№ 24 (72), 2026. Students of MA Program International Security Named Winners of the Diplomatic Module Essay Competition

MOSCOW. JUNE 8, 2026. PIR PRESS. «This academic year, the MA Program International Security first-year students’ papers ranked among the best in the essay competition held as part of the Diplomatic Module among all MGIMO master’s programs in both International Relations and Regional Studies, which attests to the high level of training of master’s students in the joint master’s program implemented by MGIMO University and PIR Center», – Dr. Alexey Dundich, Head of MA Program Review at Department of Graduate Studies, MGIMO University.

MGIMO University hosted the final session of the Diplomatic Module, concluding the 2025/26 academic year’s series of meetings between MGIMO students and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Within the framework of the session, H.E. Dmitry Lyubinsky, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, addressed the audience. Dr. Vladimir Morozov, Vice-Rector for Human Resources, introduced the guest speaker, highlighting his extensive professional experience and profound expertise in diplomacy. Dr. Kirill Barsky, Head of the Department of Diplomacy and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, also welcomed the participants of the Diplomatic Module.

At the beginning of his address, H.E. Dmitry Lyubinsky outlined the current international situation in Eurasia, touching upon shifts in the US foreign policy and the suspension of the Russia–EU dialogue. The diplomat placed special emphasis on the modernization of global institutions, primarily the UN, stressing that security would serve as the key vector of these transformations. Furthermore, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs called on the diplomatic community to focus on critical global threats, including the migration and food crises, as well as demographic growth.

During the meeting, the diplomat comprehensively addressed the audience’s questions, which spanned a wide range of topics, from the erosion of the global arms control architecture to career advancement opportunities for women in the diplomatic field. The Russian diplomat shared his reminiscences of his diplomatic service in Austria as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, outlining the specific dynamics of bilateral cooperation on the Russian-Austrian track and the broader European direction. H.E. Dmitry Lyubinsky emphasized that in this profession, direct dialogue and mutual trust built through personal relations remain indispensable factors for success.

In conclusion of the meeting, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister presented diplomas to the winners of the essay competition organized within the framework of the Diplomatic Module. Out of the 45 papers submitted to the contest, the expert committee highly evaluated the majority of the entries, yet recognized only five authors as the best, including Ms. Polina Persidskikh and Mr. Ilya Subbotin, students of MA Program International Security. This academic year, the MA Program International Security first-year students’ papers ranked among the best in the essay competition held as part of the Diplomatic Module among all MGIMO master’s programs in both International Relations and Regional Studies, which attests to the high level of training of master’s students in the joint master’s program implemented by MGIMO University and PIR Center, Dr. Alexey Dundich, Head of MA Program Review at Department of Graduate Studies, MGIMO University, noted.

Students of MA Program International Security shared their impressions of winning the essay competition:

“I was very pleased that my essay was highly praised and awarded first place in the diplomacy module. I would also like to sincerely congratulate the other students on their victory and wish them continued success,” Ms. Polina Persidskykh, student of MA Program International Program, said.

“It is gratifying that the Diplomatic Module comprises not only a series of insightful lectures but also an essay competition, which provides every student with an opportunity to test their capabilities and receive a rewarding incentive upon victory. I am deeply grateful to the organizers of the Module for the high appraisal of my work,” Mr. Ilya Subbotin, student of MA Program International Program, stated.

The source of the photos: MGIMO University’s official website. Photograph: Mr. Alexey Bakhtin

Keywords: International Security; Education; MGIMO University

ISMA

E16/NOS – 26/06/08