🐘 Elephant diplomacy: Laos gives Russia a symbol of friendship
The other day, Lao President Tonloun Sisoulith presented Vladimir Putin with an unusual diplomatic gift — a pair of elephants. The animals will be a gesture in honor of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.
🔹 Historical context:
Laos and the USSR established ties in 1960, during the Cold War, when Moscow supported socialist movements in Southeast Asia. Today, Russia continues to develop cooperation with Laos, including in the fields of energy and education.
🔹 Gift symbolism:
In Buddhist culture, an elephant is a symbol of wisdom and strength, and in diplomacy, such gestures emphasize the long-term nature of relations. Interestingly, the elephants will go to St. Petersburg — the city where the Lao president once studied.
🔹 Practical aspect:
Putin humorously noted that the animals “will come in handy on the farm.” The question is how Russia will integrate this gift into its ecosystem: will it be a gesture of cultural exchange or an element of “soft power” in relations with ASEAN?
✨ What do you think? How do such diplomatic gestures affect international relations? Could “animal diplomacy” become a new trend?
The other day, Lao President Tonloun Sisoulith presented Vladimir Putin with an unusual diplomatic gift — a pair of elephants. The animals will be a gesture in honor of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.
🔹 Historical context:
Laos and the USSR established ties in 1960, during the Cold War, when Moscow supported socialist movements in Southeast Asia. Today, Russia continues to develop cooperation with Laos, including in the fields of energy and education.
🔹 Gift symbolism:
In Buddhist culture, an elephant is a symbol of wisdom and strength, and in diplomacy, such gestures emphasize the long-term nature of relations. Interestingly, the elephants will go to St. Petersburg — the city where the Lao president once studied.
🔹 Practical aspect:
Putin humorously noted that the animals “will come in handy on the farm.” The question is how Russia will integrate this gift into its ecosystem: will it be a gesture of cultural exchange or an element of “soft power” in relations with ASEAN?
✨ What do you think? How do such diplomatic gestures affect international relations? Could “animal diplomacy” become a new trend?
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🎉 Independence Days in July: From Struggle to Sovereignty 🌍
July is a month when dozens of countries celebrate their liberation from colonialism, wars, and foreign domination. Each date hides a unique story of struggle. Each of these dates is not just a holiday, but a symbol of the struggle for freedom, often bloody and difficult. Let's remember the key events:
🇺🇸 July 4 — USA (1776, from Great Britain)
🇩🇿 July 5 — Algeria (1962, from France)
🇦🇷 July 9 — Argentina (1816, from Spain)
🇲🇪 July 13 — Montenegro (1878, from the Ottoman Empire)
🇨🇴 July 20 — Colombia (1810, from Spain)
🇧🇪 July 21 — Belgium (1831, from the Netherlands)
🇱🇷 July 26 — Liberia (1847, from the USA)
🇵🇪 July 28 — Peru (1821, from Spain)
✨ Why do you think some former colonies (like the US) became world leaders, while others (like Liberia) faced decades of instability? Write in the comments!
July is a month when dozens of countries celebrate their liberation from colonialism, wars, and foreign domination. Each date hides a unique story of struggle. Each of these dates is not just a holiday, but a symbol of the struggle for freedom, often bloody and difficult. Let's remember the key events:
🇺🇸 July 4 — USA (1776, from Great Britain)
🔹 The War of Independence (1775–1783) began with protests against taxes without representation. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, but real freedom came only after the victory at Yorktown (1781).
🇩🇿 July 5 — Algeria (1962, from France)
🔹 One of the bloodiest wars of decolonization (1954–1962). Up to 1.5 million Algerians died. France recognized independence only after a referendum, but relations are still tense.
🇦🇷 July 9 — Argentina (1816, from Spain)
🔹 The Latin American wars of independence were led by José de San Martín and other revolutionaries. The Congress of Tucuman declared sovereignty, but a unified state was formed later.
🇲🇪 July 13 — Montenegro (1878, from the Ottoman Empire)
🔹 The Congress of Berlin recognized the independence of Montenegro after centuries of resistance to the Turks. However, in 1918 it was absorbed by Yugoslavia, and the country only gained new sovereignty in 2006.
🇨🇴 July 20 — Colombia (1810, from Spain)
🔹 The "Cry of Independence" in Bogotá marked the beginning of the liberation war led by Simon Bolivar. But real independence came only in 1819 after the Battle of Boyacá.
🇧🇪 July 21 — Belgium (1831, from the Netherlands)
🔹 After the Revolution of 1830, the Catholic south of the Netherlands seceded. The Great Powers recognized Belgium as a buffer kingdom, placing the German prince Leopold I on the throne.
🇱🇷 July 26 — Liberia (1847, from the USA)
🔹 Founded by freed African-American slaves. Formally, it was the first republic in Africa, but local tribes were excluded from power, which later led to civil wars.
🇵🇪 July 28 — Peru (1821, from Spain)
🔹 José de San Martín declared independence in Lima, but the Spanish resisted until 1824 (Battle of Ayacucho). Even after that, political instability reigned in the country for a long time.
✨ Why do you think some former colonies (like the US) became world leaders, while others (like Liberia) faced decades of instability? Write in the comments!
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🔍 The main challenge to democracy in Moldova
🌏 Friends, we are in a hurry to share with you the analysis from Alexey Malinin, a political scientist, co-founder of our center and expert of the "Digoria club".
👉 Read the full article at the link
✨ What do you think is more threatening to democratic institutions today — internal decisions or external influence? Share your opinion in the comments!
“The actions of Moldovan own authorities pose a much greater danger to Moldovan democracy than any external forces”
👉 Read the full article at the link
✨ What do you think is more threatening to democratic institutions today — internal decisions or external influence? Share your opinion in the comments!
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Алексей Малинин 🌐
Соучредитель АНО "Центр международного взаимодействия и сотрудничества", член экспертного клуба "Дигория", эксперт ЭИСИ
Для связи: a.malinin@ciic.site
Канал нашего центра: https://t.me/ciic_world
Для связи: a.malinin@ciic.site
Канал нашего центра: https://t.me/ciic_world
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Friends, we are actively developing our social networks, but the most important thing for us is your participation!
✍️ We already have an excellent resource on VKontakte, where we publish relevant Russian-language content. Now we want to give the floor to you!
If you have something to say about world events, politics, economics or culture, send us your texts. The best materials will be published with the author's name indicated.
📌 We are already publishing analytics from subscribers in Telegram - now we are expanding the possibilities for VK authors too!
✨ Write with soul, think boldly - your opinion is important for the community! Subscribe to our Center
* Meta recognized as an extremist organization, its activities are prohibited in Russia.
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Центр международного взаимодействия и сотрудничества - некоммерческая организация, которая создана и работает в целях развития гуманитарного, общественно-политического, социально-экономического, научного, культурного и информационного сотрудничества между…
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Inspiring stories of international students and entrepreneurs in Russia
At a recent meeting within the "Horizons of Opportunities" program, our participants heard inspiring stories of international students and entrepreneurs who have achieved success in Russia.
🔹 Henrique Dominguez (Adviser to the President of Brazil) shared how Russian education helped him understand international trade and sanctions policy. He graduated with honors and emphasized: the main thing in learning a language is desire!
🔹 Natalia Radivoevich (Coordinator of the Ministry of Defense of Serbia) told how studying in Russia opened the doors to diplomacy, helped her establish valuable connections and even inspired her to write a doctoral dissertation. Her advice: use opportunities for growth, be open to new things and don’t be afraid to change direction.
🔹 Akil Mohammad is an entrepreneur from India who, thanks to a Russian grant, organized an international forum and created a business in several countries. His key principles are courage, networking and a strong team.
🔹 Guy Eames (entrepreneur from the UK) moved to Russia permanently and highly appreciated the quality of life, business opportunities and hospitality. He advises foreigners to start with an individual entrepreneur status and actively participate in local business programs.
✨ It is important for us that everyone finds their own path to success - be it education, career or business. Russia opens the doors to a world of opportunities, where your efforts turn into real achievements.
At a recent meeting within the "Horizons of Opportunities" program, our participants heard inspiring stories of international students and entrepreneurs who have achieved success in Russia.
🔹 Henrique Dominguez (Adviser to the President of Brazil) shared how Russian education helped him understand international trade and sanctions policy. He graduated with honors and emphasized: the main thing in learning a language is desire!
🔹 Natalia Radivoevich (Coordinator of the Ministry of Defense of Serbia) told how studying in Russia opened the doors to diplomacy, helped her establish valuable connections and even inspired her to write a doctoral dissertation. Her advice: use opportunities for growth, be open to new things and don’t be afraid to change direction.
🔹 Akil Mohammad is an entrepreneur from India who, thanks to a Russian grant, organized an international forum and created a business in several countries. His key principles are courage, networking and a strong team.
🔹 Guy Eames (entrepreneur from the UK) moved to Russia permanently and highly appreciated the quality of life, business opportunities and hospitality. He advises foreigners to start with an individual entrepreneur status and actively participate in local business programs.
✨ It is important for us that everyone finds their own path to success - be it education, career or business. Russia opens the doors to a world of opportunities, where your efforts turn into real achievements.
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🌍 Registration for the BRICS International School is now open
Friends, we are always happy to share the worthwhile projects of our colleagues with you!
⚡️ In the fall, Moscow will host the BRICS International School: New Generation, a flagship educational and outreach project of the BRICS-Russia Expert Council.
📎 The School is held with the support of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the aim of expanding the association of young experts to form a personnel reserve and develop the BRICS youth track.
Participants will find:
⚡️ lectures by leading Russian and foreign experts on BRICS topics;
⚡️ workshops, business games, debates, and discussions;
⚡️ the opportunity to study the interaction of BRICS member countries and the prospects for the development of the association;
⚡️ practical work on your own projects.
Working language: English.
⚡️ Who can participate?
Young professionals aged 18 to 35 are welcome to participate:
▪️young scientists;
▪️diplomats, representatives of relevant ministries and agencies;
▪️political scientists, experts from research centers;
▪️international journalists;
▪️entrepreneurs and leaders of youth movements.
⏰ Applications are accepted until September 15. The selection of participants will be carried out on a competitive basis.
➡ Details and participation conditions are available on the project website: bricsschool.ru/
Friends, we are always happy to share the worthwhile projects of our colleagues with you!
📎 The School is held with the support of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the aim of expanding the association of young experts to form a personnel reserve and develop the BRICS youth track.
Participants will find:
Working language: English.
Young professionals aged 18 to 35 are welcome to participate:
▪️young scientists;
▪️diplomats, representatives of relevant ministries and agencies;
▪️political scientists, experts from research centers;
▪️international journalists;
▪️entrepreneurs and leaders of youth movements.
⏰ Applications are accepted until September 15. The selection of participants will be carried out on a competitive basis.
➡ Details and participation conditions are available on the project website: bricsschool.ru/
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Trump and Putin meeting this Friday – what’s behind it?
Unexpected negotiations between two key figures in world politics always raise questions: Is this an attempt to ease tensions or, on the contrary, a new round of strategic games? What topics could be on the table – Ukraine, sanctions, energy, US elections? How will this affect global alliances and the economy?
Putin and Trump will meet in Anchorage on August 15. These will be the first face-to-face talks between the two heads of state since June 2021, when Putin met with then-Washington administration leader Joe Biden in Geneva.
📌 Write your analytical note (in brief or in detail) – we will collect key ideas, test hypotheses and publish a general overview.
💬 Let’s discuss in the comments:
Write, discuss, send us your analytical notes in messages – let’s figure out this story together! 🚀
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🗞 CIIC Weekly Digest
While the whole world is waiting for Putin and Trump to negotiate, we will tell you what important things happened this week in other countries.
🇧🇷 Brazil fears additional tariffs from the US
🇮🇶 Iraq faces acute water shortages
🇰🇷 South Korea detains ex-president's wife
🇵🇰 Pakistani textile workers strike for decent wages
🇩🇪 The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become the most popular party in the country
#CIIC_digest
While the whole world is waiting for Putin and Trump to negotiate, we will tell you what important things happened this week in other countries.
Because it buys fuel from Russia, the Financial Times writes.
"Brazil fears additional tariffs from the US because of its purchases of Russian diesel fuel," the headline of the publication says.
According to the publication, Brazilian politicians and business leaders believe that their country could be the next to face additional tariffs after India.
Iraq is facing an acute water shortage amid a severe drought and a decrease in water inflows from neighboring countries, RIA Novosti reported.
Iraqi authorities attribute the crisis not only to climate conditions, but also to dams built by Turkey and Iran on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which play a key role in the country's life support. Earlier, Iraqi Water Minister Aoun Diab announced record low water reserves in many years, warning of a possible halt in crop production due to a sharp deficit.
Former first lady of South Korea Kim Kong-hee, the wife of the country's ex-president Yun Seok-yul, has been detained on charges of involvement in securities fraud, election interference and bribery, Yonhap news agency reports.
Pakistan remains one of the leading countries in textile production due to its low labor costs. According to open data, Zara, H&M, Mango and many other well-known Russian companies place orders in the country. Local workers work 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week with minimal breaks. Enterprises do not have health insurance, paid vacations or pension contributions. At the same time, the minimum wage in the industry barely exceeds 25,000 rupees ($285).
Recall that the coalition of the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party of Germany is currently in power in Germany. Thus, in total, the ruling coalition is supported by only about 37% of the population. Nevertheless, the growth in support for the far right could lead to changes in the country's political landscape and potential new alliances, but this time with the AfD.
The survey involved 2,505 respondents, taking into account the representative sample. It is part of a series of regular surveys known as the "Sonntagsfrage" ("Sunday Question"), which simulate the results of elections if they were held next Sunday.
#CIIC_digest
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🇷🇺🇺🇸Putin and Trump meet: dialogue amid challenges
On Friday, forces emerged at the American military base in Anchorage that attracted the attention of the entire world: Vladimir Putin and Trump met face to face after a long break.
The solemn atmosphere — a red carpet, an honor guard, and a warm handshake between the hosts — set the tone for the dialogue. However, behind the politeness of the external convention were complex issues that needed to be addressed.
What did the presidents talk about?
📌 Security guarantees for Ukraine
📌 Possible ways to resolve the conflict
📌 Prospects for Russian-American relations
The president noted that he discussed the future of Ukraine with Putin and even advised Zelensky to “agree to a move” that remained behind the scenes.
The significance of the meeting: a step forward or the status quo?
Three-hour internationals do not bring breakthrough agreements, but they maintain contrasting positions for the sides. The main result, perhaps, was the continuation of the dialogue at the meeting level.
🌏 Expert opinion
Do you think such a dialogue has learned to change the balance of power in the world? Share your opinions in the comments!
On Friday, forces emerged at the American military base in Anchorage that attracted the attention of the entire world: Vladimir Putin and Trump met face to face after a long break.
The solemn atmosphere — a red carpet, an honor guard, and a warm handshake between the hosts — set the tone for the dialogue. However, behind the politeness of the external convention were complex issues that needed to be addressed.
What did the presidents talk about?
The president noted that he discussed the future of Ukraine with Putin and even advised Zelensky to “agree to a move” that remained behind the scenes.
The significance of the meeting: a step forward or the status quo?
Three-hour internationals do not bring breakthrough agreements, but they maintain contrasting positions for the sides. The main result, perhaps, was the continuation of the dialogue at the meeting level.
In an exclusive article for Газета.ru, political scientist Alexander Nazarov analyzes how this meeting can represent an international agenda.
📎 Read the full version at the link: https://www.gazeta.ru/politics/2025/08/16/21544526.shtml
The analysis is presented exclusively for Газета.ru in Russian and can be translated via an in-browser translator
Do you think such a dialogue has learned to change the balance of power in the world? Share your opinions in the comments!
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Газета.Ru
Первая полоса
Новости сегодня: актуальные новости России и мира, события дня и последнего часа, аналитика, мнения, комментарии, видео, информационная лента новостей.
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🚀 How the "Horizons of Opportunities" program helps turn a dream into a career vector
The "Horizons of Opportunities" program continues its active work.
While participants deepen their knowledge in lectures and acquire valuable professional competencies in practice, we were interested in what career goal inspires them.
☝🏽 Check out the stories of our participants in the cards below!
We are confident that these aspirations have every reason to become reality in the future. For our part, we will make every effort to help achieve these goals.
🌏 Stay up to date with the latest news and event announcements by subscribing to our information resources.
The "Horizons of Opportunities" program continues its active work.
While participants deepen their knowledge in lectures and acquire valuable professional competencies in practice, we were interested in what career goal inspires them.
☝🏽 Check out the stories of our participants in the cards below!
We are confident that these aspirations have every reason to become reality in the future. For our part, we will make every effort to help achieve these goals.
🌏 Stay up to date with the latest news and event announcements by subscribing to our information resources.
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First Round in Bolivia: Crisis of the Left and an Unexpected Frontrunner
🇧🇴 The results of the first round in Bolivia shocked many: the poll favorite failed, and the ruling MAS crashed out of the race. For the first time in many years.
The key factor is the brutal split on the left between Morales and Arce. Their ambitions have buried the chances of the entire movement.
The CIIC co-founder, Maria Prokofieva, has prepared a special article for our channel dedicated to how this crisis happened and what awaits us in the second round.
🔗 A detailed analysis of the election results is available at the link
Now the country is choosing between two scenarios: a pragmatic "post-ideological" Bolivia or a turn towards the United States.
🇧🇴 The results of the first round in Bolivia shocked many: the poll favorite failed, and the ruling MAS crashed out of the race. For the first time in many years.
The key factor is the brutal split on the left between Morales and Arce. Their ambitions have buried the chances of the entire movement.
The CIIC co-founder, Maria Prokofieva, has prepared a special article for our channel dedicated to how this crisis happened and what awaits us in the second round.
The outcome of the second round is unpredictable, and the gap between the candidates is minimal. Bolivia stands at the threshold of a fundamental choice that will determine not only its internal development but also its place in the system of regional and global alliances.
🔗 A detailed analysis of the election results is available at the link
Now the country is choosing between two scenarios: a pragmatic "post-ideological" Bolivia or a turn towards the United States.
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💫 Applications for participation in the 2nd School of Electoral Experts are now open!
Friends, we are launching our flagship project again. We invite you to participate in the 2nd School of Electoral Experts!
Our goal is to train highly qualified experts to make elections more transparent and accessible around the world.
🌏 The 2nd School of Electoral Experts is a project that will help you conduct independent election monitoring and get acquainted with new electoral technologies.
🇷🇺 The lessons will be held in Moscow on November 6-7, as part of the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Ensuring Observation and Expertise of Electoral Processes" (with the grant support of the Presidential Grants Foundation).
⚡️ We invite Russian and international youth and student aged 18 to 35, fluent in English or Russian and interested in law studies or political science.
Kindly note: the participation is free, the organizers cover meals during the event and provide visa support.
⚡️ Deadline: September 29
🧷 Registration links http://ciic.site/electoralschool
Share information with your colleagues! See you in November
Friends, we are launching our flagship project again. We invite you to participate in the 2nd School of Electoral Experts!
Our goal is to train highly qualified experts to make elections more transparent and accessible around the world.
Kindly note: the participation is free, the organizers cover meals during the event and provide visa support.
Share information with your colleagues! See you in November
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II Школа электоральных экспертов 2026
Москва, 14 -15 апреля 2026. Стань экспертом в сфере международного электорального наблюдения!
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🇷🇺 How to build relations with Russia?
On Friday, as part of the "Horizons of Opportunities" program, a thematic session was held on the evolution of the Russian Federation's foreign policy in the 21st century.
The event was held with the participation of an invited expert, Director of the Institute of World Military Economy and Strategy of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) Dmitry Trenin.
🌏 During the lecture, Professor Trenin presented his own analysis of the key stages, principles, and vectors of the formation of Russia's modern foreign policy strategy.
We have collected for you a selection of literature from our expert so that you can immerse yourself in this topic:
📌 D. Trenin "Integration and Identity: Russia as a "New West""
📌 D. Trenin "European Security: From "As Long as There Is No War" to the Search for a New Balance"
On Friday, as part of the "Horizons of Opportunities" program, a thematic session was held on the evolution of the Russian Federation's foreign policy in the 21st century.
The event was held with the participation of an invited expert, Director of the Institute of World Military Economy and Strategy of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) Dmitry Trenin.
We have collected for you a selection of literature from our expert so that you can immerse yourself in this topic:
This monograph examines the period of the early 2000s and Russia's search for its role in the system of international relations after the Cold War, and analyzes the potential for rapprochement with the West.
Since the end of the Cold War, the countries of the Euro-Atlantic region have failed to create a comprehensive security system on the continent that would include Russia. This is the main reason for the serious problems in the sphere of European security.
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