News in Press-centre

The Diplomacy Laboratory Network for the study of BRICS perspectives is established at Oriental Institute–School of Regional and International Studies, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU OI–SRIS). The new research and expert center will develop analytical documents on the key areas of Russian foreign policy and those of ensuring mutually advantageous multilateral cooperation within the BRICS alliance, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

According to Victoria Panova, Director of OI–SRIS, Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning, National Committee on BRICS Research, FEFU will become one of the reference points for analytical and expert research on the BRICS, the interaction of the civil society, business, and youth with alliance governments, G20, and other international institutions.

"We have an agreement with the National Committee on BRICS Research, which provides strategic and expert support for the BRICS activities, and arranges, with the support of the Russian Government, for the so-called Track Two and Track One and a Half activities—the academic, civil, and youth BRICS forums," pointed out Victoria Panova. "Prior to the laboratory has been officially set up, the OI–SRIS experts, together with the representatives of the National Committee on BRICS Research, participated in the preparation of the document submitted to the leaders of the five countries at the forum this year. We will continue this work in the future. Moreover, apparently, the division of labor will occur, and we will be ready to take the lead over a number of areas, traditionally strong at FEFU."

It is scheduled not only to engage the faculty of various Schools of the University in the new laboratory, but also to cultivate a new generation of foreign-policy experts from students, undergraduates and graduate students of the University.

"They will participate in the outreach and main activities of the BRICS, as well as the G20. The brightest participants will have a chance to go to the summits as part of the international network expert group, supervised by John Kirton, the world-renowned Professor of the University of Toronto," said Victoria Panova. "We raise professionals, who even at the stage of training will be aware of international political issues and will participate in the events of international level."