MOSCOW. MAY 12, 2026. PIR PRESS. PIR Center launches the application campaign for participation in the XXIV International School on Global Security for young professionals from Russia and foreign countries.
Today, Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Founder and Director of PIR Center, announced the application campaign for participation in the XXIV International School on Global Security – one of the most authoritative and prestigious educational platforms in international security for young specialists in Russia and worldwide.
“Our School, founded in 2000, preserves its best traditions and continuity. This July, we will hold it for the 24th time. The 2026 School will be both similar to previous ones – above all, in its deep, intensive engagement with top Russian experts in ancient Zvenigorod, on the banks of the Moskva River… and yet completely different. Participants can expect a new, far more interactive format than before. More movement, more dynamics, more of today’s ‘fresh air’. PIR Center School is always highly competitive, highly rewarding, and brings memories that last a lifetime,” shared Dr. Vladimir Orlov
What is it about? Dr. Vladimir Orlov announced that the School will focus on two core pillars: “The Future of Nuclear Nonproliferation” and “Artificial Intelligence and Other Advanced Technologies: Between New Opportunities for Russia and Security Threats”. “What exactly will we discuss regarding advanced technologies? What should Russia – and the world – expect from the emergence of cutting-edge tech? Where do they support Russia’s development goals, and where do they threaten its interests and security? We will talk about the revolution in military technology and the transformation of the world order. About military AI. About autonomous technologies as a factor of geopolitical influence,” Dr. Vladimir Orlov explained.
When? The in-person part of the School (with mandatory attendance at all sessions) will take place from July 6 to 9, 2026, inclusive. The distance-learning part consists of two sessions: June 23, 2026 (introductory classes and debate preparation, mandatory for all participants), and July 15, 2026 (final classes and testing). The latter is for participants seeking a professional development certificate, issued jointly by PIR Center and our strategic partner, MGIMO University. Thus, the total duration of the School is 6 days.
Where? Zvenigorod, Moscow Region https://travel.yandex.ru/journal/zvenigorod/ . The program will be held at the 4-star Tatiana Provence Hotel (https://tatiana-provence.ru/), with visits to the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery (https://savvastor.ru/) and other scenic areas around Zvenigorod.
Language: The official language of the School is Russian. All participants are required to be fluent in Russian, including specialized terminology related to international security (shortlisted international applicants will undergo preliminary Russian language testing). One of the program modules will be conducted in English; all participants are expected to have conversational proficiency in English (no formal English testing is required).
Target Audience: young diplomats, military personnel, civil servants, senior undergraduate students, master’s students (preference is given to those majoring in international security), postgraduate students, young researchers and lecturers, as well as young journalists and bloggers.
Geographic Scope: The competition is open to young people from Russia and foreign countries. There are no restrictions (international participants are responsible for their own visa arrangements, where applicable, based on an invitation to the School provided by PIR Center).
Participant Requirements: You are young. You already possess significant knowledge of international security and seek to both deepen and broaden your expertise. You are ambitious and driven toward professional and career growth in international relations, foreign policy, business, diplomacy, and related fields. You aim to join PIR Alumni Community, acknowledged as Russia’s №1 community in international relations and one of the Top 20 best communities in the country in 2025. You are committed to attending all sessions, both remote and in-person (missing more than one session will result in dismissal). You are ready to demonstrate your professional merit and ambition through a concise and compelling portfolio.
From 20 to 35 years of age inclusive
Application requirements:
Additionally, applicants may attach any other supporting documents to strengthen their profilе.
If the application is submitted under a partnership package agreement between PIR Center and its general or strategic partners for School-2026, this must be explicitly stated in the application and the recommendation letter.
Portfolios should be sent to secretariat@pircenter.org with an email titled Application for PIR School-2026 (as indicated in the subject line).
The application deadline is no later than 12:00 PM (Moscow time) on May 29, 2026.
The Selection Committee is headed by the Chairman of PIR Center Executive Board, Lieutenant-General Evgeny Buzhinsky.
Applications are evaluated on a 100-point scale. The passing score will be determined during the selection process, based on the number and quality of applications received. The threshold will vary between individual applicants and those applying under partnership packages between PIR Center and its general or strategic partners for School-2026.
Bonus points: 5 bonus points are awarded to PIR Center interns and trainees.
Head of the School-2026 Organizing Committee: Alexandra Zubenko, Deputy Director of PIR Center.
Winners who score 94 points or higher will be offered a Winner’s Package, which covers accommodation and meals during the in-person sessions in Zvenigorod, participation in all formal and side events (such as Maslin-Fest and the Trialogue Club International meeting), 100% of all sessions, and excursions. Other winners who score above the passing threshold but below 94 points will be offered a Participant’s Package at a base cost of 75,000 rubles, which includes double-room accommodation, meals, and access to all sessions and side events, with upgrade options such as single-room accommodation. A discount may be offered to those scoring between 90 and 93 points, while winners selected under partnership packages will participate in accordance with the specific terms agreed upon with their nominating organizations. All participants or their sponsoring entities are responsible for travel expenses, and all attendees must arrive at the venue in Zvenigorod by 2:00 PM Moscow time on July 6.
Please find more details about the PIR Center International School on Global Security here (In Russian).
Keywords: International School
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E16/SHAH – 26/05/12
