available for today’s youth. We should hear about France. But today Russia is also advancing big business. and professional communities to engage universities at a fair rate.” their interests and problems from them. in food production; we have a booming Before closing the meeting, Anatoly be rewarding. Attending the Saint Petersburg in a new-format dialogue and contact each Oleg Belozyorov, President of the Russian I suggest that we set up a youth working public catering market: there are a lot of Torkunov summed up the session: “The and Sochi economic forums, I very often other directly.” Railways, spoke about specific personnel group.” start-ups in the restaurant business. The idea to set up a working group ensuring meet successful young businessmen seeking According to a French member of the training projects carried out together with Ambassador Pierre Morel introduced Trianon Dialogue could consider launching a dialogue between the youth looks partnerships with foreign peers.” Council, a year after the launch, the Trianon French partners: “Our young employees a new topic in a typically French manner: a gastronomy summit with Russia and promising. Arranging a meeting of young Anatoly Torkunov also shared the Dialogue “became a model for bilateral study in France; French employees come “I thank Boris Titov for Krasnodar wines France acting as equal partners.” entrepreneurs and start-up businesses can Dialogue’s plans for this year, talking relations.”

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Dmitriy Ryurikov: “I was a foreign policy aide to Boris Yeltsin” There is one question that every person with the surname “Ryurikov” is to be always ready for. As a rule, Dmitriy Ryurikov replies with a joke, saying that the time to speak about his affiliation with the Rurik dynasty, which was succeeded by the House of Romanov (the royal house of Russia) in early 17th century, hasn’t come yet. In fact, the history of his family name is as follows. In the 18th century, there lived a student Ivan who studied at a seminary in Nizhny Novgorod. The archimandrite gave the seminarians the task to write a composition about the reign of the Rurik dynasty, and Ivan wrote the best composition. As the legend goes, the archimandrite said: “I grant you the right to use the surname Ryurikov, from now on you will be called Ivan Ryurikov.” Since then several generations of priests bearing this surname gave guidance to the congregation of Nizhny Novgorod County. One of the last descendants of that Ryurikov, namely Dmitriy Ryurikov, a MGIMO graduate of 1969, and not a duke, happened to be an assistant to Boris Yeltsin, who was at the helm of Russia in the 1990s.

ometimes I find myself Persian language, but it was a challenge to important neighbor, but Americans greatly in interesting situations me – a different world, a different culture. affected Teheran’s policy. That’s why we because of my surname,” Apart from grammar, we learnt poems by were closely cooperating with our Iranian he says. “In 2006, heart, as Persian poetry is the pinnacle of its partners to prevent further military or other “when IS was an ambassador of Russia to culture. involvement of the USA within the country. Uzbekistan, Prince Dimitri Romanov, who When I graduated from university, Persian I first came to Iran in 1969 immediately lived in Denmark at that time, visited grew in demand – our country developed after a short internship at the Ministry of Tashkent with a humanitarian mission relations with Iran and trade flourished. Foreign Affairs. I took a train and arrived in bringing hearing aids to war veterans. Isfahan, Iran’s second city, where I worked When we met each other, I offered my hand ometimes I find as a secretary and translator in the newly and said: “Dmitriy Ryurikov, Ambassador myself in reopened consulate general of the USSR. Of of Russia.” He replied with a broad smile: interesting course, to learn a language in a classroom is “Prince Dimitri Romanov.” S one thing; to speak it in the actual country, In 1964, when I entered the elitist situations because of is quite another. I eventually got used to the MGIMO, which was an educational my last name. But in Tehrani and Isfahani accents. institution only for those with a “clean” 1964, when I entered One part of consular work, namely biography, my “royal” surname was not issuing of visas, took place only in Tehran. a hindrance. On the contrary, it was quite MGIMO, which was an However, there was quite a lot of work popular with intelligentsia. At that time educational institution related to protecting the interests of my father was the editor-in-chief of only for those with Soviet citizens. At that time, Isfahan was emblematic highbrow publications, such as a “clean” biography, my becoming a building ground for iron and the journal “Inostrannaya Literatura” and steel works – a major object of Soviet- the newspaper “Literaturnaya Gazeta.” “royal” surname was not Iranian cooperation. The consular district Why did I decide to become a diplomat? a hindrance was a large one; it included other cities, a MGIMO diploma was considered to be provinces, and other points of cooperation, a benchmark for a good education; in such as mines, geological groups, schools, addition, diplomacy was a time-honored I was looking forward to a posting within etc., where Soviet citizens were employed. profession, which combined exciting work, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and my We were to render assistance; that’s why, status and decent salary. enthusiasm for the work in part stemmed apart from translating, I had to go to the I had to study English and Persian from the fact that my thesis on Iranian- scenes of incidents and tackle legal matters. languages at MGIMO. The third one was American relations was credited as The knowledge of the country, its people, optional, and I chose French. I liked the a topical one at the university. Iran was our and language that I acquired during that

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before the introduction of Soviet troops rebel forces, missiles and bullets whined unrest). The work was interesting and very position of the head of the International there. I was working as Second Secretary at and whiffed near the embassy. I saw how useful. At that time international relations Law Department. I learnt about the August the Embassy, and, apart from other work, an ATGM was targeted at the embassy but pivoted on law, unlike these days when law Coup in Moscow when I was on holiday. interpreted at the top level. I remember luckily didn’t reach the goal - it exploded is neglected and is in a state of grave crisis. I immediately returned and at the end of working as an interpreter when President nearby having hit a tree branch. The crash August was appointed to the position of an Daoud came to Moscow on a couple of visits was thunderous; it made us fall on the foreign policy aide to Boris Yeltsin. to meet Soviet leaders, such as Brezhnev, floor; thanks God, our families were in learnt about the Why was I chosen? I don’t know who Kosygin, Podgorny, and Gromyko. a shelter… August Coup in made that fortuitous decision, but my There are a number of contradictory Why did we send in forces? At a certain Moscow when I was version is as follows. There weren’t many opinions concerning the reasons for stage, American diplomats led by Zbigniew I experienced diplomats in the Russian introduction of our troops to Afghanistan. Brzezinski decided to capitalize on the on holiday. I immediately Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time. It’s a complex topic. I see the situation in situation of civil war in order to make returned and at the end As a head of department, I attended the following way. The April Revolution Soviet leaders take a decision on the of August was different events in which authorities of of 1978 and the overthrow of President introduction of troops to protect the appointed to the the constituent republics participated and Daoud were by no means engineered by the southern borders of the USSR. In 1998 where there were documents signed which Soviet Union. We had nothing to do with Brzezinski gave an interview to “Le Nouvel position of a foreign I partly prepared. I think that I simply got it. The April events were of an essentially Observateur” in which he stated the policy aide to Boris noticed during those meetings, and when internal nature. They stemmed from the following: “In 1979, I wrote a note to the Yeltsin the need to send somebody to that position conflict between the authorities, young President in which I explained to him that in the president’s office arose I happened to December, 1980. President of Afghanistan B. Karmal and the Soviet leader L. Brezhnev in the Crimea officers and the People's Democratic in my opinion it would be an excellent be the best candidate. Party of Afghanistan, which was almost idea to draw the Russians into the Afghan Communist. The conflict ensued after the trap. We had the opportunity of giving to assassination of one of the PDPA leaders, the USSR its Vietnam War, which we could Mir Akbar Haibar, a highly respected use to our own ends later on.” The second memo was written by Brzezinski early next year, and its message was as follows: he April Revolution now that the Soviets brought troops into of 1978 in Afghanistan, we are to send aid to the Afghanistan and Afghan opposition – the Mujahideen. T Indeed, in the summer of 1979, I got the overthrow of the impression that the events would President Daoud were unfold under this very scenario. My by no means engineered suspicions were fuelled when, together with other diplomats, I was invited to the by the Soviet Union. We British Embassy, where we were shown had nothing to do with a documentary on the failures of the British it. The April events were in Afghanistan in the late 19th century. The of an essentially internal key message of the film was the following: the British lion failed in Afghanistan, At negotiations between Russia’s President B. Yeltsin nature let’s see whether the Russian bear would and Belarusian leader A. Lukashenko President of the United States B. Clinton visits the Kremlin succeed. When I returned to Moscow in 1986, It is utterly regrettable, as the world order I was responsible for preparation four-year posting to Iran helped me greatly of Foreign Affairs who could do the job. senior party member. The event provoked I understood that I wanted to do something established after the war resulted from of materials for the President before when there arose a situation regarding Interpreting a two-hour conversation of demonstrations, which resulted in the different, that the Orient alone was not enormous sacrifice of the Soviet people first meetings within the framework of bilateral top-level relations. It was in 1973 when the two leaders at Sheremetyevo Airport arrest of PDPA leaders. It led to the enough for me anymore, and I got a job and foremost, and was maintained largely relations. I prepared them upon receiving the Soviet First Deputy Premier, Alexey was my first experience of top-level work. outbreak of mutiny in the army; the troops in the Legal (contractual) Department due to the power and resources of the USSR information from different departments Kosygin, invited the Prime Minister of Iran, After that I got the status of a state (not advanced, toppled Daoud, and the PDPA, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was as well. and entities, but there were some occasions Amir-Abbas Hoveyda, to make a stop in a ministerial!) interpreter of the Persian which was our ideological ally, took over. responsible for humanitarian legal I am often asked how I became an during meetings when immediate action Moscow on his way from London to Tehran language (Farsi), and on such state visits, I heard our military advisors shout over issues, but also dealt with legal issues in assistant to president Yeltsin. It happened was required in order to brief the President so as to discuss cooperation. Everything I was invited to interpret. Later on, during the phone that they would not interfere military conflicts, laws and customs of in the following way. In February 1991 I was or invite somebody to him for consultation. was agreed on the go, an interpreter was my stay at Afghanistan, I had to deal with in the situation. However, the course of war. This branch of law regulates actions transferred from the Ministry of Foreign I worked with Yeltsin from 1991 to needed, and it so happened that at that a similar language, Dari. events couldn’t be stopped. When clashes of governments in case of interstate and Affairs of the USSR to that of the Russian 1997 – six years, a long period. Its stages time I was the only person at the Ministry I arrived in Kabul in 1976, three years broke out between pro-government and domestic conflicts (revolutions and civil Soviet Federative Socialist Republic to the were remarkable in their own way. The

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first stage was characterized by a gradual owadays, it is discussed any more. The Founding house of the Federal Assembly of Russia. awakening of the Russian government to quite obvious Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation Then I returned to the Foreign Office foreign policy realities. During the second that we made and Security between NATO and the and was sent as Russia’s ambassador to stage, which started soon after, Russian N Russian Federation was signed later, in Uzbekistan. I tried to promote economic policy-makers realized that the collapse a tragic mistake in our 1997, when Yevgeny Primakov was the cooperation in a number of fields, which of the USSR and formation of Russia, the assessment of actions of Minister of Foreign Affairs; by that time, remained after the breakup of the USSR political, ideological and economic changes the document was in a form that was and to restore the rapport that was lost. did not result in any major revision of the West that we acceptable to us. Another challenge was to ensure that the the way our country was treated by the wanted to have as We disliked the way Americans started new interpretation of national history West at large and the USA in particular. a strategic partner. The to answer important questions. For and culture of Uzbekistan did not contain The policy of the West changed only in its truth dawned upon example, when we asked them: “Why do any anti-Russian element. It was quite form and style, but remained the same in you push NATO infrastructure closer to difficult as many aspects of Soviet life essence – it was still a well thought-out, President Yeltsin as well our borders? There isn’t anything in our ceased to exist. The Soviet Union used targeted policy manifesting itself in further relations that disturbs you, is there?”, we to be a multi-industry transcontinental got the answer: “Do not worry, we are not corporation with the headquarters in against you, we like you.” The ambiguity Moscow; all its activities were based on grew to such an extent that even NATO well-coordinated plans. When the Union allies saw that something was wrong. collapsed all these connections were lost If we consider Western leaders of and new businessmen in CIS countries that time, Yeltsin had good relations had to establish relations with their with Helmut Kohl, as well as François partners from different parts of the former Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac. His USSR anew together with learning the relations with Bill Clinton were also quite particulars of their business itself. All this good. But I noticed one detail which was happening against the background concerned me personally. During informal of dynamic penetration of American and meetings or lunches with Americans, I was European business which was quite open often asked to leave the room in order about its goals. to clarify an issue. Later, when I was no Afterwards I was offered the position of longer working at the Kremlin, I came ambassador in Copenhagen. It was another across the memoirs of Strobe Talbott, US interesting change in life. Denmark is Deputy Secretary of State, from which historically very closely linked to Russia. I learnt that it was at those moments Relations are multiple, including those when Ryurikov was absent that Americans between the royal dynasties. The mother raised tough questions. Talbott expressly of Nicholas II of Russia was Princess Russia’s Ambassador to Denmark D. Ryurikov with his wife Elena wrote the following: when we needed, we Dagmar of Denmark, who became Empress found some excuse to send Ryurikv away. Dowager Maria Feodorovna after the death he USSR used to project. When I came as an ambassador to October, 1994. Visit of Queen of England to Russia I can’t boast of the frequency of contacts of her husband Alexander III of Russia in be a multi-industry Denmark, I found out that he was living with Boris Yeltsin or close relations with 1894. In early 1919 she managed to flee transcontinental with his spouse in Copenhagen as an extension of NATO to the East as well as in II, we felt a definitely ambiguous attitude him, but during all those six years it from the Bolsheviks and left Crimea on an T ordinary Danish pensioner. We became encouragement of states bordering Russia on the part of the USA. We were “pressed” was easy and comfortable to work with English cruiser. corporation with the friends. When my term was over, and we (except the former Soviet republics) to for a period of two or three weeks, via an him, and there wasn’t anything negative In 2006 I had a chance to participate headquarters in were getting ready to go back to Russia, join the alliance. There might have been unofficial channel, to sign a Russia-NATO about it. By the time he resigned in 2000, in the project of reburial of her remains. Moscow; all its activities he asked my wife to work on his fund - some people in a state of euphoria over agreement with the threat of President I hadn’t been working at the Kremlin for First, a ceremony was held on Danish the Romanov Fund for Russia. Sadly, he the supposed end of our confrontation Clinton’s withdrawal from participation three years already. I got the impression territory: that day was made a holiday were based on well- died in 2016, and now we are working with the West, but realities were different. in the celebration of Victory Day in that he was tired of illnesses, and, in Copenhagen. The sarcophagus was coordinated plans. on the fund’s projects together with his Nowadays, it is quite obvious (though Moscow if it wasn’t signed. The contents probably, realized his tragedy. What did carried along the streets; then it was When the Union widow, who has embraced Russian ethos back then it was unspeakable) that we of the agreement were unacceptable to the tragedy consist in? He might have loaded onto a naval ship and headed for and mentality in a remarkable way and is made a tragic mistake in our assessment the Russian party. a number of people understood Russia’s realities and the Saint Petersburg, where the Empress was collapsed all these now the keeper of the information of his of actions of the country that we wanted in Moscow worked on the issue, before scope of the things that had happened as finally reburied in Saints Peter and Paul connections were lost. family. The fund has two lines of work – to have as a strategic partner. The truth it was finally taken off the table. We well as his own role and opportunities. Cathedral. In Uzbekistan, I tried to traditional charitable medical assistance to dawned upon President Yeltsin as well. simply asked the Americans: “Why do Having left the Kremlin, I worked for two Prince Dimitri Romanov, who I had those in need and preservation of cultural For instance, in 1995, on the eve of the we need to sign it? Let Clinton come and years as an advisor to Yegor Stroyev, the met during his humanitarian mission restore that lost rapport and historical memory. This is the work 50th anniversary of victory in World War that’d be it.” It worked – the topic wasn’t chair of the Federation Council, the upper in Uzbekistan, was also working on this I draw true satisfaction from.

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Texts and photos by Igor Drobyshev France As President Chirac said, 'the relationship between France and Russia has something unique. It arises from the attraction and mutual recognition of two peoples enamored of absolute, beauty and truth.' MGIMO graduates – both Russians and French, who live in France, share this understanding. The MGIMO Alumni Club here comprises folks of all walks of life. How do they do?

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Olga Schetinina-Belot (‘95) Chair of MGIMO Alumni Club in France Paris

lga Schetinina-Belot, of MGIMO. The only exceptions are Orlov (a 1971 International Economic partner and Board member a small group of international experts Relations graduate) who was Russia's of ЕSL & Network, found specializing in Russia studies and Ambassador to France at the time. herself in France in the graduates of some higher education What a fortuitous coincidence! earlyO 2000s. “I met my would-be partners of MGIMO, such as, Sciences Perhaps, if we had been in Russia husband, one of the leading French Po, HEC and the ICN Business School then, it would not have been felt as lawyers, and relocated to Paris. First, in Nancy”. acutely as here abroad, like it is our I enrolled at HEC Paris (Higher School It was 2003, Olga had just graduated little victory for the good of all the of Commerce) for a МВА program. from the МВА school and came Russians who live here and come to It was a real challenge because across MGIMO alumni profiles on this parish. I believe, MGIMO Alumni I learned English and Spanish at the web. Next year the first member Association could set up an award, say, MGIMO. Yet what are the strengths coordination meeting of the Club “Our Joint Project”, to promote such of the University? After graduation already took place. “There were good practice. I would like to use this you are capable of brushing up on any thirty people. Then we had many opportunity and thank the University European language on your own. I am meetings to which I invited interesting Rector Anatoly Torkunov who not deeply grateful to my Spanish tutors personalities – and not just MGIMO only congratulated us in person on at university who equipped us with alumni.” launching the Club but also marked the language learning methodology how symbolic this initiative was, and taught us how to actually learn coinciding with the University's 60th a foreign language.” he idea of setting Anniversary.” However for Olga, France was also up a French Today the Club has about three a new and foreign country. She was branch of the hundred members living in France, drawn not only to the Russian diaspora T including representatives of the but to people who had a 'kindred spirit': Alumni Club arose from Russian Federation’s diplomatic MGIMO alumni. nostalgia, if I may put it mission (Embassy, Trade Mission, “The idea of setting up a French this way. I share a strong UNESCO Permanent Mission, branch of the Alumni Club came from Permanent Delegation of the Council nostalgia, if I may put it this way. belief that there is deep of Europe in Strasbourg), as well as, I share a strong belief that there is deep connection among all MGIMO alumni working in private connection among all MGIMO alumni, MGIMO alumni and state sectors, banks, public and regardless of the generation. Besides, international organizations. There are I was inspired by the HEC Alumni also lecturers, researchers, translators, Association: I admired the spirit that journalists and literary figures. The the graduates shared. HEC in France is Once I learnt that His Grace Club's main activity is arranging like a code word, its alumni affiliation Innokentiy, at the time Archbishop of alumni events where we invite either easily opens up many doors, leading to Korsun (now – Metropolitan of Vilna prominent alumni or public figures, very interesting and most importantly, and Lithuania), is a MGIMO graduate political and business personalities. useful connections. The school is of 1975! I asked him to give a talk Being fully integrated into French characterized by its very strong alumni for the Club members, and this was society helps Olga in her position as solidarity in business. Regardless of the a historic meeting for me. At this Club Chair of the Club. level or position of the person I turned event, he shared with me his idea of “After completing the HEC program to, I would always get help and support building a church in Paris.” I was only applying to French from them. Thus, Olga joined the committee companies although there was an Another reason why I wanted to find looking for a site for the church. To opportunity to get a job in a French and unite MGIMO alumni in France Olga the project was “a fine example branch of a foreign company. was the desire to introduce French of MGIMO alumni collaboration. Eventually I chose a small consulting people to our Russian alma mater. Not Besides me and His Grace Innokentiy, company dealing in a field which, at many people in France have a good idea the project also involved Alexandre the time, was absolutely alien to me –

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strategic insight and influence. This was a gruelling experience, requiring Stanislas de Saint maximum effort and dedication in order to get adapted and settle in. This Hippolyte (‘2000) is what helped my full integration Editor-in-Сhief within the French system. Today СNews, Paris my work relies on contacts in the government, president administration, have Russian ancestry: my made it impossible in Russia. ministries, international organisations, grandparents emigrated to Paris My father, though born and brought but there is also more to it. My main during the Russian 1917 revolution. My up in France, started to speak Russian task is to promote the interests of our grandmother was descended from the before he spoke French. As for me, having clients at this high level, and it requires TrubetskoyI family, she was a princess, and a French mother I was brought up as awareness and understanding of many my grandfather came from a French family a Frenchman, and did not speak Russian subtleties, among other things, which that emigrated to Russia during the French until my adolescent years when I realised can be a challenge for many French revolution. They met and got married in how important Russia is for my family. people, let alone foreigners.” France because the major class differences I was in the last year at Sciences Po Olga discovered that this level of political and economic community in France (with the exception of those in direct professional contact with Russia) has no idea of MGIMO – “one of the best higher education institutions in Russia, the alma mater of many prominent business and political figures of Russia and almost all our diplomats! I feel that MGIMO deserves to be known throughout the world and widely recognized. To achieve this aim we must come more into the spotlight. It is great to realize that we are, perhaps, the only truly mixed international MGIMO club: we happen to have as many French members as Russian-born alumni. It would be good to bring these two halves together. My cherished dream is to create a single online alumni networking platform.” The Club offers great emotional support to Olga as she lives and works in France. “Getting in touch with MGIMO alumni, old and new, is like a phone call home. Each time you feel have Russian some irrational, yet deep and very ancestry, but I did emotional, connection. Through my Club activity I found some real friends, not speak Russian which is the most important thing. I until my adolescent Besides, it also represents a connection years when I realised with my alma mater which was a crucial stage in my life. Finally, it is how important Russia yet another connecting thread with is for my family Russia which I could never stay away from for too long.”

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University when I found out about the I got a better understanding of Russian very vociferous, accusing Russia of having student exchange program with the diplomacy, that is to say, the theory no democracy. But I, on the contrary, University of International Relations. behind it; and also the mentality of understood they were wrong. After graduation, in August 1999, I arrived Russian diplomats and the motivation Another important benefit was making in Russia and became a witness to behind Russia’s political moves, especially friends with my coursemates. I had historic events. In August Vladimir Putin its actions during international crises. a curious encounter in Washington was made head of Government and in I used to disagree with Russia's foreign where I was working as a France 24 September Moscow suffered from a series policies and considerations, but now, correspondent in the White House. of horrific terrorist attacks. In a few at least, I understand them. It has at its As I remember, I was covering the months Boris Yeltsin resigned, naming core the integrity of its borders as well as American-Arab summit when I suddenly Putin as his successor, who then was memory of the terrible wars of the 20th ran into Josh Baker, the American who elected President of Russia. century which must not be repeated. What I was with while doing my Master's at MGIMO. He had become a diplomat specialising in The Middle East and was involved in that summit. We stood on the lawn before the White House hugging each other – a Frenchman and an American brought together by MGIMO University. Using the opportunity, I interviewed him and got a couple of important insights from this useful contact. I have very warm memories of that meeting! I was still at Sciences Po when I decided to become an international journalist and did a few internships in some French mass media companies. In Moscow I did an internship in France-Presse. The journalists that I met there advised me to go to a school of journalism so, coming back to Paris, I enrolled at ‘Centre Like all overseas students at MGIMO, is also important is the feeling of national de formation des journalistes’ (CFJ), I was to spend one year there of the two- pride, the fact of being Russian. graduating in 2002. Of course, I wanted year International Relations Master's Thanks to these insights I have a certain to return to Russia to make my reports program. There were ten of us on the advantage over other French journalists. from there. I was lucky to go on a number program: two French graduates of For example, they have no idea why of interesting assignments, including Sciences Po, an American, and several Vladimir Putin is so popular in Russia. to Birobidzhan, Khabarovsk. In 2017 students from former Soviet Republics. They jump to immediate conclusions, I was in St.Petersburg, covering the 100th Studying was a challenge, all classes were such as allegedly rigged elections. They Annniversary of the October Revolution. very intense and in Russian which, at the fail to understand the true reason: people In the period between 2006 and 2015 time, I was not very fluent in. vote for Putin not only because they I worked at France 24 which, in a way, is Besides IR, I distinctly remember want him as their president, but because an analogue of the Russian RT in that a course in conflict management, and my they love him. I witnessed the 90s chaos it broadcasts for a foreign audience. As Russian classes. We had a very intelligent in Russia. I also witnessed the gradual I said, it is for France 24 that I covered lecturer. She managed to use my interest restoration of order, the growing economy political life in Washington for 5 years. in Russian songs to help me improve my and recovered pride. I saw oligarchs, who It has been three years since I became Russian. I began to learn popular bard were at the steering wheel in the 90s Editor-in-Chief of CNews channel which songs – by Vysotsky, Okudzhava, Dolsky – and were hated by the population, being mainly covers domestic news. It is very which are usually sung around a fire in removed from power by Putin in a matter interesting and highly responsible Russia; this also helped greatly in making of months. It was remarkable! I remember work. There are four news channels in contacts with Russians. how those ‘nouveau riches’, dreading France, ours comes second after BFM in What was the main benefit of studying prosecution, hurriedly left for London to its influence. So I have to live up to the at MGIMO? I think it was the fact that form an opposition to Putin. They were standard!

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my own tape-recorder back then) and to I had to read a lot of articles and books internship. I think that the information consulting, it is historically a leader in drink tea. on international processes. I wasn’t used about my education in the resume played this market. It is an old bank founded in Our French language department to absorbing so much information on a major role, as large banks first and 1848 with two principal executive offices specialists taught me French at the such various subjects; at the School of foremost pay attention to the leading in Paris and New York. I am occupied top-class level, I understood that later, International Economic Relations we had French universities, such as Sciences Po, in Sovereign Advisory. We work with in France. As a rule, foreigners learn more specific disciplines, but such an HEC, etc. ministries and central banks, as well as a language while living in the country immersion into the problematics of world I had more work at Lazard, it became government entities, state-run companies where this language is spoken, but we politics broadened my horizons. more varied, and I felt more responsibility. and sovereign funds. We are not limited didn’t have to go anywhere. When I visited Then I went to Paris. The fundamental You are highly unlikely to come across geographically and operate worldwide, MGIMO some time ago, I came over to difference between the year in Moscow such an attitude here – “if you are an though we tend to have more transactions my teachers to thank them once again for and the year in Paris was in the scope intern, do the paperwork”. Lazard is not with developing states. everything they did for me. of practical classes. MGIMO gives you that big, that’s why they put trust in young Over these six years I worked my way When I was a senior I had to make a sound theoretical base, but a considerable specialists more, and if you pull the given from an intern to a vice president, i.e. a choice concerning my future career. advantage of the French system is that tasks off, you get trusted even more. All in I am a mid-tier executive now. To become MGIMO graduates do not get a field- after a year of studies a student can take all, in 2012 I started my internship there, a partner I need to advance further. specific education – they get a very a gap year in order to work somewhere. and next year signed an employment To what extent has the education sound base, a thorough understanding of Internships give students an opportunity agreement. received at MGIMO and Sciences Po been to understand what they want to do next Lazard is an investment bank which useful to me? MGIMO gave me a sound remember not being and enhances their motivation. After one specializes in mergers and acquisitions academic foundation, made me broad- or two internships students, return to able to pronounce complete their degree. the correct French My first internship was at the bank I Societe Generale, at the department of consonant “r” for quite credit and operational risks. I got first- some time, and I often hand experience of working for a slow visited my Moscow heavyweight, learnt its “mentality” relatives to listen to and the French corporate culture when people gather not less than three times tapes recorded by a day around the coffee-machine to native speakers (I didn’t discuss all the news. I understood that have my own tape- communication is integral to the French recorder back then) and mindset. All in all, it was a standard nine- to-six workday with a one-hour-and-a-half to drink tea break for lunch. To tell the truth, I was lacking in work. Nadezda Yusyuz The work itself was quite monotonous (МГИМО - Sciences Po, '11) processes taking place in various spheres, and tedious, and I wanted to learn more. but not a speciality, per se. That’s why Besides it struck me as odd that an intern Vice President if after completing a Bachelor’s degree was supposed to do the same job as an Sovereign Advisory Department a graduate has no idea where to go next, employee who was about to retire. Indeed, GIMO gave me minded and opened up my horizons; Lazard the best option is to do a Master’s degree. the latter has a huge corporate memory: a sound Sciences Po taught me freedom and made Paris And so I decided to take on another the whole history of communications with academic me more daring in my research. This is an challenge and go to study abroad. this or that client at his/her fingertips, but M advantage of a double-degree program – n the early 2000s, I lived in Tiraspol to give it a try. It is important that I wasn’t I got the impression that the best a young employee without this knowledge foundation, made me it gives students an opportunity to view (Tnasnistria, a state formation on the afraid to take up that challenge, went Master’s degree course was the one of can do the same task. broad-minded and things from two different perspectives. territory of the former USSR). I had straight ahead; and having passed the MGIMO – Sciences Po, but competition was All in all I decided that I needed more opened up my horizons; Moreover, MGIMO is an excellent an aspiration to move ahead, to find exams, I got enrolled! tough. I wrote a motivation letter, attached experience, and my resume happened to language training institution. Once I even anI interesting path in life. And as I had Apart from English I had to learn French my dossier with marks in different subjects come into the hands of my future boss Sciences Po taught me calculated the share of language classes a mathematical mindset (I even took first from scratch. I remember not being able to and applied for the course “Finance and at the investment bank Lazard. It turned freedom and made me and got an amazing 40% of total classes places in math competitions), I opted for pronounce the correct French consonant Strategy”. Soon I learnt that I was enrolled! out that Sovereign Advisory Department, more daring in my given. But most importantly, had I not economics. “r” for quite some time, and I often visited The first year of the course was in which had some projects with Kazakhstan made the decision to study at MGIMO, I wanted to enter one of the best my Moscow relatives to listen to tapes Moscow; during it I learnt a lot of new at that time, was looking for a Russian research this door to France would never have universities, namely MGIMO, and decided recorded by native speakers (I didn’t have things: we studied world politics, and speaking employee, and I was offered an opened to me.

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I had previously published a detective story, Vladimir Fedorovsky: ‘Secret Story of a Coup’ (Histoire secrète d'un coup d'État), written in the wake of the 'Parisian snow helped me' Russian putsch events. My books, however, did not sell too well here: for one thing, Vladimir Fedorovsky (‘72) is known as ‘the most published the genre was not very popular – being French author of Russian descent’. This statement is somewhat a mixture of essay and novel; for another, contradictory. France affectionately guards its cultural Pantheon, they were too Russian as it were and, so only a born Frenchman can be allowed to become the 'creme therefore, were not fully understood. de la creme'. But Fedorovsky earned this right, just like the Russian For a long time I was better known in tsar who, after the seige of Paris, entered it on the shoulders of the political and journalistic circles than Napoleon's army. by the literary community. This had its Fedorovsky's seige, however, was more profound and long-lasting. implications – in France if a writer is not He remained a Soviet diplomat based in France for two terms, among the top 20, his living standards are a whole decade! At the end of the 80s, when the Soviet theme was rather poor. For example, Begbeder was all the rage in the West, he was considered the ‘voice of perestroika’; popular in his day – and he is well beyond given a free hand by those close to the Soviet Politburo, he could easily the top twenty cohort. call the head of the Elysee or his ministers – just to check up on their People who knew me could not even V.Fedorovsky with E.Cresson, France’s Prime Minister (1991–1992) understand this reckless venture, saying health and, using the opportunity, to inform of the latest foreign-policy arisian snow initiatives of the USSR which at the helped my time were in ample supply. breakthrough. Today Fedorovsky is known as the P Because of it the whole ‘voice of Russia’. Largely due to his extended professional networks and of France was caught up award-winning literary ratings, he in traffic and was in their appears to be the only Russian who cars listening to me has the ear of the French political and talking on the program! cultural elite. The things he says are not part of the European mainstream I ended up selling media – he offers a pro-Russian a million copies! perspective on events, for instance, in the Crimea or Syria. ‘with your connections you could find But first of all, Fedorovsky is a writer – yourself in the new Russia, become it was his university dream which a millionaire, and you – lo and behold – August, 1991. V.Fedorovsky with J.Chirac in Moscow came true only in France. choose to come here to write books which, to make matters worse, do not sell well.’ not answer... When perestroika was in the the snow. You can come instead!’ MJ: How did you make it possible? limelight, I could call President Mitterrand or Jacques was on Radio Europe hosting one of I will start with a little background MJ: How did the breakthrough come his advisor Hubert Vedrine, and they would those programs that define the fate of a book information. After the August putsch in 1991 about? always answer my calls… And now I am in France. Of course, I came. We drank and dissolution of the Soviet Union, I left the Parisian snow helped me. It was the winter a writer, in other words, a nobody. coffee, I spent three hours telling stories – Foreign Ministry. I could have made quite of 2000 and there was a heavy blizzard one So I call a second time – no answer. The not just about the book, but everything – a career there but I had this teenage dream day… I had just finished my ‘St.Petersburg French do not call a third time, but I am I have the gift of the gab. of becoming a famous writer. Novel’ and, since my runs were generally pressed by an urgent need, so I dial again, It became a program which made history, So I left for France. Being already known small, the book was to have only 5 thousand and – suddenly I hear his voice! ‘Hey, because the same day my publisher called here, I was not left on the sidelines; copies. Jacques,’ – I say, ‘I have a presentation of me and said: ‘Our book run has gone up I remember immediately being assigned So, there I was, feeling blue on a snowy my new book – will you come?’ – ‘When?’ – to 30,000!’ As it turned out, because of the to write a feature article for Le Figaro, and day. Suddenly I felt an urge to call an old ‘Tomorrow.’ – ‘No, I can't, see the blizzard? snow the whole of France was caught up in that is how my new life began, that of friend of mine, the journalist Jaques Pradel, By the way, I was to have a guest on my show traffic and was in their cars listening to me a writer. But it was not all from scratch. and tell him about the book; but he would tomorrow, but he won't be coming because of talking on the program!

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the quality press, and I can tell them what GIMO offered included in the higher education curriculum; no one else can. Of course, I have to follow I know it because I taught here myself. certain rules, but I also am brutally honest a truly unique sometimes. And I have their ear. Vedrine education. The MJ: When did you find yourself in once told me: ‘You know, you did change M France? intellectual level was a few things here.’ I know I contributed to It took a while. While still at university the transformation in perception of Russia very high there, this is I got married, had a daughter, which was that is taking place here, in particular to the demonstrated by its a turning point in my life. I became a good diversion away from demonizing Russia, alumni – Sergey Lavrov student, which helped me land a job at The because the French are tired of it. a vast Ministry of Foreign Affairs after graduation majority are for re-establishing normal and Anatoly Torkunov, in 1972. I was immediately assigned to work relations with Russia. my coursemates. Their in some godforsaken country – Mauritania, level stood out right the worst of all the foreign locations. But MJ: Your University professors would be I was delighted! This was a unique place delighted at your efficiency, after all they from the very start where the desert meets the ocean. I found were training you for foreign service, ‘a myself in a kingdom of freedom there. fighter on the battlefield of diplomacy’. Heavens no! I avoided it as best I could. I lived in a world of my own, an intellectual, keeping to myself. Not a dissident, though, I was just bored. After all, I wanted to be a writer.

MJ: What about a foreign affairs expert? Is it not why you went to the University of International Relations? Diplomatic service for me at the time was only a means of travelling. I did not want to be cooped up in the Soviet Union, I dreamt of going abroad, earning good money, making a good Foreign Office career. But I did not aspire to be a ‘fighter’ of I ended up selling a million copies! I could oday the West is less so to Russia) – when people lie and then any sort. The University offered a unique open doors to any publisher. Now I have over experiencing believe their own lies. education and reasonable freedom. I liked forty books, I have just finished my forty- reading the French press, have access to a terrible thing – third one called ‘Manipulations’ included T MJ: Today it is called the time of post- books by Freud, Berdyaev, which were not in my collection, ‘Le Roman Vrai’ (‘A Real people lie and then truth. available in Moscow libraries; I enjoyed Novel’). It came out on 7 November via believe their own lies. In Yes, that's true. Why is it so daunting? In having open discussions of readings with my Flammarion. France everyone is obssessed with their fellow-students. recent years there has career, taking great pains to make it. That is The intellectual level was very high at MJ: What do you write about? What is been a huge gap why, fearing dismissal, they are too scared the University, this is demonstrated by its your theme? between Russian reality to disagree with their boss, in other words, alumni – Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey I have two. First, I like telling about the ‘dark they are ready to suck up to him. The same is Lavrov and Rector Anatoly Torkunov, who alleys’ of human life, remember Bunin's and its perception by happening in big politics. were my coursemates. Their level stood out ‘Dark Alleys’? The second theme is 20th the French elite. But one In recent years there has been a major gap right from the very start. century history shrouded in mystery. I have must not live in an between Russian reality and its perception novels about Rasputin, tsars, perestroika – by the French elite. But one must not live in MJ: You write books in French. Who do I like telling about the Russian myth. imaginary world. In this an imaginary world. In this situation I see it you credit for such a good command of Now it is rather prescient as we have entered situation I see it as my as my duty to convey to the general public the language? a dreadful period in history, much worse duty to convey to the the truth about Russia. I took a stance for As a matter of fact, my first foreign language than the Cold War. While in those days there general public the truth restoring relations with Russia, spelling out was Arabic, and French was second, but was a gap between propaganda and real why it is necessary, and did that at the very taught on the first language program. Arabic politics, today we are witnessing a terrible about Russia top level. My position makes me one of the was taught by outstanding professors. We trend (this mainly relates to the West, much few Russians in France who has access to studied the Quran, which in France is not even

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MJ: In the Soviet Embassy? with Mauritania yet? You know, I'd like to into cultural diplomacy, going to theatres, too, wining and dining, while watching of Mikhail Gorbachev. And when I had when there was an anti-democratic putsch Yes, why are you surprised? There were only recommend you as a translator from Arabic attending exhibitions, art salons, and with you. We paid a fortune for the restaurant an offer to come back to Paris, I gladly in Moscow, Gorbachev was blocked in the five of us, and we were part of the white for Leonid Brezhnev, because he has hearing time became quite influential. I made administration to allow us to bug your table. accepted. Petrovsky and Yakovlev decided Crimea, and Boris Yeltsin in Moscow. I spent community of only two hundred people – problems and you shout.’ connections with all the promoters and But you were inexhaustible, not leaving till to use my connections: I became the all the three days in the beseiged parliament, diplomats who were leading a colonial That is how I became a high-level agents in the city and if, say, Brezhnev’s very late. So I couldn't keep up any more and press advisor, press-aide, or unofficially giving interviews to Western TV channels. lifestyle. We lived at villas, went to the interpreter. Not immediately, though; at daughter was visiting Paris and wanted went to my boss.’ – ‘And what did you tell ‘advisor on perestroika marketing’. I had At some point I heard that Mitterrand had seaside, danced at Western-style parties first, I translated for the head of the Ministry, a cultural program, I did everything at him?’ – ‘I said: “We have to stop it, he is not infinite possibilities: on one side I was expressed support for the putschists. I had thrown by the EC Ambassador Ladoux. Andrey Gromyko. Then I was allowed to the highest level. There was not a single a professional spy.” “And what is he then?” under the protection of Yakovlev, who known him personally ever since he (then I was friends with Mitterrand's son, Jean- interpret at the Kremlin summit – the first celebrity or political party leader whom I did - the boss asked. “He is having fun with the in 1985 joined the highest-ranking party still the Socialist Party leader) came to Christophe, France Press correspondent. My meeting was between Brezhnev and the not take to the embassy reception dedicated French elite, Bolshoi Theatre ballet-girls.” – authority – Politburo; on the other side Mauritania to visit his son. And I addressed best friend was a Spanish Charge d’Affaires Algerian leader Houari Boumédiène. to the 1917 October Revolution. The whole of Franco, who had no diplomatic relations I spent three years in Shvedov's department, world was my friends! Chagall, Dali, Picasso, with the Soviet Union. he was a unique man who created a whole Madame Kandinsky … Our Ambassador turned a blind eye to this school of African studies and trained many fact; he was a great man, quite a character, MJ: Whose company did you find the Mirzo Rakhmatov, former Deputy Chairman most interesting? of Tajikistan’s Parliament, then the Supreme became the Dali, Graham Greene. I once heard that he Soviet of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic. Embassy’s press-aide, was living in the south of France, in Antibes, He used to be in close working contact with or unofficially, and decided to meet him. I was not officially the Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, so he had I delegated to do that, just curious, so I called only one boss who he referred to as ‘Lenya’. ‘advisor on perestroika him and he invited me over. We had a litre I remember I had to translate for him for marketing’. I had infinite bottle of whisky between the two of us and the first time at one of the receptions. It possibilities, I was the became friends. was boiling hot, up to 50 degrees, everyone is open-collared, except Rakhmatov who is channel for MJ: So you just called and came over, as wearing a white ambassadorial service jacket communication between simple as that? and all the medals and insignia, including Gorbachev and You see, at the time there was not a single the Order of Lenin and four Orders of the person in France who would turn down Red Banner of Labour – for record cotton Mitterrand; I came to the a Soviet ‘attaché culturel’. When the Bolshoi harvests! So, a German official comes up Elysee Palace every time Theatre was on tour in Paris, the French to him and asks: ‘Your Excellency, how I got a telegram with went crazy, and I was the only person many kilos does all this beauty make up?’ capable of arranging a meeting with Soviet Rakhmatov replies: ‘Five! For all the war new propositions ballet-dancers. I was so active that … Let me years. One kilo for 1941, one – for ’42, one – tell you a curious anecdote. for ’43, one – for ’44, and for 1945 – the year Many years later, when I was already an of our victory over Hitler – two kilos!’ ambassadors. He taught me many things, established writer and was signing my new This relocation – from a Soviet islet too – how to write, prioritise, work with book at a literary salon, a man came up to of freedom, however artificial, known people. I developed my own official writing me. He bought ten copies, which I profusely “What,” – the boss asked with a tinge of I had the support of Petrovsky who was him through the French channel camera: as MGIMO, to the real world bustling style, clear and simple. thanked him for and said in jest: ‘Who envy in his voice, “with these ‘hirondelles’ in charge of French affairs in the Ministry ‘You know, Mr.President, you taught us with Western aesthetics and freedom - Shvedov liked to promote young are they all for? Wife and lady-friends?’ (fr. ‘swallow, tootsie-wootsie’)?”. 'We also of Foreign Affairs. I was the channel for a lot about freedom. And now we are facing transformed me. The four years that I spent professionals, and that played a defining (My books are popular with women.) And bribed Dali’s secretary,’ Dural added, ‘to find communication between Gorbachev and tanks and it is the question of freedom that in Mauritania gave me a solid grounding to role in my life. I always had my eyes set he said: ‘My name is Dural I am a retired out what you were talking to him about. All Mitterrand, I came to the Elysee Palace is at stake. Why are you betraying us now? become a real professional in the future. on France and when Brezhnev once asked intelligence colonel. Years ago, when you in all, we spent three months keeping a close every time I got a telegram with some Not you and not now!’ The whole of France But most importantly, it was there that where I would like to go I shared this dream only just arrived here, I used to keep watch tab on you until we realized that you were new propositions. At the same time I was was astounded. When in November of 1991 I had a stroke of luck for the first time. The of mine. Well, I just said it and left it at that, on you.’ ‘How interesting’, I replied. – ‘So just having fun.’ giving many interviews, was always on the I came to Paris, Mitterrand invited me to fortuitous meeting was with Alexey Shvedov, but Shvedov, who was nearby, remembered tell me more.’ – ‘My wife still remembers And then fate took me to the place that TV screen, and became a popular media breakfast. ‘You know,' he said, 'that was head of the First African Department of the it. And when in 1978 there was a vacancy the time I did not come home at night was to initiate the Soviet perestroika. figure. Most importantly, I did not have to a good speech back then, well done.’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who came from for a cultural attache in Paris he must have because of you. But that’s not the worst After my return from Paris in 1982, be authorised for my actions, I was given Moscow on business. I translated for him facilitated my appointment. of it! You bankrupted the French state!’ – I became Assistant to the Deputy- absolute creative freedom. MJ: It has been fifty years since you from Arabic, and was doing it in a peculiar ‘How come?!’ – ‘Well, you went to posh head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, first started at the University; are you fashion – I was shouting. And the more MJ: How did you find Paris, after restaurants day in day out – with Dali, Vladimir Petrovsky, who was affiliated MJ: And then it all ended one day... satisfied with your life? I shouted the more attentive he listened Mauritania? Chagall and all, and this was an outrageous with the future ‘architect of perestroika’, Yes, the Soviet Union collapsed... It was like Absolutely. I wanted to become a famous to me. And then he asked: ‘Are you bored I went crazy! I broke loose, plunging myself expense for us; after all, I had to be there Alexandre Yakovlev, a close associate this. In 1990 I came back to Moscow. And writer and I became one.

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a foreign trade company ‘Khimvolokno’. beginning to catch up with the Soviet levels a great school in terms of professional gained a position on foreign markets and Alexandre Turov (‘84) Now I understand that it is my student of export sales. I see how actively we are responsibility, whereby a tiniest detail, was actively competing with the West. Trade Commissioner for Russia in France experiences of those years that later made promoting industrial exports, including like a letter or a comma, matters. After The sanctions war entered the political Paris me a professional trade commissioner. increasing levels of Russian goods exported all, if you are drafting a government sphere, this fact alone contradicts the hen, in 1979, I was was a top-rate specialist, one of the old- Starting as an economist, I was promoted to France; their quality is excellent, on a par resolution you have to know all relevant principles of free competition and all anti- admitted to MGIMO, school academics, a man of principle, to merchandise specialist after a year’s with the world’s best, and the price is rather legislation to avoid any contradictions or monopoly laws. But these challenges did I requested Serbo- strict, even hardline sometimes, who probation period. The knowledge that acceptable. discrepancies between it and the new legal nothing but stimulate the development Croatian as the first would never overstep the line and be too I gained in the merchandising class in After the antidemocratic putsch failed act. And it is your signature on the final of national business! At the same time, ‘Wforeign language, and that is what I got informal with students. He used to tell the Economics Department stood me in August 1991 in Moscow and the Soviet draft because everyone has to know who however, they are ruining international (it later split into Serbian, Croatian, and us that there is no such thing as a minor in good stead in this position. Assistant Union collapsed, Russia entered a new drafted a resolution or decree - at the final trade cooperation as our long-term Bosnian), while English was second. As detail: the more specific and articulate Professor Sebko taught us the basics of the lifecycle. However, in economic terms, stage they all are signed by the head of partners unilaterally back away from their for my major in Economics, I have very you are in formulating a problem, the profession. I will never forget the story he the reforms that we had been fighting government. And the price for your mistake international commitments which have been fond memories of Nikolai Liventsev, who sooner you will get the result. told us about his time in one of the Soviet for had negative implications for us. We will be high – dozens of billions of dollars! previously upheld at all times and during all headed the Economics Department. He After MGIMO I found myself in Republics in Middle Asia when his older, were thrust into market conditions while And yet, I had an ambition to return to types of regimes. Unfortunately, the whole all savings devalued. I set up a small publishing company but it did not match t was clear from the the scale of my ambitions. The financial very beginning that crisis of 1998, when the bank where we the real reason for had our business account went under, was I the last drop. So I decided to return to civil a sharp cooling service. This was an auspicious period as of relations with the it coincided with the political changes in West was not the the Russian government: in 1999 Vladimir Crimea. It was Russia’s Putin became head of government. For professional improvement, I enrolled growing economic in the Diplomatic Academy. I had French as strength, the country a foreign language which I really struggled gained a position on with. And to top it all, I had an offer from other language tutors: ‘You know Serbo- foreign markets and was Croatian, don’t you? Take up Czech too, actively competing with otherwise with no demand our good tutor the West will have to leave.’ I had to oblige, which I never regretted. After two busy years of studies, I realized I would no longer be able to go into business more experienced colleagues decided to again – my mentality had changed. So my original activity of a foreign affairs system of international law is falling apart. play a joke on him, a young specialist at when there was a vacancy at the Ministry expert and apply the knowledge gained at In this context the effort of the French the time. Showing him goat’s fur, they said: for Anti-monopoly Policy and Support MGIMO. So, when the position of a deputy president to restore normal relations ‘Look how good this fur is, it’s top quality of Entrepreneurship I jumped at the head of the trade mission in Slovakia with Russia is nothing short of valiant. astrakhan!’ In his turn, Sebko, having chance. I was appointed Deputy Head suddenly came up, I took it. The work in It developed into the Trianon Dialogue been a diligent student of merchandising, of Department and posted to the anti- Bratislava went so well that in a few years initiative aimed at bringing the two civil looked at the fur and said: ‘Well, if that’s monopoly agency in France. I moved to the Czech Republic as head of societies closer. It brings back a personal the quality of your astrakhan here, I am In 2004 I was offered work in the the trade mission, where my knowledge of memory. When Emmanuel Macron decided impounding the warehouse until you have Russian government, which was a real Czech from the Diplomatic Academy came to enter politics, by protocol we sent him checked the quality of all the fur here!’ challenge. In the position of the Advisor in really useful. an official letter, signed by our minister My work at ‘Khimvolokno’ gave me to Department of Economy and Finance However, this period of my service and me, wishing him the best of luck and immense hands-on experience. Just I was involved in drafting a law on business coincided with a sharp cooling of relations expressing confidence that his political imagine, there were only two of us in charge competition, enhancing liability norms with the West due to Russia’s reclaiming career will take him to the top of the of polyester thread procurement, for the for anti-monopoly law infringement, the Crimea. But it was clear from the very political Olympus. I still keep Macron’s production of women’s tights, with a total reforming the energy sphere to boost beginning that the real reason was not the official reply thanking us for support. turnover of 250 million dollars! Now, of competition and restrict monopolistic Crimea. It was Russia’s growing economic I think we were right in choosing to foster course, many export companies cannot activity in the petrochemical market, strength – we now had our national further cooperation with the French match these sales volumes, but we are and export support. Public service was business, financial resources, the country Republic.

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and the Czech Republic. We studied at the My finding was that Russian society sees Emmanuelle Moreau Department of International Relations luxury absolutely differently to how it is (MGIMO - Sciences Pо, '10) and did courses in international security, taken in France. In France luxury used to be Editorial manager macroeconomics, border security, world associated with the king, court, nobility, but Corporate Communications Department politics, etc. the French Revolution did away with it. The Naval Group MGIMO differed substantially from a French same happened in Russia after the 1917 Paris university in its approach to teaching. I was Revolution, but in modern Russia luxury surprised to learn that students wrote papers is about status and power; a status symbol at home rather than in class. In France, we should be conspicuous whereas in France y interest in Russia goes back that involved studying for a year in Moscow usually have a lot of quizzes in class. Russian showing off wealth is inappropriate, one’s to childhood. I remember and Paris. students are trained to think fast dealing status and background can be inferred from when I was about nine years When I came to Moscow in the summer with questions and problems whereas in the quality of the fabric one wears even if it old and went to school in Brest of 2008, I felt somewhat overwhelmed at France students are taught to structure their does not carry any designer label. (Bretagne),M we were asked to choose a foreign first, but I rather liked that feeling. I fell in thinking and writing. You should learn to Having completed my degree in Moscow, language. I opted for Russian. It was taught love with Moscow and its Red Square, as defend your work rather than be able to find I returned home. Paris seems rather small by a woman who had lived for a while in the a child I had seen it in pictures. I liked the a quick solution. as compared to Moscow. Everything is Soviet Union. I had been studying Russian atmosphere, the vibes of the big city and its We had one professor who taught us small here, underground, cars, houses. And for 10 years, and then one day I decided to daily hustle and bustle. border security classes; I liked him. He was people are relaxed. see the country. Soon I found a MGIMO - Our academic program had 20 students, knowledgeable, emotional, open to any The French master’s offered me a choice Sciences Po double master’s degree program mainly from France, Germany, Great Britain arguments, including most critical ones; he between international relations and finance. I opted for finance, strategy and fell in love with marketing, planning to set up my own clothing retail company in the future. Moscow and its Red Choosing finance after research in luxury Square, as a child was rather reckless on my part. It was very I difficult, but I coped, got all credits and I had seen it in pictures. I liked the atmosphere, defended my graduation thesis. However, my dream of setting up the vibes of the big city a company was never meant to come and its daily hustle and true. I was busy sending CVs to different bustle companies when all of a sudden I got an answer from the French Navy. It was a challenge but there was a certain logic in encouraged students to speak out. It was very that decision: my father is a naval officer; interesting; discussions provided educational I grew up in Bretagne and always liked experience enriched by students’ different being at sea. So I accepted. My Sciences cultural backgrounds. For example, we had Po diploma came in handy enabling me hanks to the the Communications Department. As an one North Korean student and were always to get promoted to an officer after a short editorial manager, I am in charge of the curious about him. His country being closed to training course. Later I did a course in Franco-Russian production of the company’s magazines westerners, we were intrigued to hear what he communications and public relations. master’s degree and websites. would say. In 2010, I was assigned to Mistral as T Thanks to the Franco-Russian master’s program I met new At first, I thought about UNESCO as my a logistics officer. I served for a year, degree program I met new friends and graduation research problem. When I had sailed the Indian Ocean, acquired a lot friends and we are still we are still very close. In Moscow, our enrolled in the program I was thinking of of professional skills. When I returned, very close. Last year group’s foreign and Russian students a career in diplomacy. But I changed my I got a job on the project of construction I was in Saint Petersburg lived in different halls of residence, but we mind in the process as I took an interest in an of two Mistral class ships - Vladivostok often met for birthday parties, picnics, i.e absolutely different sphere, namely Russia’s and Sebastopol - commissioned by Russia. for a wedding of one of shashlyki in Russian; in general, we had luxury industry. I set out to research the role This time my MGIMO diploma proved my Russian friends a very good time. Some of my friends of luxury in the modern Russian cultural useful; the shipbuilding company wanted live in Paris now, others are in different values hierarchy using French brands as case a French employee knowing Russian. For countries of the world. Sometimes we studies. So my graduation thesis was entitled over two years, I was in charge of relations soured, and the contract was cancelled. travel together, and last year I was in “Chanel’s and Vuitton’s Marketing Strategies with Russia’s representatives on Mistral So I decided to switch to another line of Saint Petersburg for a wedding of one of in Russia”. crews. But relations between our countries work in the same company and moved to my Russian friends.

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beginning of perestroika. I remember the Alexandr Melnik (’81) furore that was reigning in Paris when, in Teacher&writer October 1985, Gorbachev came there on n 1976, when I entered the MGIMO everybody was afraid of him. At that time, his first official visit. At that time I served School of International Journalism, the most important event in France was the as the chief of protocol under the new I had to study French. I had never upcoming elections. I constantly read the ambassador, Yuliy Vorontsov, who was thought about France and knew little news, watched TV, analyzed the reaction of a wonderful person and a bright diplomat. Iabout it. Now I am a quite famous French the French both from those whom I met in After returning from my secondment in teacher and writer, the author of many my official capacity and from those in the 1986, I worked in the press-centre of the publications in the French media as well streets and cafés. When the Ambassador MFA Department of Information, where as books in French. This language has asked me, a mere intern, who I thought was for five years I was in charge of the French become for me a tool for understanding going to win the race, I said: “I think it will media accredited in Moscow. Working in life, for everyday communication, and for be François Mitterand”. He was surprised: Moscow during glasnost and perestroika professional and literary expression. The all of his staff assured him that Giscard was considered to be the pinnacle of the language for a person who writes is his d’Éstaing would be re-elected! career for a first-rank journalists. For me, as homeland. Mr. Mitterand won, and I returned to a diplomat of the last years of the USSR, the If I have managed to achieve something Paris - the ambassador asked the MFA to press-centre was a new window through in life, it’s all thanks to the people around send me there after my graduation from which to experience freedom. I started and their inspiring qualities. In this regard MGIMO. I had worked in the Embassy writing and issuing publications in France; I remember Viktor Anfilov, my dean. He for almost six years, including as the aide I travelled a lot. I even had an internship in fought in the war; this made him a person to the Ambassador. I was there at the Le Figaro, which was considered unusual with a strong moral backbone. The dean at the time: a Soviet diplomat with a Soviet picked the students who liked studying and he French has passport was an intern in the most anti- helped them. I was among these students. Soviet French newspaper! By the end of my studies, I had to go for an become for me A flourishing of new ideas, the internship; I chose the Ministry for Foreign a tool for geopolitical revolution, the possibility of Affairs over media. At that time diplomacy T direct contacts created an excitement in understanding life, was almost the only window on the world. me knowing that I was not just a Soviet Moreover, I was lucky as I got a chance to go for everyday commu­ diplomat, but a free person. That’s why to Paris of all places. nication, and for when I was offered a new secondment in In 1981 Stepan Chernovenko was the professional and literary Paris, I hesitated. I wondered if I should Soviet ambassador in France. In the expression to continue my career as diplomat and Embassy he was a Louis XIV, the Sun King, become an ambassador. I thought that as everything revolved around him and possibility was highly unlikely. Personal freedom and the possibility to do what I want and not what I am told to do were more important to me. However, my wife pressured me into taking up a diplomatic post in France. After five years, I couldn’t stand it anymore and handed in my notice to Ambassador Yuri Ryzhov with whom I had been working as Press Attaché. He didn’t appear surprised through this period of great challenges the department of Slavic languages of the and said something I remembered forever: so that by facing them a new Alexandr have achieved my University of Caen Normandy. As I didn’t “You know, you seem to have taken the Melnik would emerge, the one who wanted goal - I made it know how to teach Russian, the subject was right decision. I don’t see you either in to be free in all the senses: intellectually, possible for these broadened to include Russian civilization diplomacy, or in Russia”. professionally, and financially. I (culture, history, literature). I had always So, in October 1995, I found myself in Soon after I launched one of the first Russian and European wanted to teach. Paris. I was free, poor, jobless, homeless tourist agencies in Paris which worked students to experience One thing that demotivated me the most and without any documents. On top with rich Russians; at the same time, first-hand, a globalized was that there were few students in the of that, my wife filed for divorce. But I started editing a thin periodical called class and even they were falling asleep. At I couldn’t act otherwise. It was a moral Newsletters about Russia. Around this same world some point I had enough of that and asked imperative, my challenge. I had to go time, a friend put in a good word for me in them: “Sorry to wake you up, but why have

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you, the citizens of a democratic country that I turned to the Dean for help but he I was asking questions the answers to which where nobody imposes you anything, Galina refused to let me switch the language. So I knew myself. So I thought my brain is chosen the lectures on a subject you have I went on an improvised strike – didn't buy capable of doing something grander, beyond no interest in?” The answer surprised Subbotina a dictionary the whole of the first term. solely PR. me: “Yes, we are not very interested in (Sciences Po – Luckily, the first term was devoted only Suddenly I remembered that the Russia. But we hate the USA, the American MGIMO, ‘10) to phonetics and basic grammar, so there University ran a dual-degree Russian- materialism, imperialism, lifestyle. For us Vice-President was no need for the dictionary. Otherwise French Master program with Sciences Po Russia embodies an alternative way”. Royal Bank of Scotland / NatWest I would have been in trouble - the University's and applied for “International Business: That’s how I accidentally found the core Paris French Department is well-known for its Finance and Strategy”. It was then that nerve of the French mindset: the negative severe approach. So I got through the first I realized how lucky I was to have been motivation, fueled by leftist sentiments wonderful thing happened in end of term exams. Then a miracle happened. given French in my first year at university! growing in the country, where anti- 2002 – I was admitted on the a musical ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ was staged The first year of the program was in Americanism is traditionally a powerful PR program at the Journalism in Moscow and I fell in love with the music. Moscow. It was very intense, especially driving force and where there is an Department of the University of I wanted to understand the lyrics in the given the focus on international politics, instinctive affection for Russia. Here our InternationalA Relations! However, then it French version, so I bought a dictionary. political science and international relations country is perceived as a counterbalance to was followed by a period of disappointments In my fifth year I interned at the Agency while I was only a PR specialist. America. (as I thought at the time). I used to study of Political and Economic Communications, The second year, however, in Paris, was Five years later I realized that the Russian German at school and wanted to continue which ran projects for government dedicated to finance. When it was nearing topic is too narrow for me. To go beyond at the University but received French as institutions in the areas of domestic and the end I started looking for a job in my area it, I joined the ICN Business School in a foreign language, and it was completely foreign policy. I sometimes interviewed - PR in finance. I visited all the PR agencies Nancy. Here I broadened my subject, from scratch. I was so keen to get rid of it experts and at one point I realized that specializing in the field but was rejected gradually making the world the focus of my interdisciplinary research. In other words, was so keen to get rid I started teaching geopolitics. I also learnt about the international connections of of the French that the ICN, which has partnerships with 60 I went on an countries. However, Russia was not one I improvised strike – of them. I wondered, why not establish a partnership with MGIMO, my alma didn't buy a dictionary. mater? But I hadn’t had any contacts with Then a miracle the institute for twenty years! I found happened. a musical Vladimir Shitov, the dean of the School of International Business and Business ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ Administration, which had a similar was staged in Moscow curriculum to that of the ICN Business and I fell in love with the School. Our discussions led to the creation music. I wanted to of the MGIMO-ICN double degree program in international management. understand the lyrics in We synchronized the MGIMO and ICN the French version, so syllabi for the graduates to get full degrees I bought a dictionary of both universities, which would serve as a legal basis for their employment in Russia, France, European countries and in the world. As a person who went everywhere. The reason must have been my through an extremely difficult process of French. I had a good grasp of the language obtaining French documents, I knew very but not of colloquial French that a PR agent well how important this legal basis is. The needs. Shortly before my departure for first fifteen students graduated from the Moscow I was offered internship in a major MGIMO-ICN double degree program in French company 'Veolia Environnement’. 2006. I have achieved my goal - I made it This was my meal ticket to the world of possible for these Russian and European finance. Instead of PR, I was immediately students to experience first-hand, plunged into project finance, which a globalized world. included financial modelling and business

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planning with substantial legal support bank, the main transactions are carried out forming two divisions – service (Accor for renewable energy projects; we sought in the UK, but the bank has branches in Hotels) and property (AccorInvest). In financing for wind and solar power plants. eleven European countries, with the French order to get the new company off the My next internship was at the Royal Bank branch being among the leading ones. ground they had to restructure the capital. of Scotland, one of the leading investment Our team has a good track record, always разработать новую структуру капитала. banks, which introduced me to the world bringing profit. As for the whole RBS group, We offered them optimal options for the of banking. I mainly worked with clients it was only last year that it broke even. new capital structure, and together with from transport, energy, and infrastructure Working “under the crown” has its some other banks, were involved in the sectors. After the internship I was on the advantages – you will be bailed out in the project financing deal. I will never forget payroll. It has been seven years since then event of a crisis. But crises have adverse being seven months pregnant and working and I am still working at RBS (last year it effects on banks. When I was only starting until 11 pm, developing a rationale for our was rebranded as NatWest) – first as an work here, the Parisian office had about involvement in the project to submit it analyst, then promoted to an associate, two hundred people, now there are fifteen. to the management. I am glad that I was and two years ago I was appointed Vice- I stayed on, surviving three periods of heard and the project was successfully President. At this level, I am in charge of redundancies in the bank and am among implemented. customer relationship management. I have the longest working employees, a kind of The Sciences Po – MGIMO program gave full knowledge of the levels of their business veteran. a start to my career in France. Furthermore, with the bank – how many liabilities, loans, I see it as my victory when we sign up I gained valuable knowledge in the sphere lines of credit and their refinancing dates. a major client and carry out an important of finance, the degree from Sciences Po I also know what bank products they are structured transaction because I have to opens many doors here. The French society he Sciences Po – MGIMO program Tgave a start to my career in France. Furthermore, I gained valuable knowledge in the sphere of finance, the degree from Sciences Po opens many doors here. But had it not been for MGIMO, I would not have enrolled on this program. MGIMO opened the door to Europe for me

using and what we can offer them. work really hard on these projects. This and business are rather stratified, and Now my client portfolio includes major usually happens about twice a year. One of without a degree from a leading university international French listed companies; for the most recent major transactions involved my chances for a good start would have example, a big retail chain “Casino”, large a big French hotel chain “Accor Hotels” been lower. I definitely wouldn't have made exclusive holding companies like “LVMH”, (the first in Europe and sixth in the world) it this high. Of course, had it not been for “Kering”, as well as industrial groups “Saint which has twenty-five brands (Ibis, Mercure, MGIMO, I would not have enrolled on this Gobain” and “Veolia”. Pullman, Swissotel and others). dual-degree Master program. The degree RBS's main shareholder is the UK Not so long ago this hotelier launched from our University opened the door to government and the Crown. As it is a British a major company restructuring project, Europe for me.

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Eric Lelong (‘96) Owner, Bakery Briocherie Lelong Tours, France

he well-known legend (in its Russian interpretation) has it that Queen Marie Antoinette upon learning that the peasants hadT no bread sniffed: “Let them eat cake”. But few are aware that in fact she said brioche, not cake. Brioche is a pastry of French origin made of yeast dough. Brioches appeared thanks to Louis XIV of France. The king adored cakes and pastry. But when he was an elderly man his doctors prohibited him from eating sweets. And royal bakers created for him a special sort of bread which contained all the ingredients of a cake but in well-balanced proportions, which helped create a unique flavour and spongy, almost weightless, dough which melted in one’s mouth. As Eric Lelong, the proprietor of Briocherie Lelong, puts it: “This fusion of flavours is true alchemy!” rioches appeared I was well-versed in comparative legal In 1907 Paul Lelong, Eric’s great thanks to Louis studies; I knew how legal systems of grandfather, set up a bakery, which was XIV of France. different countries correlated.” closed during the war, as Rene Lelong, B Having returned to France, Eric thought Eric’s grandfather, hated the idea of The king adored cakes of setting up his own business. He had feeding German invaders. And only as and pastry. But when he been interested in golf since childhood, late as the 1970s did the bakery started aide-de-camp of Nicholas II of Russia, “At first we and this hobby prompted him to think to produce exclusively brioches. This who often came to Paris. My great agreed, but then we was an elderly man his about establishing a company dealing with novelty was introduced by Serge Lelong, grandfather invested in Russian bonds – encountered certain doctors prohibited him modernization of golf carts. His company Eric’s father, who moved to the USA in the my family still keeps a couple of those difficulties: Soviet Law was not tailored from eating sweets specializes in adjustment of electric carts 1980s to expand the family business. Serge bond certificates. With time my desire to for small business. So we abandoned that Lelong signed a contract with to suit various fields of application. “We rented some premises for cake shops in go to study in Russia took shape.” project, but I stayed in Moscow. It was in MGIMO in November 1990 and became buy the base and modify it so as to make it New York. The dream came true by chance. In 1988 late 1990. I rented a room in a prestigious a freshman. “Following the advice of Ivan intellectual atmosphere of the university. fit for any kind of activity.” Eric recalls: “I lived in that city for our bakery was visited by a delegation block of flats in Aleksey Tolstoy Street; Tyulin, the First Vice-Rector of MGIMO, a MGIMO student ID card meant a lot, and However, Eric considers bakery to be seven years, studied at school, explored of deputies from Mossovet (Moscow the flat belonged to an ex-member of the I opted for International Law School. It was as a foreigner I felt at ease at those hard his main business. He hopes to return to its unusual life. In fact, I moved to City’s legislative body), who came to Central Committee of the Communist the time of the Soviet Union: the textbooks times and knew that I would get help if Russia one day; not for nothing did he get New York from a French village, and New York to familiarize themselves Party of the Soviet Union, and I had come were quite old, but the lecturers were the needed.” his education there. “I appreciate those the city opened my eyes to the world. with the practices of small and medium to know him via getting acquainted with best; for instance, Vitaly Kabatov, a hero, Eric Lelong graduated from MGIMO five years of studies and intellectually There was such a diversity of cultures, enterprises. The guests liked the taste his grandson by chance. WWII veteran, who taught Roman law. in 1996 having defended a thesis on the rich life at MGIMO, he says. - Apart traditions and languages there! I enjoyed of brioches and suggested that Lelong At that time I wanted to enter a Moscow At the same time I was actively studying Constitution of the Fifth Republic, and from knowledge per se, it enriched me keeping company with immigrants from Senior should come to Moscow to open university, but I didn’t know which one. Russian, and in a year was fluent in it. As became one of the first Frenchman to spiritually. You are unlikely to find this different countries, began to study world a bakery in the Arbat, in the same way as I chose MGIMO out of all academic a man from a capitalist state I did not feel have graduated from MGIMO. “Knowledge in American universities, and if Russia history, geography and got interested in MacDonald’s was about to do at that time institutions because my top priority was uncomfortable about the fact that MGIMO that I acquired at MGIMO helped me lags behind the US and France in some Russia, especially when I learnt that my with their first fast-food restaurant at to get a first-class education and to learn was, as it used to be said, an ideological understand laws, I learnt to read them, spheres, in terms of this it is surely ahead grandmother was friends with a personal Pushkinskaya Square. the Russian language.” academic institution; I enjoyed the including Russian ones. But by and large of them.”

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formalities for his first posting abroad in their knowledge, human warmth and Yuri France, he only had a fifty-fifty chance of wisdom with me for the whole of my (’76) approval. “I had help from a wonderful professional career. Virobyan person, says Virobyan, the CEO of I entered MGIMO in 1970 and was uri Virobyan – a MGIMO “Soyuzgazexport” exporting company Yuri assigned Arabic as main foreign language graduate, now in charge of Baranovskiy, who became my first mentor.” though I would have preferred to learn supplying gas to France as As I called on him before leaving for English. When I complained to the Dean, president of Gazprom Marketing France, I remember him saying this: “You he said, “The country needs professionals Y& Trading France. The company sells gas are going to an excellent country where fluent in Arabic!” Later it turned out that on a daily basis to customers on the French you’ll get to know the meaning of the the Ministry of Defense had a shortage of market (except for household consumption), European culture! You are still young, so do military interpreters, therefore, all the boys including town-halls, schools, hotels, not restrain yourself, live a full life – visit who had completed a secondary school restaurants, big plants and factories. museums, go to restaurants, to the cinema intensive French course were assembled in The “Gazprom” Champs Elysees office and to shops. Spend your money without the Arabic group. occupies one floor in a luxury building with regret, for one day you will be telling your Ours was an efficient group of 19 boys a magnificent view of the Arc de Triomphe grandchildren about those three or four who all studied well – more for fun’s sake from the office balcony. years you spent there!” than for career purposes. We would often However, when in the early 80s this Indeed, I must say I was lucky in having compete with each other; it was a matter of young MGIMO graduate was fulfilling the many such mentors. They have shared principle to be at the top of your class. e all studied well in WMGIMO – more for fun’s sake than for career purposes. We would often compete with each other; it was a matter of principle to be at the top of your class

As we completed our fourth year of study, we were approached by some MoD officials as having come to assist in building n 1978, I was given answer from “Soyuzneftexport,” a Soviet- with a proposal to either volunteer for socialism. era oil exporter. I was given a job in a one-year posting abroad or serve two The job was not without some risk, a job in a newly- a newly-formed structure dealing with the years upon graduation. though. The two colonels for whom formed structure rapidly growing gas industry which needed We were sent to different parts of the I served as interpreter were concerned I some young personnel. My new employer “Soyuzgazexport”, Arab world. I personally was posted about my safety and used to seat me at was named “Soyuzgazexport.” It appears to the People’s Democratic Republic the back of their jeep to give me a better which dealt with the that for over 40 years, since 1978, I have of Yemen, a country no longer in chance of staying alive in case of an rapidly growing gas been involved in the export of natural gas. existence. The country then was at war explosion. industry which needed Then followed the above-mentioned with North Yemen and Saudi Arabia. That was tough schooling, but, upon posting to the Soviet trade mission in Paris We arrived twelve months after the return, we resumed our academic studies some young personnel. where my boss was Konstantin Bakhtov British had left South Yemen, and were as mature adults. It appears that for over whom I also consider to be one of my housed in the British officers’ former Upon graduation, I found myself 40 years, I have been mentors. Bakhtov was a living legend, billets. The living conditions were good, employed in the gas sector. Here is known as the man who organized the with comfortable rooms and a big hall how it came about. I had been sending involved in the export of evacuation of the mission personnel from for playing billiards. The local people letters of application to key foreign trade natural gas France during World War II. He was a tough were friendly: they perceived the USSR organizations and soon received a positive man and a hard-driving executive, but

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most importantly, he would stand firmly As to the passage in it that caused our Everyone saw that he meant to reprimand looks at us while we stare back at him behind each of the employees who might displeasure, it was not an exact quotation me publically there and then. So I rose to with wide-open eyes, and adds, “Choosing need his support. of their words, but an interpretation by the sum up the situation, concluding: ”We have you was no accident, I trust you, you see.” Initially we were not on the best of journalist. no legal grounds to insist on a retraction The message was clear enough. So on our terms. Once he summoned me to his office As I reported the situation back to by our partner company. They are not in proceedings record we showed that all the and said, “One of our partner companies Bakhtov, he said, “I see you have failed to a position to control that “antisovetchick” bottles had been broken, but then, on the that you personally deal with had an fulfill your assignment. You are free for the of a journalist, and neither are we. What’s quiet, gave away the bottles to the mission anti-Soviet – biased newspaper article moment, but I must decide what I should more, we have excellent partner relations employees while swearing them to secrecy. published, which is politically unacceptable do about you.” One week passed, quite with this company, they have been buying As to the Trade Representative, he was quite to us. It is inadmissible behavior for uneventfully. Suddenly, on the day of our our gas for 15 years now.” pleased how the task had been completed. a partner company. Your task will be to visit regular staff meeting the events took a turn In dead silence, Bakhtov said: “Thank I returned to Moscow in 1988, at the them and insist on a retraction.” for the worse. After everyone had reported you, you may sit down.” After that incident, peak of the Soviet “perestroika.” During Yet the company officials told me that on their particular area of responsibility, there was a complete turnaround in our the attempted anti-democracy coup of there would be no retraction, as the article Bakhtov addressed the meeting with these relations. The trade representative was 1991, I was among those who went to in question did not reflect the company’s words: “I would now like Virobyan to report a tough executive but when faced with defend the Russian parliament. This is how attitude and they had never said anything to us how he fulfilled the task assigned to well-founded and logical reasoning he inappropriate concerning the USSR. him.” would accept it and show respect for his opponent. he Gazprom’s To put a final touch to the portrait of position in the my boss, I cannot help but mention one French market is more, this time an amusing episode, which T happened soon after President Gorbachev quite stable, as our gas introduced his “dry law” prohibiting the has a competitive edge production and sale of alcoholic drinks. over the American The matter was that our mission shop in Paris had stocked a supply of affordably liquefied one. No priced excellent French wines (twice below politician could ever the current city prices!); after all, we used make a French private to purchase large consignments of wine for the shop at a considerable diplomatic company buy gas more discount. expensively Together with other colleagues I had been buying goods for the shop, my personal responsibility being the purchase I happened to be there. Through word of of furs and perfume, a job much aided by mouth, I and my deputy (I was then one a MGIMO course of commodity research of “Soyuzgazexport” executives) learned and merchandizing. The course covered that people were gathering in front of the a wide range of goods and products, parliament building, so we decided to join including a study of furs. I remember them. We asked the head of the company one exercise in which the students were to excuse us for the rest of the working supposed to determine what animal day for, we said, “We are going to defend a particular skin belonged to and the price the Russian parliament!” His answer was: it might fetch at this or that market. “Who authorized you to go?” We insisted However, back to the amusing episode we wanted to save the democracy, to which I meant to describe. One day Bakhtov we heard the following: “That’s beside the summons the shop manager and myself point, if you leave before the working day is to his office and says these words: “Find over you will be disciplined.” one more person to form a commission We went anyway, and the three of us (my to supervise the destruction of alcoholic wife insisted on joining), and stayed there drinks. The bottles must be broken, their the whole night. Someone brought some contents poured down the drain and the food, but the whole situation was far from proceedings recorded in an official report clear. From time to time, we would hear of to be signed by the three of you.” He then tanks coming close and of someone having

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been killed, the atmosphere was generally to visit a factory outside Moscow where we to me from my time at “Soyuzgazexport”. tense. had placed an important order for him. After This time luck was on my side and my When ultimately the democratic forces a welcoming dinner at a local restaurant, we business expanded. Those years were an prevailed, the leaders addressed the crowd were taken to the factory only to discover excellent school of life for me. The key from the parliament’s balcony thanking that despite our order for a supply of black lesson was that there was a way out of any everyone and asking to give the names of cloth, we were being offered green one situation. Moreover, one must trust people, those employers who had tried to impede instead. Worse, rather than packaging the the way my colleagues trusted me as their the exercise of civil duty by their employees. material in bolts as required, they were fellow-graduate of MGIMO, our alma mater! The leaders’ words were broadcast on folding it. We protested to the factory Later, in 2003, when “Soyuzgazexport” television. On the next day, our boss praised manager saying the order was not ours. He was replaced by “Gazprom”, and the latter us as “heroes of Russia,” though we had no insisted it was, but then let it slip that an wanted to take a closer look at the French intention to name anyone. Italian customer had said the black cloth gas market, some Gazprom officials offered The country entered a new, tumultuous, was no longer fashionable but the green one me a job of opening and heading its office period of its development. In 1992 some was. As to folding the cloth for shipment, in Paris. For three years, the office had of my former trade mission colleagues it was easier than rolling it in bolts. We functioned as a representative one engaged (also MGIMO graduates), then working in produced the contract, but he waved it aside in the local market research, before it a joint Soviet-French company offered me just telling us to take what was available. became clear that the market was getting a post of that company representative in more competitive offering us an opportunity France. Upon arrival, though, I found that hose years in to sell gas to the end user. Since 2007, things proved to be much different from MGIMO were an therefore, we, as part of Gazprom, have been what I had expected. For several years, my selling gas to France. efforts produced more loss than profit, excellent school of Business is going well, even despite the which depressed me a lot. I was ready to T sanctions against Russia. Yet the sanctions life for me. The key try almost anything. After all, MGIMO lesson was that there do force us to adjust our policy. Thus in training was sufficient to attempt any kind order to minimize the risks we try to find of business. was a way out of any a way to implement some of our projects Once again, I relied on the skills and situation. Moreover, one in Russia. We are in search of enterprises knowledge received in the commodity must trust people, the in Russia for Gazprom to invest into research and merchandizing classroom in production of more expensive, value-added MGIMO, where among other commodities way my colleagues products for export to Europe. Gazprom we also focused on alcohol. I decided to trusted me as their expands cooperation with China, India and start a business exporting “Royal” alcohol fellow-graduate of Japan. After all, French companies appear to from Belgium to Russia, but soon gave it be even more seriously hit by sanctions than up as a bad idea. The matter was, I had MGIMO, our alma mater! ours. Indeed, many Russian market-oriented been told by someone that in Russia French enterprisers are out of business now. “babushkas” were selling in makeshift For example, I had never known before that street markets some suspicious-looking Later I learned how the Russian economy France previously exported large amounts stuff in bottles labelled “Royal.” People was then functioning. Buyers would arrive of apples to Russia, but now many producers might get poisoned, and I would be with briefcases full of cash, walk straight have to chop down their orchards as the held accountable and sent to prison. So into a workshop, point a finger and say: Russian market is closed for them. I switched on to cigarettes, but failed “Just pack this for me”. This means our Our position in the French market is just as miserably. This time I got a phone order must have been snatched by someone quite stable, as our gas has a competitive call from Moscow with information that before us. edge over the American liquefied one. No a container of cigarettes I shipped to Russia When I called the American customer to politician could ever make a French private had been sold on to other people, but later explain the situation, he said our company company buy gas more expensively. We, for was arrested by the authorities, whereas was black-listed from now on and he would our part, keep telling our French partners those “other people” who turned out to be never do business with us again. As to the the following: “You would like to ensure real bandits now were going to contact me cloth the factory sold us, he said it was of Europe’s energy security through a steady in France in order to “settle the score.” a seasonal kind, and he had no need for it supply of gas, wouldn’t you? It is precisely For a change, I thought I might try then. He offered to buy it from us for 20 for that purpose that we are constructing the exporting metals and textiles from Russia. percent of the price we actually paid. We Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline which will cut a funny thing happened with textiles, lost a lot of money as a result. After that down the number of transit countries while though. One American customer wanted us I turned to the petrochemical sector, familiar optimizing transportation costs.”

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Alexander Kuznetsov (’74), Russian Ambassador to UNESCO, came to were signed with our universities, France for the first time when he was transferred from the Soviet Embassy a meeting of Russian and Spanish rectors in Washington in 1990. At first the job was not easy for him. At MGIMO he with participation of the heads of states studied only Spanish and lacked the practice of spoken French. But on took place. By the way, MGIMO Rector the very first day the Ambassador Yuri Dubinin put him in charge of a new Anatoly Torkunov was among them. The Soviet-French treaty, which was to lay the foundation for the relations agreements that were signed between between the USSR and France. “We worked on the treaty from morning MGIMO and Spanish universities in these till night for several weeks,” recalls Kuznetsov. “When the talks were over, years are still in place.” In 2001 Kuznetsov became the Director I suddenly felt that I was in my element in the Embassy.” of the Foreign Policy Planning Department. uznetsov next came to France events not only for UNESCO, but in the “It was an extremely interesting work under in 1995 as the deputy Russian cultural life in Paris. For instances, the the immediate guidance of the Minister for Ambassador to UNESCO. He recent concert of the famous Igor Moiseyev Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov at first, and then worked there for five years, Ensemble or the wonderful performance of under Sergey Lavrov. Later, it allowed me becomingK a diplomat who specialized multinational student group from Moscow to see the bigger picture of Russian foreign in education, science and culture. The People’s Friendship University.” policy rather than just a partial one.” third posting to Paris happened in 2016 Alexander Kuznetsov has had quite After the posting in Spain, Kuznetsov when he returned to become the head of a diverse career: he is not only a diplomat, was offered to lead the MFA Department the Russian mission to UNESCO. “As my but also a political scientist. He believes of History and Records. “At first I didn’t grandmother liked to say, the circle was that the most fruitful period in his career quite understand what this job was about. closed”, Kuznetsov smiles. Thanks to my I imagined myself being an old keeper previous experience in UNESCO, I knew NESCO is the of records. In fact, it is an extremely the organisation quite well. I met a lot of fascinating job. Our department managed colleagues whom I had known for more main humanita­ to put into practice quite a lot of projects. than ten years. I know many UNESCO rian forum of the I want to specifically mention two books: partners in Russia, including the ones in U the collection of documents entitled UN system, which serves the regions. They are our main support in as one of the most Russian MFA in the years of WWI published developing cooperation with UNESCO in on the occasion of 100 Anniversary of the education, science and culture as well as important international beginning of this war. The second one is in enhancing what the Russian diplomats platforms for spreading Lev Urusov’s Diaries. 1914-1917. Duke of the 19th century called “the charm of the Russian language Urusov was a diplomat, and he wrote the Russian name.” his diaries during WWI and the 1917 The previous year saw an extraordinary and culture, including revolution. He was one of the creators of intensification of Russian-French relations, within France the Olympic movement in Russia, one of thanks to the Trianon Dialogue, launched the first Russian tennis champions as well by the presidents of Russia and France. as a member of the International Olympic “UNESCO is an international organization, was the one when he worked in Madrid Committee till his death. I found his diaries and strictly speaking the development of in 2005-2012 in the capacity of Russian in the archives when I was writing my bilateral Russian-French relations is not Ambassador: “It was a very opportune thesis. It’s surprising that no researcher the responsibility of the mission. This moment for developing Russian-Spanish had studied them before me. So, we is a prerogative of our embassy in Paris. relations. We had a very close political introduced a new interesting source to the However, it’s hard to draw a clear line, as dialogue at the highest level, the turnover scientific world.” UNESCO being the main humanitarian was increasing with economic cooperation In Alexander Kuznetsov’s career there forum of the UN system serves as one expanding. Moreover, we organised for were a lot of crises. “In such situations of the most important international the first time a Year of Russia in Spain and it’s for the Ambassador to take a decision, platforms for spreading the Russian a Year of Spain in Russia. It meant hundreds because he is responsible for everything language and culture, including within of various events in both countries. and for everyone. In these cases I always France. We try to maintain this tradition. I had my own priorities. One of them remembered the advice of Yuri Dubinin: With the support of UNESCO friends and was developing cooperation between if in doubt, take a principled position, that Alexander Kuznetsov: partners, we organise in our country or universities. I was constantly visiting is, act in accordance with the only right in the HQ of the organisation numerous Spanish universities, talking to rectors and criterion - in the interest of our state. That’s “If in Doubt, Act in the Interest exhibitions, concerts, presentations, and so professors, giving lectures for the students. why the most valuable experience for me is of the State” forth. Sometimes they become remarkable As a result a few agreements of cooperation the ability to take responsibility.”

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the study options for the friend’s daughter French and English); “those in the know” Tatiana who was in high school at that time. When talked me out of it, saying that the third my mum mentioned MGIMO, I asked year of studies was the most difficult, and

Dovgalenko what kind of university it was. And she that I might not pull it off. And how wrong (‘96) replied: “Future diplomats get trained I was to take their advice! Russia's Deputy Permanent there.” Then she explained to me in plain My first assignment from the Ministry Representative to UNESCO language what that profession was about. of Foreign Affairs was to Paris. I worked in Paris I immediately made a statement: “I’m the culture group, mastered the basics of going to be a diplomat.” independent work, negotiating and high- came up with the idea of becoming When I was in high school, my parents level interpreting, and got insight into a diplomat at the age of 10. I remember understood that I meant it, and they operation of international organizations: hearing this word from my mother didn’t try to talk me out of it. I arrived in during the second half of my assignment, when we lived in Urgench, Uzbekistan Moscow, applied to the university, passed I worked on tasks in the economic sphere I(my father got a place there upon exams and got enrolled! and attended OECD. Communication graduation from university). My mother It was easy to study. Now I regret only with Russian and French cultural figures was talking to her friend in the courtyard one thing, namely that I didn’t study enriched me immensely. I got acquainted in front of our house; they were discussing another language, Spanish (I studied with the Russian cultural sphere within France thanks to my connections with representatives of the Russian emigres. The second assignment was to our permanent mission to the OSCE in Vienna. I arrived there in 2005. That was an excellent experience of multilateral diplomacy. At first, I dealt with the so- called frozen conflicts on the territory of the CIS. Then I started working on the program and budget of this Organization, which took up a lion’s share of my time. The dossier seems to be technical only at first glance. In fact, through money you can see a lot, including the Organization’s priorities and goals that it is aiming to achieve. The Advisory Committee on Management and Finance did not only sharpen my negotiation skills (sometimes I had to persuade the colleagues to look at things from our perspective), but it also taught me to remain on friendly terms with people with whom I argued in public. At the head office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation I had a home base, as it were – the Department of European Cooperation (DEC). I worked there in between all my assignments abroad. The DEC supervises Russia’s relations with the EU, NATO, OSCE and the Council of Europe. In other words, the Department is always at the cutting edge and at the core of Russian foreign policy. Despite the fact that in 2014 the EU officially froze interaction mechanisms because of sanctions against Russia (and

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we had as many as 18 dialogues in different NESCO one round table, such a multilingual and fields, including transport, power industry, comprises 195 multiethnic family. and agriculture), the scope of work didn’t member-states. Cooperation in the humanitarian field narrow. In terms of preparation of materials U does indeed get politicized because of the we dealt with a larger number of statements It is the whole world complicated international situation. But to the press, interviews, articles, and public sitting at one round UNESCO still manages to promote a truly addresses. table, such unifying agenda. It is of note, for instance, In December 2016 I came to Paris to that one and the same list of co-sponsors occupy the position of Russia's Deputy a multilingual and of the resolution to name the year 2019 Permanent Representative to UNESCO. multiethnic family the International Year of the Periodic I had never dealt with UN topics closely, Table of Elements, which we proposed, but always considered polyvalence and included both the USA and Syria. ability to work in different fields to be an The UNESCO brand is well-known Sometimes I recall Urgench, the city indispensable quality of a career diplomat, worldwide due to its World Cultural and where I first heard about MGIMO; the and this is what I like about my profession. Natural Heritage Sites, though the agenda city of my childhood, probably, the Besides, the work in UNESCO quite of this Organization is much broader. best city in the world for me. I liked the seamlessly integrated with my previous Together with the promotion of cultural, cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city best work experience in an international educational and scientific cooperation, it of all – I used to play with children from organization and development of includes such interesting and important Tatar, Jewish, Korean, Uzbek and other humanitarian relations. I am speaking not topics as freedom of the press, safety backgrounds. And, by the way, I made only about the culture group in Paris, but of journalists, Internet governance, my first speech at the school English- also about the establishment of the so- bioethics, artificial intelligence, hydrology, speaking club about the ancient Uzbek called fourth Common Space of Russia-EU biodiversity and studies of the World’s city of Khiva, a museum city in the open partnership. By the way, European Studies Oceans. air, and the first site in Uzbekistan to be Institute at MGIMO is one of its flagship UNESCO comprises 195 member- inscribed in the World Heritage List of projects. states. It is the whole world sitting at UNESCO.

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-American relations during my work at involved in promoting friendly relations government has been awarding medals Alexey the RF Foreign Ministry Department and economic cooperation between the to British convoy veterans, and I was for North America and later, when I was Russian regions and this vital part of Great honoured to be involved in organizing Kovalenko- posted to the US. Britain. In particular, I remember finding several ceremonies. My first mission, however, happened and awarding Scottish WWII veterans In 2006-2009, I was transferred from Narochnitsky to be in Scotland, a fascinating place who took part in the Arctic Convoys. Edinburgh to the Russian Embassy in (‘2000) that has a kindred spirit with Russia, Sailing from Scotland, they delivered London, I was vice consul in the visa Russia's Senior Advisor where I was working in the Russian arms, raw materials and food supplies to department. We were the first Russian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO General Consulate in Edinburgh. the northern ports of the Soviet Union. institution based abroad to introduce Paris Besides standard consular activity, I was For years the Soviet, and then Russian, the visa centre system, which enhanced the application processing capacity of come from a family of MGIMO consulates and embassies. I remember alumni and am very proud of it. My giving a bottle of ‘Soviet Champagne’ to grandfather, Alexey Narochnitsky, a surprised English tourist who happened Fellow of the Russian Academy of to be the 100th visa applicant for 2007. IScience, lectured at MGIMO between 1944 Returning to the Department for North and 1946; he gave a ‘History of Foreign America, I witnessed, and contributed to Policy’ course to would-be experts in the reset of Russian-American relations after new, post-war world. I have very fond years of crisis. Many people remember the memories of my student years. But the episode when Hilary Clinton presented program was very intense, especially given Sergey Lavrov with a big red button as the heavy workload in languages, with a symbol of American aspiration for such English and French as my first and second a reset. However, for some reason the foreign languages, respectively. I still remember how delighted I was when, in the connections are between our two my third year, I was able to understand the am grateful to my nations. There is a 19th century Russian Dmitry talk given by President of France Jaques French language fortress, Fort Ross, 80 km away from San Chirac at MGIMO in the original, without tutors for the Francisco. In 2012 our General Consulate Knyazhinsky any translation. Thanks to our French I was involved in organizing celebrations (‘80) unforgettable moments th language tutors! dedicated to the 200 Anniversary of the Russia's Senior Counsellor, In the 90's, the spirit of commerce in of delight when, in my Fortress. One of the initiatives included Russia's Permanent Delegation to Russia quickly replaced the old, idealistic the launch of ‘Dialogue Fort Ross’ Forum, third year at university, UNESCO Soviet values. Without a doubt, it was I was able to understand one of the few active top-level discussion our parents as well as lecturers who had frameworks for business, science, and grew up in a family of international to bear the burden of that period. Years the talk given by culture dignitaries. relations scholars. My parents also later I realized that MGIMO conditions President of France Work in the Russian Permanent studied at the School of International allowed us students then to grow up and Jaques Chirac in the Delegation to UNESCO in Paris is different Relations at MGIMO. My father develop in a calm, enjoyable environment from the previous activity in the bilateral specializedI in Western European of outstanding intellectuals. Torkunov, original, without any domain, and is much better for that. integration; my mother was an orientalist, our Rector, and Tulin, our Dean, literally translation. Our Permanent Representative aims to an Indianist. saved the University from the decline that involve Russia in all UNESCO activities Most friends of the family were MGIMO seriously affected many Russian academic and initiatives. However, success in this graduates too; they were journalists, institutions at the time. Contrary to the English inscription on the button read mission hinges on our everyday activity – diplomats, academics, so my choice of prevailing tendency of the time to deny as ‘overload’. Perhaps, that is why the processing huge volumes of paperwork, university was predetermined. the importance of fundamental academic sides did not achieve complete trust in effectively liaising with all our agencies, I was admitted to MGIMO in 1975 and knowledge, they strengthened and end. And yet, the next few years, up until and constant networking and building was taught by the professors who used to modernized the university, at the same almost 2012, there was a massive boost partnerships with friendly states. MGIMO teach my parents. I was aiming for a career time retaining the best and most qualified in bilateral relations practically in every gave us very solid grounding, first of all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although academic staff. I was lucky to be taught by sphere. in terms of excellent language skills and my parents advised against this saying many great experts who were dedicated Soon, I was posted to the west coast vast general and cross-cultural knowledge, “this is a very different environment, an to their subjects. The knowledge I gained of the US to work at the RF General which enabled us to analyse complex atmosphere of bureaucracy”. But I was came in very useful when I was plunged Consulate in San Francisco. It was problems from both broad and specific enthralled by the romanticism of travel. into the difficult realities of Russian there that I fully realized how deep perspectives. I graduated from MGIMO in 1980 and

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was offered a position at the Department to UNESCO, which was effectively hile working the List, namely, the Landscapes of of International Organizations of the a conclusion to my 15 year service in the New York, Dauria, a sanctuary, and the Assumption Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR. area of migration. I would often Cathedral and Monastery of the town- For the first 10 years, I tried different I’m in my second stint in Paris; on returning W island of Sviyazhsk, an ancient site of tracks of diplomatic service. As a junior here in 2016, I have been dealing with recall the simulation Slavonic culture. a nomination proposal diplomat, I accompanied delegations on questions of protection of world heritage, “The UN Model” that we is being drafted for the Sites of Ancient short-term trips to sessions of the General both cultural and natural. On a number of Pskov. But to make nomination proposals Assembly and other organs of the UN, and occasions, I have taken part in the meetings had at MGIMO, and that is not an end in itself. The ultimate goal to different negotiations. Because I had an of the World Heritage Committee held in helped me in my work to maintain the heritage that is already on inclination for the humanities, I enjoyed many different countries. for this vital the List. Our Permanent Delegation is an participation in forums where states The Permanent Delegation actively international important link in the cooperation between strive to jointly find a solution to common promotes the inclusion of Russian sites Russian and UNESCO in implementing global problems, in particular, in the areas to the UNESCO World Heritage List. organization our international commitments under the of environmental protection, climate, and Recently, two such sites were added to 1972 World Heritage Convention. biodiversity. These are the problems I set out to address in 1990 when I started working for the Permanent Mission of the Russian ecause I had an inclination for the Bhumanities, I enjoyed participation in forums where states strive to jointly find a solution to common global problems

Federation to the UN Office and other international organizations in Nairobi. I worked for 3 years there, exploring Kenya, a wonderful country, and satisfied my curiosity about Africa. On returning, I went to work for the Department for Humanitarian Cooperation and Human Rights. The early 1990s, a time shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, great enthusiasm. On several occasions, organization, especially when dealing was a difficult period. But we lived in I met with my former groupmate, Vladimir with the social and humanitarian agenda a state of euphoria of a kind, in the hope Kalamanov, the then head of the Federal of the Third Committee. of building a new democratic Russia, Migration Service of Russia. In 2004, I came back to my department developing an equal partnership with the In 1999, I was sent to the Permanent and started to work as the director of the world. Many of those who had been in the Mission of Russia to the UN in New York Department of Migration. But changes Foreign Ministry became businessmen, as Counsellor for 4 years where I was lucky were just around the corner: Kalamanov but I was not really attracted by such to work under incumbent Russian Foreign was appointed Permanent Representative prospects. Minister, Sergei Lavrov. While working at to UNESCO, and in 2006 I arrived in Paris At that time the Ministry launched the Permanent Delegation, I would often in the capacity of a Senior Counsellor, a new track, in particular, international recall the simulation “The UN Model” leader of the group with a responsibility cooperation on the problems of migration that we had at MGIMO, and that helped for cultural issues of the Permanent and refugees, which I engaged in with me in my work for this vital international Delegation of the Russian Federation

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I learned to develop business plans for I did not forget the language, thanks to my Dmitry films. I did quite well. The skills developed teachers. I dealt with everything, bilateral while studying at MGIMO helped me to and, especially, multilateral issues. The

Darchenkov delve deeply into any topic and follow experience gained in this area proved very (‘93) through with my plans. Such qualities as useful for work in UNESCO later. Counsellor self-organization and discipline proved Five years later, I came back to Moscow Russia's Permanent Delegation to a useful asset at that time. and went on to work on the Indian track. UNESCO In 1999, when the Eastern track of The subject matter was well-known to Paris Russian foreign policy was revived, me, because India and Myanmar are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs started neighbouring countries. In 2006, I was sent to look for a Burma expert, and they to South Korea. This is a different facet n high school, I became truly remembered me. I was immediately sent of Asia. Whereas Myanmar is the least fascinated with Japan, absorbed to the Embassy, this time in Myanmar. developed country of the region, South by the books written by popular international journalists, in particular, “AI Sakura Twig” by Vsevolod Ovchinnikov and “The Fifteenth Stone of Ryoanji” by Vladimir Tsvetov. However, at the School of International Relations, where I was admitted, I did not study Japanese; I was to learn Burmese and English. But I was very lucky; the teachers of languages and orientalists that taught Cultural Studies were very good, and I became enchanted with the mystery of the Orient and the

was very lucky, the teachers of languages I and orientalists that taught Cultural Studies were very good, and I became enchanted with the mystery of the Orient and the secrets of Burma

secrets of Burma. As a fifth-year student, I went there for an internship, and these 9 months changed me completely. I travelled extensively through the country. On graduation from MGIMO in 1993, I was not invited to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The country simply did not need a graduate specializing in Burmese at that difficult time in our country’s history. That is why I did a PhD, and upon defending the thesis, ended up in show business. I worked at casting agencies, as a producer at Gorky Film Studio, where

Dmitry Darchenkov and Anna Chirkova 192 MJ #2/2018 #2/2018 MJ 193 MGIMO family | france | UNESCO

Korea is one of its most developed. There ooking into got enrolled in the undergraduate I dealt with multilateral diplomacy and program and had individual classes foreign policy. So I was able to learn UNESCO's financial with teachers. I remember the ineffable about this part of Asia, but in 2009 programs and feelings when, after the entrance I was again in Myanmar; there was L exams, I listened to someone from the administration processes a vacancy for the position of the Deputy credentials committee reading the Ambassador. is like watching the life names of successful candidates aloud Interestingly, the accession of Crimea of a communal flat, with and heard my name amongst them! did not have a direct bearing on our its own intrigues and However, it was only the beginning relations with Myanmar. Myanmar itself of a fascinating and arduous way has always been under US sanctions dramatic relations to knowledge. The unparalleled because of its military regime. Although university experience transformed me completely. There is a lot to recall that happened to me at MGIMO: successes and failures, interesting lectures and exiting seminars, first loves and intimate friendship. There were disappointments of course, there is no escaping these, but no doubt the positive moments far outnumbered the latter. One of the main strengths of our university is language training. I majored in English, took up French as my second language and Greek as the third one. MGIMO is a true talent pool of experts in international relations. I enjoyed studying many subjects in the field of international relations, and sometimes I didn’t even expect that this or that topic could be so captivating. For instance, the disarmament issue or the courses of I. Ahtamzyan, who was my scientific supervisor later on when I worked on my Bachelor’s and Master’s theses. in 2012 the country set itself on the path I remember that when I was trying of democratization, sanctions are still in Anna to get enrolled in a Master’s course force. I didn’t expect to learn anything new In 2016, I came to Paris. I deal with Chirkova there, frankly speaking, and was even an interesting issue, in particular, (‘11) thinking of changing my specialization, administrative and budgetary activities Third Secretary but as a result I eagerly spent long of UNESCO; I study everything that nights over the piles of compulsory Russia's Permanent Delegation is connected with the financial and articles on political science. personnel policy of the Organization. to UNESCO The negotiations model related to the Looking into financial programs Paris Afghan agenda held at the Institute for and administration processes is like y parents kept telling me U.S. and Canadian Studies also stuck watching the life of the organization since my childhood that in my memory. My fellow students and unfold before your eyes. This can be I was to study at MGIMO. I assumed the roles of representatives fascinating at times, because like in They were quite successful of Pakistan, and the transformation a communal flat, there are its own inM selling me this idea: I became was so complete that the time flew by intrigues and dramatic relations. committed to entering this university, unnoticed, and that experience became

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one of the most memorable moments of my studies. MGIMO gave me a unique knowledge base, and most importantly, taught me to gain knowledge quickly and efficiently, as well as, to cope with difficulties. All this came in handy when I started working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. My first long-term posting was to Madagascar, a “mysterious country.” I had to get used to working in entirely new conditions and tackle diverse tasks. I was mainly dealing with cooperation in cultural, humanitarian fields and with protocol issues – the spheres I had underestimated during my studies. GIMO gave me a unique Mknowledge base, and most importantly, taught me to gain knowledge quickly and efficiently, as well as, to cope with difficulties

In three years’ time I returned to Moscow and was appointed to the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO. This time I was to deal with scientific cooperation rather than cultural issues. I had been working in this sphere since then, now at the Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to UNESCO in Paris. Almost every day I see that the field of cultural and humanitarian cooperation subject to the UNESCO mandate is a crucial sphere of international relations, although rather underestimated. My official duties give me an opportunity to meet famous scholars, cultural figures, heads of federal ministries and subjects of the Russian Federation quite often. I do appreciate this experience, and love my job for this reason as well.

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ILya Polyakov: “MGIMO alumni are on the same wavelength” Last May Ilya Polyakov ('01) was appointed Chairman of Rosbank Management Board, one of the eleven TBTF banks of Russia. Rosbank is almost wholly owned by Societe Generale, an international financial group headquartered in Paris. The French group has a long history of activity in Russia, going as far back as the 19th century. The 1917 Revolution caused a long disruption to their activity but already in 1973 Societe Generale was among the first to return to Russia. If viewed relative to human life, Ilia Polyakov's eighteen year history at Societe Generale is equally persistent. Graduating from MGIMO, he came as a trainee to the Parisian office of the group and since then has not worked a single day in another organization. “I am very loyal to the company”, he says. Quite fortuitously, Ilia took the top post in Russia during a year of renewed rapidly developing relations between Russia and France. Official visits of heads of state stimulated broad cooperation, including a range of prospects even in the conservative banking sphere. Of equal importance was The Trianon Dialogue initiative introduced by the two heads of state. “We broadly support the idea of The Trianon Dialogue”, says Polyakov, ”and are currently discussing with the MGIMO administration opportunities for cooperation within the Trianon format.” Paris hosted an important event last November – a MGIMO–Sciences Po alumni meeting between graduates of the dual Master program, which also included other universities in France. Ilia was among the participants.

n 2001 I took part in an exchange program between MGIMO and HEC. In the fifth year at the Faculty of “InternationalI Economic Relations I was among several students who went to Paris for six months. It was one of the first exchange programs of its kind”. Ilya had a good opportunity to compare the economic education in France and Russia. “Both systems have their strong points. At MGIMO, especially in the senior years when the students focus on their major, they cover a wide range of subjects related to macroeconomics and geopolitics, which gives them a very broad perspective. The knowledge they gain ranges from, say, the structure and functions of the IMF to the history of oming from the to get a Bachelor's degree at MGIMO or world currencies. I can rightly say this same alma mater another good Russian university and knowledge still helps me, especially now, has an additional then spend the last year or two on an when the impact of geopolitics on specific C exchange program or doing a Masters at business-decisions and deals is so obvious. benefit of comfortable, a European university. “This is the most In this respect, I believe, MGIMO has relaxed cooperation solid combination which not only has the a very strong advantage that can hardly benefit of the best Russian and European be outranked by any other university in because people are, in education but also gives exposure to, and Europe.” a way, on the same full immersion in, two cultures. HEC is a business school where students wavelength, sharing the The advantage of exchange programs have a very subject-focused, profession- same views and is that one gets to meet people from specific education based on business different countries, thus gaining an case studies. That is why, Polyakov principles understanding of the way they think. This thinks, the optimal strategy would be helps in practical situations, for instance,

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to understand the logic of your opposing with problems for a foreigner. “Back in BSGV (“Bank Societe Generale Vostok”). the same alma mater has an additional term strategy, a balanced business model French companies will be implementing party during negotiations because you 2001, I could not even fathom that Societe It was a bonus for me, the bank was benefit of comfortable, relaxed and assessment of geopolitical risks and in Russia. This can only be to our have known it since your student years.” Generale would develop such close ties interested in Russia, it had joint projects cooperation because people are, in their possible implications. We never fail advantage because many of them are French logic and decision-making is with Russia. After all, in terms of market and I was progressing rather quickly up a way, on the same wavelength, sharing to fulfill our obligations, which is what likely to work with our bank.” very different from Russian patterns of presence, today Russia is the second the ladder. With time, I was put in charge the same views and principles instilled our customers value. Our customers’ Last May Ilya Polyakov was made thought. “They often take very long to largest market after France by number of the Russian arm of the business. Societe in them during student years.” confidence, on the other hand, helps us in Chairman of Rosbank Board of Directors. come to a decision, placing great value of employees. Back then I was simply Generale at the time was working with Shortly afterwards, the management our activity.” What goal was he set? “We developed on consensus. This has its advantages as interested in a career in the head office of Russia's major companies. For example, board of Societe Generale’ Russian Block Polyakov has a feeling that at last not the bank’s development strategy until was restructured and its new head, only France but the whole of Europe 2020. It has specific financial parameter Didier Hauguel, who is now Chairman is slowly realizing the need for a more which we are to attain. We will keep of Rosbank Board of Directors, began to independent policy, which is in their developing further in order to enhance reshuffle his team. It was his idea that our position as the largest international Ilya should go to Russia and become he advantage of bank in Russia and one of the leading Deputy CEO of Rosbank's Corporate exchange private banks in the country. Block. programs is that Finally, we must boost Rosbanks “At the age of 33 I headed the whole of T development by strengthening our the group’s Corporate Block in Russia. one gets to meet people teams, improving transparency, and There were many objectives, including from different countries, facilitating change. Today banks are raising efficiency, enhancing synergy thus gaining an increasingly turning into high-tech between local Rosbank and global companies. More and more of our clients Societe Generale teams. Our customer understanding of the have replaced using local branches relationship management aimed to way they think. This with online and mobile banking, and turn a customer’s visit to Rosbank into helps in practical they expect more advanced solutions a proper Societe Generale experience, from us. Consequently, developing the with access to all the group’s products. situations, for instance, digital element is one of our key growth Consequently, by 2016 I was promoted to understand the logic strategies. to First Deputy Chairman CEO, my of your opposing party Cryptocurrency is not among our responsibilities were expanded to plans. We believe that it is too volatile include, apart from the corporate sector, during negotiations and is not legally regulated, that is why our corporate and investment banking a serious major bank with considerable business.” savings should not yet engage with very often it leads to weighted balanced GIMO students we became one of the leading banks In the meantime, 2014 was marked by own interests. This approach leads to it. Having said that, the blockchain solutions with a wide spectrum of views. cover a wide that first consulted and then financed a crisis in relations between Russia and much closer ties with Russia. Emmanuel technology that is at the core of this On the other hand, such an approach range of “Gazprom” and its partners undertaking the West. Sanctions followed, worsening Macron, an energetic young leader, clearly currency has some prospects. We have is very time-consuming; there is even M the “Nord Stream 1” project. We also the investment climate. “The situation aspires to become a more influential several big projects where we would like a saying “French decision-making,” subjects, which gives worked a lot with “Nornikel”, world's was rather complex. Many banks political figure on the world arena, to test it.” that is to say, delaying a decision. The them a very broad largest producer of nickel and palladium, withdrew from the Russian finance compared to the former president. De- “Rosbank” is a respected Russian Russian approach is very different: a quick raising syndicated loans, issuing market or sharply reduced their activity. facto, he took upon himself the role to brand, recognized from the late ‘90s. decision and there you go. Such a way perspective. In this Eurobonds, consulting on ratings.” Not everyone could adapt to the new unite Europe in its relations with Russia. Societe Generale is rather lucky in this is often effective but a quick decision respect, I believe, Incidentally, one of “Nornikel’s” conditions, pressure from the investors “I think, last year it was demonstrated sense. “We never cease analyzing how has the potential danger of some points MGIMO has a very owners is “Interros Holding” linked with who were against cooperation with very clearly. His participation in the to merge this historic Russian brand being overlooked. It is wiser to combine strong advantage and a MGIMO alumni Vladimir Potanin. At the Russia. The weakening of the ruble that Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, where with its international dimension, which the two approaches: reacting quickly same time, he used to own Rosbank which year reduced the capital equity of many he was the only European leader of that provides us with additional stability, whilst also taking into account multiple can hardly be outranked was later bought by Societe Generale. It banks which resulted in their inability standing, was a decisive strategic move. power and expertise, making our perspectives.” by any other university created an interesting precedent: one to credit clients and termination of This was topped up by his two visits position in the Russian market unique, The program gave Ilya a good start. “The in Europe MGIMO alumni, so to say, “inherited” contracts. On our part, we did not reduce for the World Cup, which I am sure he in a way. We want to be a Russian bank exchange program included an internship bank management from another, Potanin, the level of funding for our customers, enjoyed very much. at an international level. This status which, for me, was at Societe Generale. whom incidentally, graduated from the at the same time being fully aware of We hope that this emotional and implies the most important attributes After completing the internship I was same faculty, only twenty years earlier. risks and keeping in regular contact political warming up through such of the banking reputation, above all: offered a job there and have been with the one of the largest international financial MGIMO alumni of different generations with the head office in Paris. It was then initiatives as The Trianon Dialogue stability and reliability. Last year Forbes group ever since.” organizations, keeping my links with the always have a lot in common. that our joint management decision- will precipitate certain outcomes, i.e. called us the most reliable bank in A conservative view holds that career motherland at the same time, because the “I agree, although this has no bearing making proved that Societe Generale stimulate turnover of goods between our Russia following a survey of 100 Russian progression in a French bank is fraught group had a Russian presence through on key decision-making. Coming from has serious plans for Russia, with a long- countries, new business projects which banks.”

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Ten years ago a student of the School of International Journalism at MGIMO, Evgeniy Savin, by chance got a job working for Guus Hiddink, the then Dutch coach of the Russian football team. Evgeniy considered it to be a temporary sideline. Nowadays Savin is an important sports official working simultaneously in two football structures: he is the head of Marketing and Communications Department of the Russian Premier League and, most importantly, the team manager of the Russian national football team. had never thought that my it beforehand; it was an on-the-spot he himself suggested. He told me once: future would be related to decision. As a result, we defeated the “You know, I am like a race horse which football. Back then I was Swedes, the Greeks and the Dutch! is running in blinkers, seeing only the working on my thesis on Dick Advocaat, another Dutch coach, aim ahead and dashing to it.” Indeed, he “corporateI social responsibility and was was probably less flexible, and more of an chose 14 people he liked, and banked on looking forward to working for an energy company. But then the financial crisis of 2008 erupted, and the position I was aiming at was no longer on offer. For quite some time my life seemed stuck in limbo, and then at the end of 2009 I got a job offer to head the international department of the Russian Premier League. It did sound cool, but to tell the truth there was no such department at that time, it had (yet) to be created. It was a challenge that I took and have never had any regrets about it. I’ve worked with great European and Russian football coaches – Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, Fabio Capello, Leonid Slutsky and Stanislav Cherchesov. Hiddink turned out to be a shrewd psychologist, he always knew for sure Evgeniy Savin is assisting which player to motivate with a joke, the Dutch coach Dick Advocat and who would benefit from a tougher approach. I remember our team playing dvocat them all the time. Many asked him: “Why with Spain in the European Championship do you bet on the same players?” But and losing 1:4. When after the game we unbuttoned the he stood his ground, and although this arrived at the hotel I thought we would jacket and presented obstacles at times, the approach get a tongue-lashing, as there were two A yielded good results. everybody saw games remaining – with Sweden and He motivated the team in a different Greece – and something was to be done, a football jersey of the way. Once before an important because we badly needed victories in both. Russian national team. qualifying match he came to a meeting But Guus said: “Thank you for the game, It was such a boost of with the team in a buttoned-up jacket. guys! Good job! Forget everything, you Russian patriotism from Having finished his instructions, which have a day off – go where you want, do I translated to the team players, he came whatever you want. You know, a day off. a Dutchman! out with the following: “Guys, I’ve got And then we’ll set about getting ready for something to tell you. Tonight about 30 the games with the Swedes and Greeks”. It million out of 140 million Russians will Team-Manager was quite unexpected, as the team in such introvert; that’s why he didn’t establish tune in to watch you play, your wives and circumstances is usually left on the base such a close connection with the players. children among them…” And then he and made to slave away. But Hiddink used However, it didn’t prevent him from being unbuttons the jacket and everybody sees a psychological trick – he let the players a super professional. His nickname is “The a football jersey of the Russian national go away and relax, and thus “reset” their Little General”. As for me, I’ve always team. He points to the coat of arms and Savin psyche. What’s more, he hadn’t planned thought of him in terms of the metaphor says: “You, we’ll be in this jacket. I’d give

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anything to play in it myself!” It was words, he wanted to find out what made The World Cup in Russia kicked off, and a special chat with players, with staff, with such a boost of Russian patriotism from each of them tick. the first game with Saudi Arabia yielded transport men. There is no need to be in a Dutchman! And rightly so, as he was the Moreover he hired a psychophysiologist a stunning result of 5:1! But the main an/the office all the time. coach of the national team. who prepared special tests for the team. thing was that we defeated the Spanish The hardest part about my job is to Up to Advocaat’s departure I worked as For instance, in one test, a player sees team and made it to the quarterfinals – it think ahead, to minimize failures which an assistant interpreter. It was not until four different colours on the screen, was the best result for the team in its are always possible: with 25 people in Fabio Capello’s arrival that the idea to which appear at random. And he has history! the team something is always happening appoint me to the position of the team to spontaneously select the colours he No doubt, I got invaluable experience to somebody. I remember a footballer manager emerged. Once he and the likes in order of preference. Tests of this as the team manager. I was in charge of arriving at the airport to fly to the Emirates Director General of the Russian Football type help develop a psychophysiological several blocks. First – equipment and for a game and forgetting his passport Union told me: “You are a promising portrait of the player for the coach. football clothing – everything required for somewhere. Most importantly, he didn’t young man, we believe that you’ll pull It is important because top-class training was to be purchased. Second – know where he had left it. We didn’t find it off.” I still think that back then I was sport abounds in moments of utmost logistics – I had to book flights (we charter the old passport, but having mobilized out too young for that position. Even now psychological tension, and only the people flights only) and accommodation – connections we managed to get a new one I’m the youngest if compared to my with high tolerance for stress can excel in everything was to be impeccable. The in a day or two. counterparts – other national team a critical situation. For example, a player managers – though I’m 32 already. can be physically ready for the challenge, That appointment was a serious work miracles during training sessions, challenge, especially considering but when the squad takes the field, and the fact that I had to work with such he sees that the stadium is jam-packed a distinguished coach as Capello, a world- with fans, with the flag waving, the hymn class professional. He is less tough, but playing…. Some are immensely motivated much more forceful in terms of character. by all this, but others get strained, and He is a figure of the same caliber as then they are of no help to the coach. Hiddink and Advocaat, but belonging to Cherchesov appears to be quite different another prominent school of football, from Slutsky: he is like a hard cop in the Italian one, where the focus is on comparison with a soft cop, so to speak. tactics and iron discipline in everything. But, on the other hand, he sends us all Everything is to run like clockwork. funny pics and anecdotes via WhatsApp… Capello took a close look at every detail of He looks fearsome only because he is very the team’s functioning, be it diet, logistics self-confident, and one hundred percent or accommodation. knows the ropes. Indeed, he found himself Fabio is a very complex person. He got in a challenging situation; leading the interested in everything: Russian history, national team at the World Cup on home culture, fine art in particular, – he liked team had to face a tough challenge – to soil is a mega responsibility! Kandinsky best of all. He frequented GIMO gives get to the championship, which we hadn’t Cherchesov is a professional with the Bolshoi Theatre, was on friendly you a entered since 2002. And we delivered! huge international experience, the only terms with Gergiev, a prominent Russian competitive After that a period of Russian coaches Russian specialist who managed to make conductor, and appreciated that. But he “M began. Leonid Slutsky, a great professional champions out of a team in another distanced himself from the team players. advantage – the and a very warm-hearted man with a good country, the Polish club “Legia”, which If Guus and Dick could easily approach educational and cultural sense of humour, was the first of them. He was popular but hadn’t won any title for the players and have a friendly chat basis which helps you relied heavily on personal relationships quite some time. It took Cherchesov only commercial factor is also important – The education that I received at MGIMO with them, Fabio developed a markedly with the players, and he wanted to learn one year to make them champions and to team sponsors are to be satisfied. They helps me a lot in my work. I need English professional relationship. The footballers feel at ease in any almost everything about each of them. win the national cup. pay a pretty penny and are to get certain every day, no correspondence is possible were even a bit afraid of him at first. environment" Having been appointed the head coach I saw first-hand how tough he could be. services for that: product placement, without it – be it with FIFA or foreign Once he lambasted the team for of the team in August 2015, first and Once we ended up losing to Qatar, not the promo videos, photo shoots, etc. partners of the Russian Premier League. a situation I don’t want to elaborate on, foremost he drew up a schedule of half- strongest team by any means. We struggled Furthermore, we control the food – we have MGIMO gives you a competitive advantage – here. But, he gathered the players and that they are to blame for this situation hour individual talks with each player with no luck. He gave the squad an earful our own chef. the educational and cultural basis which said: “As a coach I took so many titles that should stand up…” A couple of players whom he didn’t know. He invited them in the locker room I had never seen before My key principle at work is that there helps you feel at ease in any environment. none of you will ever get close to!” Indeed voluntarily admitted their guilt, another to talk about quite intimate topics such from any of head coaches – he even hurled are no problems which can’t be solved. When you can keep the conversation with he had every right to say so. “I know one was made to. But it was that speech of as family, pets, hobbies; he discussed something into a wall. But he drove it home Modern communication tools are of great a foreign coach, say, Hiddink or Advocaat, on how to build a team, and we don’t need his that impressed me. He made everyone posh cars with one of them, the history to everybody: professionals cannot show help: I tackle 80% of all team-related any historical or cultural topic it does make any black sheep here. Those who think understand that he was dead serious. The of WWII with another. To put it in other mediocre results, he wouldn’t have it. issues online via WhatsApp. I have an impression”.

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Photo: Anna Pishikina, Darya Ageyeva Anton and His Proxeny Anton Tokovinin was about three years old when his parents took him to Aida at the Cairo Opera House. He listened, fascinated, to the two-and-half-hour performance only to say afterwards, “Mother, I want to wave a stick like that man.” Now Anton is twenty four and in charge of MGIMO’s Proxenos Chorus.

y parents say I started here were It was very frightening to start the ball singing before I had rolling, “I thought it would be next to learnt to speak. My no embassies in impossible without the conductor’s brother was keen on Ancient Greece, experience and instruction. I was extremely the“M music of the 70s, and I would often hear T lucky though, first and foremost I was lucky diplomatic relations the sounds of the Beatles coming from his to meet the right people, namely those room. When I was 18 months old, I started were conducted by seven MGIMO students who came to our humming those tunes to myself surprising proxeni, special first rehearsal. One of them, Kate, later my parents with the accuracy of my singing. communities of people became my wife and main support. She was They like recalling how at the age of two the person who truly believed in me and did I would surprise passers-by, singing “Yellow who offered hospitality not let me give up in the initial stages.” Submarine”. So Mom enrolled me in a choir.” and help to guests Considering the name for the chorus, Anton He first sang in a music school, then in the from other city states. wanted to avoid anything hackneyed, for boys’ choir of the Danilov and Novospassky example Melody or Cantilena; he wanted Monasteries. Later when his father diplomat Thus, proxeny came to a connection with diplomacy. “There was again posted abroad, he sang in the choir be considered the were no embassies in Ancient Greece, gallery of a Russian church there. When Anton forerunner of modern though city states did maintain diplomatic returned to Russia and entered MGIMO, he set relations. They were conducted by proxeni, out to make his childhood dream come true diplomacy special communities of people who offered and establish a chorus of his own. hospitality and help to guests from other city

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t is not an easy job to impressed that we were up to the mark. lead a group of people: Now we are friends.” “You should find an However, Anton is not considering music I as his future career. “My grandfather, approach to everyone. father and elder brother all graduated But at the end of the day, from MGIMO; it offered me a range of opportunities. MGIMO graduates can be it is rewarding: if we whatever they want: diplomats, experts in compare a chorus to an finances, legal advisers or even journalists. orchestra, I admire In broad terms, my goal is self-fulfilment. a chorus, because Leading the chorus provided me with leadership experience, which is sure to be of synching works at the use in the future.” level of heartbeats” Tokovinin says it is not an easy job to lead a group of people: “You should find an approach to everyone. But at the end of the are in the auditorium, a youthful looking day, it is rewarding: if we compare a chorus conductor appears on stage, followed by to an orchestra, I admire a chorus, because similarly young chorus. Well, now it is synching works at the level of heartbeats. going to be some amateurish performance, Chorus singing depends on correct breathing. I thought.” When the performance Absolutely different people, having different was over, she found us to apologize for pitches should join in in harmony. Chorus underestimating us at first: she was singing works miracles joining chorus.”

states. Thus, proxeny came to be considered sacred music; soon however, they expanded opportunity to perform at the Russian the forerunner of modern diplomacy. Hence n broad terms, their repertoire to romances, music from Cultural Centre in Brussels. We sang to the name of the chorus, Proxenos. my goal is self- films, classic Russian songs, Western sacred a packed house: the audience included Anton Tokovinin taught himself the art fulfilment. music, French barocco, American jazz, gospel Russia’s Permanent Representative to of conducting relying on his experience “I and English choral music. NATO and other diplomats, prominent as a singer and learning from the leaders Leading the chorus The ultimate goal of the chorus consisting of people of Belgian society. Many people of the choirs where he sang. “Gradually provided me with foreign affairs experts is cultural diplomacy, simply came to listen to their fellow I understood what I want from the chorus leadership experience, building bridges between nations. For countrymen. As luck would have it and how I can relay my vision to amateur instance, their trip to Belgium was dedicated that concert was attended by Yelena singers. I developed professionally along with which is sure to be of to the 300th anniversary of Peter the Great’s Dolinskaya, professor of the Moscow the chorus.” use in the future” visit to Belgium and Holland. Conservatory. Some time later she told me At the beginning the chorus performed only “Besides, I’m really proud that we had an about her impressions of the concert, “We

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I understood that entering MIEP was the closely related to sustainable development latest Energy Week, which focused on Order right decision. because this contributes to its success. developing high-tech energy in Russia over Boris Belozerov, a student in the I entered MGIMO there in 2014. By the way, the research on this topic is the next ten years, our club presented a new International Institute of Energy I remember when the MEP Club gave supported by the Ministry of Energy of project. Of course, the topic was again of the Politics (MIEP), is a member of two a presentation in front of us first-year the Russian Federation. For example, energy efficiency, but this time on a local clubs. Among fans of the popular students, I became interested in the topic two years ago, the ministry announced scale. Despite Russia in general being fine Russian game show “What? of alternative sources of energy. I joined the a competition for projects on energy in terms of energy security, there are places Crystal Where? When?” he is known as group that did that and everything worked efficiency. We developed a project for located in inaccessible areas where they like magic! I immediately started working higher energy efficiency in the Moscow cannot connect to power transmission Interview: Maria Slonova the captain of the MGIMO team. Last year, he joined the elite club on different projects. I took part in a study Metro. We suggested installing special lines. For such areas, we proposed Owl of masters, becoming a holder of for the company Transneft. We learned energy-generating panels there. The idea miniature hydroelectric stations that we the Crystal Owl prize. Yet his role about volumes of oil that were imported by was that passengers, when entering the can install on small rivers. We got the idea he captaincy in ‘What? Eastern Europe and that transited through metro, would step on these panels, which from the Norwegians, who actually have as the chairman of the student Where? When?’” he the Druzhba oil pipeline. The goal of this would enable the production of additional such miniature stations. academic club “World Energy said, “is not so much study was to improve the company’s trade electrical energy, and consequently Last year, the MEP Club joined Yes about knowledge as Policy” (MEP), which he heads in policy by way of planning of fuel transfers decrease energy consumption in the metro. Europe, a European youth energy “about teamT work, people management, MIEP, is also important to him. more thoroughly. Believe it or not, Transneft During Russian Energy Week, organized association. It has been around for three the ability to fine-tune and control their actually uses our research! I know this by the Ministry of Energy, we presented years and has united student clubs communications within the team, and the because I had an internship there, and the this project as part of Youth Day, and we dedicated to studying energy issues and ability to get results from them. Roughly research proved useful to me as well. received a lot of positive feedback. At the to promoting ideas in this sector. Firstly, speaking, I have the same goals in the The most interesting research, however, MEP Club. Moreover, club activities and was a project for geothermal energy in academic events that we hold benefit the Crimea. Our team searched for places game. with the best conditions for developing “I remember one of the Russian underground geothermal sources. championships for ‘What? Where? Another interesting topic for us is oil, so When?’ (after all, we don’t only play on every year we organize the OPEC model conference. In these three days, the most he captaincy in active students from MGIMO and other ‘What? Where? leading universities conduct an analysis of the global oil markets, model negotiations When?’ game show within the OPEC framework, and also T establish inter-university connections. is not so much about knowledge as about Compared to the previous year, now we have more foreign participants, with team work, people delegations arriving from Bahrain, management. But my Venezuela and Iran. This shows that there is a growing interest in us from abroad. Boris Belozerov, a holder of the Crystal Owl prize, activities and academic with MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov Another extremely important topic is and MIEP Director Valery Salygin events that we hold at exploring the resources of the Arctic; MGIMO benefit the game after all, there are huge, just unbelievable orking with this gave us access to a wider database; amounts of hydrocarbons there, and little foreign secondly, to a database of contacts with by little we are starting to develop them. organizations the help of which we can share ideas and TV), the teams were given a list with We have a unique fleet of ice-breakers and W experience with other clubs; and thirdly, it the names of mollusks and years of technologies of working in permafrost and companies, the MEP can help us to invite foreign guests, such as construction of some facilities. The task conditions that Rosneft can boast of, and Club members have students and experts, to our events. Finally, was to name the company to which the this is our major competitive damage. Yet this corresponds to the purpose of the MEP facilities belonged. I was one of the two the Arctic is a fragile part of the natural actual practice in what Club, which is that students must receive contestants who correctly answered the world, and developing it requires constant they are taught, which is practical skills. If they are already working question. I remembered a story about and very deep ecological expertise to international energy with foreign organisations, clubs and how the company Shell named its first prevent oil spills. companies as students, they have actual tankers after mollusks at the beginning of We are also dealing with the issue of cooperation practice in what they are taught, which is the 20th century. It was the right answer. energy efficiency, which, of course, is international energy cooperation.”

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MGIMO Campus in Uzbekistan Tashkent to Hold International Forum of MGIMO Alumni

GIMO World Alumni Forum’s Magenda will be geared to economic and investment cooperation. The meeting also addressed the practical aspects of the launch and operation of a MGIMO branch in Tashkent, which is expected to begin its work in September

dvisor to the President of Uzbekistan and Rector of the AUniversity of World Economy Diplomacy, Abduzhabar Abduvakhitov, ashkent held the first Russian- of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov. welcomed a MGIMO delegation led by Uzbek educational forum devoted n the presence of The session featured talks by MGIMO Vice-Rector Artyom Malgin in Tashkent. Tto New Human Resources for New the Presidents Rector Anatoly Torkunov, as well as They discussed arrangements for the 5th Economies. The MGIMO delegation led by V. Putin and by heads of Uzbek and Russian higher MGIMO World Alumni Forum which is to Rector Anatoly Torkunov participated in I education institutions. On the sidelines be held in May 2019. The Forum’s agenda the Forum and other events organised as S. Mirziyoyev, MGIMO of the Forum, MGIMO Rector Anatoly will be geared to economic and investment part of the official visit of the President of and the University of Torkunov and Rector of Alisher Navoi cooperation. Another question discussed the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, World Economy and Tashkent State University of the Uzbek at the meeting addressed the practical to Uzbekistan. In the presence of the Language and Literature, Shuhrat aspects of the launch and operation of Presidents of the two countries, MGIMO Diplomacy signed an Sirozhiddinov, signed a protocol to the a MGIMO branch campus in Tashkent. and the University of World Economy agreement previously concluded agreement. The The Tashkent branch of MGIMO is and Diplomacy signed an agreement establishing a MGIMO protocol covered the issues of student expected to begin its work in September; establishing a MGIMO branch campus in branch campus in exchange programs, internships, and it will offer training in two fields, Business Uzbekistan. development of the joint master’s Informatics (bachelor and master The plenary session of the Forum Uzbekistan program for simultaneous programs) and Jurisprudence (a master Tashkent. Members of Uzbekistan MGIMO Alumni association meet the was opened by Deputy Prime Minister translators. program). University's delegation

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Rector A. Torkunov in Baku Miroslav Lajčák Becomes Honorary Doctor of MGIMO GIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov participated in the MBaku Humanitarian Forum iroslav Lajčák: at the invitation of the President of the “MGIMO is my Republic of Azerbaijan and MGIMO alma mater. graduate Ilham Aliyev. President Aliyev M met with Torkunov on the sidelines of I graduated from the Forum; they discussed practical MGIMO 31 years ago, questions relating to the opening of and since then I have MGIMO’s branch campus in Azerbaijan. been using knowledge The central theme of the Forum was «Shaping a New World and a New and expertise the Humanity: Creativity and Human I acquired here” Development». President Aliyev gave a welcome speech to the attendees. The opening session also featured the Following the awarding ceremony, Mr. Lajčák delivered a traditional doctoral lecture. “It is a great honour resident Aliyev and pleasure for me to be awarded and Rector Torkunov iroslav Lajčák, the Minister of P Foreign and European Affairs discussed on the Mof Slovakia and a graduate sidelines of the Forum of MGIMO University (1987), was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor practical questions of the University. Introducing the relating to the opening guest to the audience, MGIMO Rector, of MGIMO’s branch Anatoly Torkunov, noted that it was a special pleasure to welcome Mr. campus in Azerbaijan Lajčák “not only because he heads the Foreign Ministry of Slovakia, a good partner of the Russian Federation, speeches delivered by Deputy Prime but also because he is a graduate of Minister of the Russian Federation Olga Golodets, Assistant UN Secretary- General for Humanitarian Partnerships with the Middle East and Central Asia, Rashid Khalikov, Director General of ISESCO, Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, our university. That is why we are an Honorary Doctor of MGIMO, all and others. The plenary session of particularly happy to extend our the more so because MGIMO is my the Forum, devoted to education and warmest welcome.” alma mater,” he added. “I graduated science in the context of human capital Mr. Lajčák has a remarkable record as from MGIMO 31 years ago, and since development, was moderated by leading a successful diplomat, politician and then I have been using knowledge academics from a number of countries. statesman. “Among our graduates there and expertise the I acquired here.” Torkunov had numerous friendly have been foreign ministers of course, The honoured guest stressed the role meetings with MGIMO graduates but none of our graduates has risen of multilateralism in international working in the Foreign Ministry of to the President of the UN General relations and the importance of the Azerbaijan and other government Assembly, except Mr. Lajčák,” added institutions that had helped to stabilise agencies. the Rector. the planet after World War II.

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MGIMO Launches Double Guinean president Alpha Condé PhD Program with University named honorary doctor of MGIMO of Reading

GIMO and the University of MGIMO Rector, Anatoly Torkunov, Vice- joint research projects in the future. They Reading signed an agreement Rectors Andrey Baykov, Evgeny Kozhokin, also signed an agreement on a double Mlaunching a double PhD Artem Malgin, Director of the School of PhD program enabling PhD students and program. Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Business, Angelika Mirzoyeva, and others. applicants to defend a thesis at MGIMO University of Reading, Vincenzo Raimo, The parties discussed the existing formats and the University of Reading and be and Vice-Dean of Henley Business School, of cooperation at the bachelor, master awarded a PhD from each institution. Yelena Kalyuzhnova, were greeted by and MBA programs as well as potential for lpha Condé, president of the Republic of Guinea, made a visit Ato MGIMO. He met with the university administration and gave a doctoral lecture to students, including members of MGIMO’s African Club, and lecturers as well. Vice-Rector Artyom Malgin presented the President Condé dedicated his doctoral According to President Condé, Africa guest, saying, “This person has dedicated lecture to the position of Africa in the today is a continent that is developing his entire life and political career to his modern world, discussing the major at the highest pace and that possesses country, and it is thanks to his efforts challenges facing the African continent an abundance of natural resources, that Guinea has taken its rightful place and Guinea in particular, such as, energy, and its young, active population is in the family of African nations.” Malgin agriculture, national education and ready to do away with the existing completed the mission given to him by the healthcare. President Condé praised the stereotypes about the backwardness of Academic Council of MGIMO by naming support shown to Guinea by the Soviet African countries. “There is a different President Condé an honorary doctor, and he Union and the continued support of Russia, Africa,” he emphasised. “This Africa is in Higher Education held as part of the gave the president a gown and diploma to and he recounted his meeting with Russian asserting itself more and more every MGIMO at Eastern Forum. The discussion was moderated the applause of the auditorium. president Vladimir Putin. year.” by Victoria Panova, Vice-Rector of the Economic Forum Far Eastern Federal University and a MIGMO graduate. The participants GIMO participated in the Eastern 160th anniversary of the establishment of the discussion praised MGIMO’s President of Zimbabwe at MGIMO Economic Forum held by the Far of consular relations between Russia and great contribution in developing the MEastern Federal University in Japan. Artyom Malgin spoke about the rich educational and research cluster in resident Emmerson Mnangagwa established back in the Soviet Union. Vladivostok. MGIMO Vice-Rector Artyom traditions of MGIMO’s school of oriental the Far East and thus to fostering ties of the Republic of Zimbabwe Rector Torkunov announced the decision Malgin addressed the attendees of the studies, as well as new research conducted with APEC countries. The session on Pvisited MGIMO. When presenting by the Academic Council of MGIMO to Conference on the Historical and Modern by MGIMO. cooperation between state and business the president, Anatoly Torkunov, Rector award an honorary doctorate degree to Aspects of Russian-Japanese Relations; The MGIMO delegation also attended also featured a speech by Vice-Rector of MGIMO, noted the friendly nature President Mnangagwa for his contribution the conference was timed to mark the the 7th APEC Conference on Cooperation Malgin. of relations between our countries, to the development of Africa and to the strengthening of international cooperation. President Mnangagwa gave a lecture to MGIMO students, in which he discussed the current stage of Zimbabwe’s socio- economic development and global possible directions of cooperation with economic challenges, as well as, the Russia, emphasising Harare’s interest results of the presidential elections in strengthening bilateral relations and government reforms. President and cultural connections between our Mnangagwa in particular focused on the nations.

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South Africa’s Foreign Minister D. Sassou Nguesso, Gave a Lecture at MGIMo Honorary Doctor of MGIMO

Speaking to students and teachers, Minister questions regarding the international he President of the Republic of Sisulu declared that it was her honour to agenda in the context of electing South Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso was speak in front of future diplomats. She spoke Africa to be a non-permanent member Tawarded a diploma of the Honorary about meeting with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020 Doctor of MGIMO. The guest of honor was of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and the results of the BRICS summit received by the University management, he and the session of the South Africa-Russia in Johannesburg last year. She gave also gave a doctoral lecture to students and Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and special attention to ensuring sustainable faculty members. Economic Cooperation. development and settling political and Introducing the guest of honor, MGIMO’s The Minister dedicated her lecture to military conflicts in Africa, as well as, Vice-Rector Artem Malgin pointed out that Africa’s position in the modern world and the key role of South Africa and regional 'today is a special day as we welcome a person A. Malgin gave the guest the gown and diploma our cooperation with MGIMO will continue». in global politics, as well as to relevant associations in resolving these conflicts. who witnessed and participated in many events of honorary doctor and invited him to deliver The guest also spoke about Congo's that students read about in textbooks.' a traditional doctoral lecture. diplomatic service, he emphasized that the Malgin announced the decision of the D. Sassou Nguesso expressed his gratitude Soviet diplomacy was 'a shield and leverage for University’s Academic Council to award for the warm welcome. It is a pleasure, he progress of countries such as the Republic of indiwe Sisulu, Minister of D. Sassou Nguesso the title of «Honorary noted, to say that educational cooperation Congo.' International Relations and Doctor of the Moscow State Institute of between Russia and the Republic of Congo is D. Sassou Nguesso dwelt upon the Brazzaville LCooperation of the Republic of South International Relations» in recognition of his developing. 'The education, which our students Protocol, the events that preceded its signing, Africa, visited MGIMO. She was received great contribution to the expansion of relations received in Russia, has greatly contributed to as well as on eradication of apartheid, he shared by Vice-Rector Artyom Malgin. The two between Russia and the Republic of Congo. the development of our country. I hope that his hope for peace on the African continent. parties discussed questions regarding the expansion of educational cooperation and focus areas for the BRICS Network University. Antoine Somda on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Gambian Ambassador at MGIMO attended Ambassador Somda’s lecture. nuclear weapons, including South Sudan An expert on the legal issues of atomic in Africa. MGIMO and in topical conferences. energy, Ambassador Somda graduated Of particular concern are non-state Ambassador Bah spoke about Gambia’s from the University of Ouagadougou law actors such as terrorist groups, as well embassy’s contact with the leaders of school and the Russian university RUDN as as, permanent military conflicts. In these Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science a specialist in law. He worked as a permanent conditions, the goal of the international regarding questions of expanding the representative of Burkina-Faso at the United community has to be the strengthening educational possibilities for Gambian citizens Nations in New York, and he has taken part in Russia, as well as, about educational in sessions of the UN General Assembly, UN programs at Banjul University. Security Council and IAEA. Ambassador Somda, who is fluent in Russian, spoke on the topic “The Non- ntoine Somda, Burkina-Faso’s Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and ice-Rector Andrey Baykov master’s programs. He mentioned the ambassador to Russia, spoke to the International Security”. The ambassador welcomed Ambassador Jainaba deeply rooted traditions of African studies Astudents in the Russian-American discussed the existing regime of international VBah of the Republic of The within the walls of the university, the WMD Non-proliferation, Nuclear Policy nuclear control, the actions of the IAEA and Gambia and her embassy staff for teaching and learning of African languages and Global Security master’s program. the problems of nuclear disarmament. He discussion. He told the guests about the (Amharic, Afrikaans and Swahili), the Ambassador Mohamed Keita of Guinea, noted that denuclearisation is an utopian of the regime of WMD non-proliferation. history and present of the university, the existence of the African Club and the Ambassador Seko Intchasso of Guinea- idea and nations will only develop their According to the ambassador, the basic fields of study and training programs university’s work with the embassies Bissau and Ambassador Jeanne d’Arc nuclear technology rather than destroy it. principle of the IAEA can be characterised at MGIMO, cooperation with African of African governments, which have Mujawamariya of Rwanda, who is also her There are governments that are not parties by the Russian proverb of “trust, but universities and joint dual-degree traditionally participated in Africa Days at country’s former education minister, also to agreements on the non-proliferation of verify”.

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Trianon Rooster n the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Presidents Putin and Macron had a series of meetings within the framework of the Trianon Dialogue. At a business meeting President Putin received aO gift, a miniature blue Gallic rooster from Pierre Gattaz, President of the Movement of the Enterprises of France. The French consider the Gallic rooster an unofficial national symbol: epitomising bravery, obstinacy and boldness. The moderator of the meeting, Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, noted that the Russian and French flags have the same colors (white, blue and red), although placed in a different sequence, “Next time, Mr. Gattaz, please have the rooster painted in the white, blue and red colors.” (By the way, many French participants of the Forum had red and blue roosters pinned to the lapels. None had a white one.) “Besides the rooster, we can have a double-headed eagle as well,” Putin remarked, meaning the Russian national emblem. “A double-headed rooster would be a fair compromise,” Alexander Shokhin added, picking up on the President’s joke.

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