Russia and China Becoming Closer

On July 3-10, the IV International Russian-Chinese Summer School on International Relations, ‘Space and Time in the Eurasian Era,’ took place in Moscow. The event was organized by the HSE and East China Normal University. A total of 15 Russian and 12 Chinese students are taking part in the summer school. The summer school, whose working language is English, is intended for undergraduate and graduate students from Russia and China that are interested in international relations.

On July 3-10, the IV International Russian-Chinese Summer School on International Relations, ‘Space and Time in the Eurasian Era,’ is taking place in Moscow. The event was organized by the HSE and East China Normal University.

A total of 15 Russian and 12 Chinese students are taking part in the summer school. The summer school, whose working language is English, is intended for undergraduate and graduate students from Russia and China that are interested in international relations.

Among the lecturers from the HSE are Sergey Karaganov, Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs; Timofey Bordachev, Deputy Dean for Strategic Planning, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs; Oleg Barabanov, Professor of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs (Department of International Affairs); Evgeny Kanaev, Professor of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs;  Igor Macarov, lecturer of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs; Alina Savelyeva, lecturer of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs and Dmitry Suslov, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs (Department of International Affairs).  Igor Pellicciari, University of Salento's professor, who is joining the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs next year also gave a lecture.

The traditional Sunday master class was given by Fedor Lukyanov, editor in chief of the journal Russia in Global Affairs. East China Normal University was represented by professors Li Wei, Yang Cheng, Zhang Xin.

This year, the work of the school focuses on the development of the Asian Pacific region and Russia’s increasing involvement in the economic and political processes of the region. ‘In 2014, there were a number of important geopolitical shifts and milestone events that demonstrated that Russia’s turn towards Asia is becoming increasingly important for both Russia and its Asian neighbors and partners,' commented Alina Savelyeva, Assistant Dean for International Cooperation from the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at the HSE, and member of the summer school’s organizing committee. ‘That is why we decided to focus on the untapped potential of Russia as the largest country whose history is inextricably linked with the region,’ she added.

The majority of Russian lecturers presented their views of the development of Siberia and the Far East, as well as the structural factors that are part of world economics and politics, such as climate, water, food and other opportunities Russia could use to strengthen positive cooperation at the regional and global level. Chinese lecturers in turn focused attention on the misalignment in world politics and economics in Eurasia.

Last year I was a participant in the Third Summer School, and it became one of the deciding factors in choosing my scientific career. 

Dmitry Novikov
Postgraduate student at the Department of International Affairs

 

Dmitry Novikov, postgraduate HSE student and member of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the HSE, shares his impressions of the school: ‘The summer school, held annually by the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, is characterized by its surprisingly friendly and easygoing atmosphere. Undergraduates and graduates from the two countries can exchange ideas and thoughts on key issues in politics and the world economy and discuss them with experts. Last year I was a participant in the Third Summer School, and it became one of the deciding factors in choosing my scientific career. Now, I work at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies.’

Volunteers take part in the school’s organization, helping lead different cultural activities such as Russian and Chinese cultural nights, which allow for a deeper understanding of the traditions and cultures of the two countries.

According to Alina Savelyeva, the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs is continually developing its cooperation with East China Normal University, which now consists of ongoing lectures by Russian and Chinese experts, master classes, and regular exchanges among undergraduates and graduates for internships and participation in the summer schools.