Day Three of the Advanced Course on International Relations
Day Three of the Advanced Course on International Relations
The third day of the Advanced Course on International Relations focused on deepening knowledge on contemporary Russian affairs.
A lecturer and researcher at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) Andrey Sushentsov delivered a comprehensive presentation on the foundations of Russian domestic and foreign policy. During his lecture, Dr. Sushentsov covered various transformations and adjustments that Russian foreign policy has gone through since the end of the Cold War to today. He clarified the geopolitical position of Russia, pointing to some of the challenges the country is facing in conducting its foreign relations.
The second session of the day featured the Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Dr. Andrey Kortunov, who spoke extensively about causes and consequences of the Ukraine crisis, as well as prospects for future developments in the Russian near-abroad. Kortunov thoroughly analyzed Russia-West relations and identified what he believed to be key dilemmas for the future of Russian foreign policy. He stressed the need for Russia to build strong and stable institutions, which would certainly help modernize the country.
Both lectures were followed by intensive question and answer sessions, during which the lecturers interacted with course participants, covering a variety of issues from Russia-China and Russia-Turkey relations, to Moscow’s views of the world economic situation and recent developments in Europe.
Horizons Discussion in Belgrade Explores Europe’s Future with Zachary Karabell
Belgrade, September 29, 2025 — The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) hosted another edition of its renowned Horizons Discussions series, featuring Zachary Karabell, prominent American author, investor, and founder of The Progress Network, in conversation with Vuk Jeremić, CIRSD President and former President of the UN General Assembly.
Read more
Global Preventive Diplomacy Initiative Launched in New York Ahead of UNGA 80
New York, NY — The Global Preventive Diplomacy Initiative (GPDI) was launched at an exclusive event organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) on the top floor of New York’s iconic MetLife Building, bringing together diplomats, philanthropists, business leaders, academics, and thought leaders for a conversation on the future of conflict prevention and international cooperation. The launch came just days before the opening of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which annually brings together heads of state and government for the High-Level General Debate — making New York the world’s diplomatic capital.
Read more
Eighty years after its founding, the UN finds itself at a critical juncture. Its purpose is on trial, and its mission urgently requires recalibration. The world it inherited from the scorches of the Second World War no longer exists, yet many of the organisation’s practices remain rooted in a bygone era – out of sync with today’s realities and detached from those it was created to serve.
Read more