MOSCOW. July 18, 2025. PIR PRESS. “We have a really unique opportunity to talk about Russian cultural and historical heritage on the Hawaii, and there is a truly limitless space for the scientific research. I am sure that participants of today’s seminar and distinguished Professor Niklaus Schweizer will tell us fascinating stories about the Russian-American company on Hawaii and other notable moments of history” – Mr. Alexander Posylkin, Head of Office of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, in his welcoming address to the seminar participants.
PIR Center jointly with MGIMO University hosted a seminar on “Hawaii: Lessons of History: Russian Flag, and American Annexation.” The event brought together participants from Russia, the United States, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, China and other countries. The event was devoted to the history and geopolitics of Hawaii, focusing on Russian-Hawaiian ties, the annexation of Hawaii by the United States, and its contemporary significance.
The seminar was opened with a speech by Mr. Alexander Posylkin, Head of Office of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry:
On behalf of Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, I would like to welcome all of you and wish you a productive discussion on such an intriguing topic as the history of the Russian flag on Hawaii and the American annexation.
As a representative of the North Atlantic Department, which is responsible for Russian-American relations, I would like to express our common hope that people-to-people contacts and scientific cooperation between the Russian Federation and the United States are bringing back to and normalcy. Unlike previous US administrations, current American authorities demonstrate the willingness and the readiness to find the common ground build dialogue on equal and mutually respectful basis. And our seminar undoubtedly contributes to this uneasy, but highly demanded process.
In this regard, we have a really unique opportunity to talk about Russian cultural and historical heritage on the Hawaii, and there is a truly limitless space for the scientific research. I am sure that participants of today’s seminar and distinguished Professor Niklaus Schweizer will tell us fascinating stories about the Russian-American company on Hawaii and other notable moments of history.
The seminar was moderated by Dr. Vladimir Orlov, PIR Center Founding Director, MGIMO University Professor, and an Academic Director of International Security MA Program, who also delivered his speech. He provided historical context, focusing on the episode of raising the Russian flag on the island of Kauai in the early 19th century and the subsequent annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Vladimir Orlov shared his personal experience of researching Kauai, where traces of the Russian presence such as Fort Elizabeth remain, and emphasized the geopolitical role of the region in the past and present.
The keynote speaker was Swiss historian Prof. Niklaus Schweizer, author of the bookHis Hawaiian Excellency. The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy and the Annexation of Hawai. Niklaus Schweitzer elaborated on the historical background of Hawaii, recalling the island’s ties to Russia. His presentation, based on archival documents, revealed the complexity of Hawaii’s history and its connection to global processes. Niklaus Schweitzer also described the diplomatic efforts of the Hawaiian kingdom in the 19th century, including the mission to the coronation of Alexander III, and emphasized the religious roots of the conflict that ultimately undermined the monarchy in Hawaii.
Also, as a part of Prof. Niklaus Schweizer’s presentation, his book “His Hawaiian Excellency. The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy and the Annexation of Hawai” was presented and disseminated among those who join the seminar at MGIMO University.
Students of International Security MA Program presented their reports that deepened the analysis of the topic. Mr. Kirill Prokhorov in the report “From Kruzenstern to Schaffer: Russian Footprint in Hawaiian Islands” traced the stages of development of the Pacific region through the activities of the Russian-American Company. He highlighted the role of Georg Schaffer, whose ambitions led to the temporary establishment of the Russian flag on Kauai, and emphasized the importance of intercultural contacts with the local population.
Ms. Anastasia Mirskaya, in her report “Russian Fortress in the Heart of the Pacific: Russia’s Footprint in Hawaiian History,” focused on Schaffer’s strategic motives, noting Hawaii’s geopolitical importance for controlling trade routes and countering the influence of Great Britain and the United States. She cited logistical difficulties and the lack of support from St. Petersburg as key reasons for the short-lived Russian presence.
Mr. Alexander Gromov, in his report “From Kingdom to State: The Fate of Hawaii Between Literary Image and Historical Reality,” analyzed the process of American annexation, which began with economic expansion in the mid-19th century. He particularly noted the illegitimacy of annexation without a ratified treaty, quoting American President Grover Cleveland (1885 – 1889; 1893 – 1897): “I am ashamed of the whole affair.”
Ms. Anastasia Nikulina in the report “From ‘Paradise Island’ to Important Geopolitical Point: The Current Situation in Hawaii” examined the modern significance of Hawaii as a US military outpost. She highlighted the role of bases such as Pearl Harbor and the Barking Sands Test Site, emphasizing their economic contribution and environmental risks, and also mentioned Mark Zuckerberg’s bunker in Hawaii as a symbol of tension.
Mr. Ruslan Belozerskii, in his report “American Сraving: Why Does the US Need Greenland, Panama, and Canada?” drew parallels between the annexation of Hawaii and the modern ambitions of the US, noting the strategic interest in Greenland due to its Arctic resources and the Panama Canal as a key to world trade.
The final discussion raised the issue of preserving the historical memory of small nations. During the discussion of the risks of forgetting history and ways to protect it, Prof. Niklaus Schweizer expressed his opinion on the current unstable political situation in the world: “We must respect international law and follow the words of Queen Liliuokalani, who called for peaceful resolution of conflicts,” emphasizing the role of historical novels and scientific storytelling in preserving cultural heritage.
The participants of the seminar shared their impressions. “I consider this seminar to be truly unique both within the discipline and in general. The welcoming and exotic atmosphere perfectly complemented the productive work of the speakers and the serious discussion. Undoubtedly, Prof. Niklaus Schweizer’s speech aroused my increased interest. I hope that in the future I will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and once again immerse myself in the wonderful history of Queen Liliuokalani,” Mr. Herman Selyavin, first-year student of International Security MA Program.
Ms. Grace Pauline Smith, Alumni of International Dual Degree Program “Global Security, Nuclear Policy, and WMD Nonproliferation” (developed by MGIMO University, PIR Center, and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, US), also shared her comment: “Thank you so much for hosting and moderating seminar on Hawaii. This has been fascinating for me, as both Hawaii and Russia are close to my heart. I have family on the big island – my uncle is Hawaiian, and my eldest son lives there. I love the islands, and I was reminded of that today by the music, your lovely shirt, and the topic, of course.”
For all interested in traveling to Hawaii, we invite you to visit a special section on Vladimir Orlov’s website dedicated to Russian Hawaii (in Russian). There you will find photos taken personally by its author, literature, historical documents. Moreover, you will be able to find a riveting information about Hawaii.
