ZVENIGOROD. JUNE 11, 2023. PIR PRESS. “I would like to express my gratitude to the School of Global Security for the high level of training of its participants in the field of international security. I consider training as another important step towards professional development and becoming an expert. The School brought together participants from different countries with a very high level of training. I plan to continue communicating with many of the participants outside the School walls”,— Ms. Alisa Kazelko, winner of the XXII International School on Global Security, editor of the TASS Foreign Policy Information Department, student of the School of International Relations of MGIMO University.
On June 3-11, 2022, PIR Center held the XXII International School on Global Security. The School was held in Zvenigorod, Moscow region, a town rich in unique monuments of Russian history, spiritual culture and military glory. The XXII PIR Center International School on Global Security was organized with the support from Presidential Grant Foundation, Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund, and MGIMO University within the common project“Global Security, Strategic Stability and Arms Control” (implemented jointly with MGIMO University as part of the Strategic Academic Leadership Program “Priority 2030”).
The event was attended by 28 young IR specialists: diplomats, officers, scientists, experts, students, journalists from Armenia, Belarus, Croatia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Moldova, Russia, Slovakia, South Ossetia, Tajikistan, USA.
As part of the School, participants studied key issues of global and regional security: functioning of the WMD nonproliferation regime, the development of arms control regime, international cooperation in the field of peaceful atom and the situation on the international uranium market, cybersecurity issues in world politics, the impact of new technologies on regional and global security, trends in modern armed conflicts, hybrid wars and transnational security threats, a new European security agenda, and much more.
On June 3, the “zero” day of the School, a welcoming meeting of the participants took place at the site of Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund. Ms. Elena Karnaukhova, Executive Secretary of the XXII International School on Global Security, Deputy Director – Education and Training Program Director, and Mr. Konstantin Pilipiliadi, Leading Specialist of Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund, welcomed the School participants with a speech. At the end of the day, a welcoming dinner was held in an informal atmosphere, where Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Academic Director of the XXII International School on Global Security, Founding Director of PIR Center, Professor at MGIMO University, addressed the audience.
During the XXII International School on Global Security Issues official opening, H.E. Oleg Stepanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Canada, Director of the Foreign Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (2016-2021), PIR Center Advisory Board member, delivered a welcome address to the School participants and wished them bright and intense days, successful work and interesting discussions.
The first day of the School began with a panel discussion with the participation of Dr. Andrey Kortunov, Academic Director of the Russian International Affairs Council, PIR Center Advisory Board member, and Dr. Dmitri Trenin, Leading Researcher at the Section for Non-Proliferation and Arms Limitation of the Center for International Security of IMEMO RAS, PIR Center Executive Board member, on the topic “Hybrid wars in the 21st century: common and unique for the regions of the world”. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Academic Director of the XXII International School on Global Security, Founding Director of PIR Center, Professor at MGIMO University.
Also on this day, the second panel discussion took place, where Dr. Igor Istomin, Acting Chair at the Department of Applied International Political Analysis, Lead Research Fellow at the Center for Advanced American Studies of the Institute for International Studies of MGIMO University, PIR Center Advisory Board member, Dr. Ivan Safranchuk, Leading Researcher of the Center of Euro-Asian Studies of the Institute for International Studies of MGIMO University, PIR Center Advisory Board member, and Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Academic Director of the XXII International School on Global Security, Founding Director of PIR Center, Professor at MGIMO University. The session was devoted to the phenomenon of alliances in global turbulence and touched upon the question of what Russia could offer to other countries and regional blocs. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Elena Karnaukhova, Executive Secretary of the XXII International School on Global Security, Deputy Director – Education and Training Program Director.
The first day ended with an active discussion that took place within the framework of an expert seminar “At the Threshold of the ‘Nuclear Club’: Nuclear Nonproliferation Issues between 1993 and 2023”. Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Academic Director of the XXII International School on Global Security, Founding Director of PIR Center, Professor at MGIMO University, Mr. Sergey Semenov, PIR Center Research Fellow, Expert of the Russian International Affairs Council, and Dr. Alexander Fedorov, Associate Professor at the Department of Information Security of the Faculty of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, PIR Center Advisory Board member, discussed the current state of the international nuclear nonproliferation regime, as well as the main challenges that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons faces in the context of the transformation of the world order. Mr. Leonid Tsukanov, PIR Center Web Site Chief Editor, Expert of the Russian International Affairs Council, moderated this discussion. In addition, thematic publications of PIR Center were presented at the seminar, in particular, the report “A New Nuclear Nine? Assessing Threats to the Spread of Nuclear Weapons in the World” and “Selected Works” by Gennady M. Evstafiev (1938–2013), Lieutenant General of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Senior Advisor and Senior Vice President of PIR Center (2003–2013). Also, the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the “Anthology” of Roland M. Timerbaev (1927-2019), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, President (1994-1998) and Chairman of PIR Center Executive Board (1999-2010). At the end of the evening, an informal dinner was held, where the School participants, lecturers and invited guests of the event were able to continue the discussion.
As part of the School, participants took part in classes on modern armed conflicts, transnational threats and regional aspects of security. The classes of Dr. Ekaterina Stepanova, Head of the Group on Peace and Conflict Studies of IMEMO RAS, PIR Center Executive Board member, provided the participants with opportunity to consider modern armed conflicts, main trends in peace processes and armed violence. Dr. Dmitry Evstafiev, Professor of the Faculty of Communications, Media and Design of the Department of Integrated Communications of HSE University, member of the Editorial Board of PIR Center’s Security Index journal, delivered lecture on the topic “Chaotization of the World. Global Transformations and Their Impact on States and Regions” and spoke about the secrets of the new transformation of the world order. Also, the School participants, together with Dr. Vadim Kozyulin, Head of the Center for Global Studies & International Organizations of the Institute for Contemporary International Studies of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, PIR Center Executive Board member, discussed the impact of new technologies on regional and global security.
By tradition, participants considered a block of questions on weapons of mass destruction and strategic weapons. Lieutenant General (ret.) Evgeny Buzhinsky, PIR Center Executive Board Chairman, Head of the Center for Applied Political-Military Research of School of World Politics of Lomonosov Moscow State University, discussed with the School participants the features of the arms control regime, the impact of new types of weapons on strategic stability and the prospects for international dialogue on arms control. Mr. Vladimir Ladanov, Head of the South Pacific Section, Third Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, gave a lecture on the topic “Chemical and Biological Weapons as a Factor of World Politics. From History of Creation to Application and Prohibition”.
Within the framework of a special module, the School participants discussed sensitive issues of the development of the nuclear nonproliferation regime, the risks of a potential expansion of the nuclear club, the problem of nuclear testing, the prospects for use of peaceful nuclear energy, as well as the rules of the game in the uranium market. During the classes of Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Academic Director of the XXII International School on Global Security, Founding Director of PIR Center, Professor at MGIMO University, the participants learned about the main risks that accompany the NPT regime today, as well as analyzed several relevant topics in the field of nuclear nonproliferation. Dr. Aleksey Ubeev, Chief Specialist of the IAEA Nuclear Security Office (2011-2015), PIR Center Advisory Board member, and the School participants discussed the specifics of ensuring the physical protection of critical infrastructure facilities and analyzed various aspects of this problem, including the operation of nuclear power plants in conditions of armed conflict.
Mr. Dmitry Stefanovich, Research Fellow of the Sector of Military Economy and Innovations of the Center for International Security of IMEMO RAS, PIR Center Advisory Board member, conducted a situational analysis on the topic “The Problem of Nuclear Testing in International Relations: To Ban or Resume?”. During the class, he discussed with the School participants the technical, political and ethical aspects of nuclear testing, and also modeled the probability of specific scenarios — from outer space to sparsely populated territories of a potential enemy.
Traditionally, with great interest, the School participants met Mr. Gleb Efremov, General Director of JSC “International Uranium Enrichment Center”, PIR Center Advisory Board member, and his business case on the topic “International Uranium Market: Features of Functioning, Participants, Competition and Cooperation”. They considered the current situation in the uranium markets, as well as the process of uranium enrichment and the creation of nuclear fuel.
In addition, a panel discussion was held on the topic “The Specifics of Regional Security in the Asia-Pacific Region: From the Chinese Nuclear Arsenal to QUAD and AUKUS” with the participation of such experts as Dr. Viktor Sumsky, Leading Expert of the ASEAN Center of MGIMO University, PIR Center Advisory Board member, Mr. Vladimir Ladanov, Head of the South Pacific Section, Third Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Dr. Mikhail Lysenko, Deputy Director of the International Law Department of MGIMO University, PIR Center Advisory Board member The discussion was moderated by Mr. Konstantin Pilipiliadi, Leading Specialist of Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
Regarding digital transformation, cyber and information security, Dr. Elena Chernenko, Special Correspondent of the “Kommersant Daily”, PIR Center Executive Board member, and the School participants touched upon the problem of responsible behavior in cyberspace, as well as the prospects for the development of international information security norms.
Special attention was paid to Russian foreign policy priorities. For the first time, H.E. Oleg Ozerov, Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, PIR Center Advisory Board member, gave a lecture on the margins of the XXII International School on Global Security on the topic “Russia and Africa: Opportunistic Rapprochement or Friendship Forever?”.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia H.E. Sergey Ryabkov also met with the participants of the School. The meeting was devoted to the topic “Changing Russia’s Approaches to the Issues of Nuclear NonProliferation and Arms Control in the Conditions of Global Turbulence”. During an open and confidential conversation, H.E. Sergey Ryabkov assessed the current position of the Russian Federation in the world arena and prospects for the development of international dialogue in the field of arms control, voicing the fundamental theses of the Russian foreign policy doctrine.
It should be noted that the 118th Extended Summer Session of the Trialogue Club International took place on the margins of the XXII International School on Global Security. It was dedicated to the topic “Iran, Israel and the Gulf. A Changing Geopolitical Landscape. Assessing Emerging Trends”. In addition to members of the Club and special guests of its President, students of the XXII International School on Global Security Issues took part in the discussions. The Session was held in the format of a panel discussion. The keynote speakers were Mr. Adlan Margoev, Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East and African Studies of the Institute of International Studies of MGIMO University, PIR Alumni Community member, and Mr. Leonid Tsukanov, PIR Center Web Site Chief Editor, Expert of the Russian International Affairs Council. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Elena Chernenko, Co-Chair of the “Trialogue” Club International, Special correspondent of the “Kommersant Daily”, PIR Center Executive Board member.
In the final days of the School, under the leadership of Dr. Dmitry Polikanov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, the School participants took part in a strategic foresight session on the topic “Peace in the World: Is It Possible to Ensure Security in Most Regions of the World and How to Do It?”. Under the guidance of mentors, they divided into four working groups and developed a collective vision of the development of the situation in the world in the coming years on various tracks such as soft power, nuclear energy, geopolitics and information security, taking into account global trends.
The working groups were chaired by Dr. Vadim Kozyulin, Head of the Center for Global Studies & International Organizations of the Institute for Contemporary International Studies of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, PIR Center Executive Board member, Dr. Oleg Krivolapov, Senior Research Fellow of the Center for Military and Political Studies of the Georgy Arbatov Institute for U.S. and Canada Studies, PIR Alumni Community member, Ms. Yulia Tseshkovskaya, member of the International panel “Regulation of Military AI”, PIR Alumni Community member, and Ms. Lyubov Soldatkina, Head of the Department for Patriotic Work and Interaction with Public Organizations of the State Foundation “Defenders of the Fatherland”, PIR Center Executive Board member.
On June 10, at the end of the XXII International School on Global Security, a final test was held to check the knowledge of the School participants. The School had a point system, so in order to receive a certificate of its graduation, participants had to score at least 40% of the maximum number of points based on the results of their work. It should be noted that all School participants were awarded the certificate. Ms. Alisa Kazelko, editor of the TASS Foreign Policy Information Department, student of the School of International Relations of MGIMO University, scored the highest number of points. Among the leaders were Mr. Bruno Rukavina, PhD student at the University of Zagreb, Financial Analyst for EU projects at Integra LLC, Mr. Dastan Tokoldoshev, Research Fellow and Leading Expert at the Research Institute for Strategic Analysis and Forecasting of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, Mr. Ilya Reznikov, Senior Officer of the Verification Division of the Department of International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus.
Intensive classes at the School were balanced by a rich cultural program, in which the School participants visited the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 (exposition “The Feat of the People”), the Museum-Reserve of Zvenigorod, the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and the exposition “Tsarina’s Chambers”, the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces and the exposition “Road of Memory” in the Patriot Park. Also, sightseeing tour of Zvenigorod was the part of the excursion program.
The school ended with a solemn reception and a traditional meeting of PIR Alumni Community Members, which was held in the “MASLIN-FEST” format. Lieutenant-General (ret.) Vasily Lata, a special guest of the event, Doctor of Military Sciences, Full Member of the Academy of Military Sciences, Senior Research Fellow at the Academy of Strategic Missile Forces, Professor of the Missile Forces and Artillery Department of the Military Academy of the General Staff, PIR Center Consultant, addressed PIR Alumni Community members. In warm, joy and informal atmosphere, the School graduates, experts and invited guests shared their common memories, discussed achievements and plans for the future, and also honored the memory of Colonel General (ret.) Evgeny P. Maslin, who was an outstanding statesman, reliable colleague, comrade and friend of PIR Center, a bright and talented person.
Detailed information about the School, participants and instructors can be found here.
We are glad to present the feedback of some participants of the XXII International School on Global Security.
“The School helps to find answers to the most burning questions of the modern world. The School improves self-discipline, determination and stirs interest in the non-humanitarian aspects of nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament issues. The event is an excellent platform for networking, enriching professional and personal experience, acquiring valuable connections and true friends”, — Ms. Kristina Yermak, Leading Specialist of the Center for Analysis and Forecasting of Union Integration Processes, fourth year student in the specialty «International law» of the Faculty of International Relations of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Republic of Belarus.
“PIR Center School is an excellent educational and networking platform for young IR specialists. Classes cover a variety of topics related to global security issues. We have received important knowledge necessary for the diversified development in the field of international relations, and have significantly expanded our horizons. The brilliant composition of lecturers is a unique opportunity for most participants to learn from such eminent experts, ask them questions and get answers. I would also like to note the impeccable organization of the event. Everything is just perfect. Thank you!” — Ms. Kira Ivanova, coordinator of the Project Office for International Youth Cooperation “Russia – BRICS” of the Creative Industries Foundation of the Ulyanovsk Region, Ulyanovsk, Russian Federation.
“PIR Center provides a unique opportunity to immerse in the current discussions in the field of international security, exchange views with leading experts and professionals in this field. I believe that PIR Center International School is particularly valuable for young professionals and can give a significant impetus to the growth of professional knowledge and competencies in the field of international security”, — Mr. Gabiden Laumulin, First Secretary of the International Security Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.
“PIR Center International School is a great opportunity to meet interesting people, as well as gain unique knowledge from recognized experts in the field of international nuclear security and many others. I can recommend participation to everyone who is ready and strives for continuous development”, — Mr. Evgeny Semenov, Project Manager of the Innovation and Technology Department of “Techsnabexport” JSC (Rosatom State Corporation), Senior Lecturer at the Department of Business Project Management, National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI”, Moscow, Russian Federation.
“Thanks to the School, I gained new knowledge in the field of global security, which I plan to apply in my professional life. Moreover, it was very interesting to know the opinions on security issues of other participants from different regions and countries. The school left only pleasant emotions and memories. A very important part of the School was getting to know other participants. An excellent team has been formed”, — Ms. Mihaela Stranska, PhD applicant in political sciences and graduate of the School of International Relations of MGIMO University, former Junior Fellow at the OSCE PA, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
“PIR Center School of International Security is the most professional platform, which give each participant the opportunity to improve their own competence in a wide range of issues and topical issues of world politics, regional and global security”, — Mr. Dastan Tokoldoshev, Research Fellow and Leading Expert at the Research Institute for Strategic Analysis and Forecasting of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
For all questions related to the International School on Global Security, please contact Elena Karnaukhova, Deputy Director – Education and Training Program Director, via email edu@pircenter.org.
