MGIMO Journal: the new English Digest is out

14 April 2025

We are delighted to present you with the latest issue of MGIMO Journal Digest covering the highlights of the 80th anniversary of MGIMO.

The digest features:

• A Conversation with Anatoly Torkunov, MGIMO Rector

In this issue Anatoly Torkunov shares memories of his time at university, MGIMO community, and the specifics of working during perestroika, as well as modern achievements of the university. Rector Torkunov also talks about the role MGIMO has in the Priority 2030 state program and the university’s progress in achieving technological leadership.

• The MGIMO 80th Anniversary Celebrations

Alongside major MGIMO development projects the anniversary year will be remembered for special events including alumni meetings, networking opportunities, sports events.
These are the Rector's Cup Golf Tournament in Zavidovo, Alumni Meetings upon Neva and in countries of the Persian Gulf, and the School of International Economic Relations class of ‘84 reunion. There is a special feature about the gala event that took place in the Great Hall of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory on October 14 and gathered more than 1600 people — MGIMO friends, faculty, staff, and graduates. As always, a MGIMO delegation, comprising the university leadership and prominent graduates, participated in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). To learn about the 27th SPIEF, including and the agreements signed there, read our report 'Emmerson Mnangagwa and Luis Arce Were Here.'

MGIMO was also a key partner at the World Youth Festival held in Sirius federal territory. More on the university's involvement can be found in the featured article.

The issue also explores the history of MGIMO’s main building in southwest Moscow and the development of its infrastructure. Readers will learn about the monument to Alexander Pushkin on the university’s Alley of Friendship, along with other historical monuments located on campus and in the main building.

• Topical Interviews with Prominent MGIMO Graduates:

A famous quote from Alexander Griboyedov’s Woe from Wit “And who are the judges?” serves as a title for interviews with distinguished alumni of MGIMO’s International Law School:
- Mikhail Lobov, Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation (the class of ’92)
- Alexey Dronov, Chairman of the Court of the Eurasian Economic Union (the class of ’94)
- Tamara Shashikhina, Director of MGIMO European Studies Institute (the class of ’96)

Interviews with MGIMO alumni holding prestigious positions as senators, each sharing their success story:
- Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council (the class of ’84)
- Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs (the class of ’74)
- Vladimir Chizhov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security (the class of ’76)
- Ilyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education, and Culture (the class of ’79)

• Success Stories of Graduates:

- An interview with Dmitry Stolkov (the class of ’05) on his career path in the Presidential Executive Office, involvement in the creation of the "Roscongress" Foundation, and the challenges of organizing major dialogue platforms such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) and the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
- Dmitry Dangauer, Director General at Russian Fish Co. Cjsc (the class of ’99) – on students helping out each other at MGIMO, the importance of motivation and setting clear goals.
- Alena Polyanichko, Director Of Public Relations at Mercury – on the unique MGIMO dynasty of the Pankovs – Polyanichkos – Voronins – Ognevs.
- Marina Petrova, Director of the MGIMO Endowment– on the creation of the fund, her career path, the importance of developing endowment culture in Russia, and the future of the MGIMO Endowment.

• In Trends:

MGIMO Network Programs with Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management and Russian international Olympic University.

The visit of Rector Torkunov to Samara University named after S. Korolev, where he toured the Aviation Engines History Centre and the regional center for development of public diplomacy and international relations named after E. Primakov, held a series of meetings, and answered questions from students.

• In Details:

An interview with Valery Salygin, Director of the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy (MIEP MGIMO) titled "MIEP – A School of Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics", along with a series of mini-interviews with MIEP graduates working at Rosneft, Transneft, Norilsk Nickel, and Gazprombank.

MGIMO Journal is published with support of the MGIMO Endowment Fund.

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