Guest Columnist By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
The School of Preventive Public Diplomacy, from November 30 to December 13, held panel discussions on “Preventive Public Diplomacy in Ensuring Global and Eurasian Security” at the Eurasian Network University. This program was organized by the Scientific and Educational Center “Globus XXI Century” of the Faculty of Global Processes of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Foundation for Public Diplomacy, and the State University of Management.
At the start of the program on November 30, within the School’s framework, the panel discussions included practical sessions where course participants worked on specific case studies related to the implementation of preventive public diplomacy measures.
Opening the panel discussion, Dmitry Bryukhanov, Vice-Rector of the State University of Management, introduced the participants and representatives of the academic community from EAEU countries to the structure and principles of the Eurasian Network University, which has been operating at the State University of Management for several years. The Eurasian Network University serves as a platform to implement the concept proposed by President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, about the so-called “fifth freedom,” which focuses on the freedom of knowledge within the economic space. Currently, the Eurasian Network University partners with 32 universities from five countries within the EAEU. Bryukhanov highlighted the key role of Lomonosov Moscow State University, especially its Faculty of Global Processes, as one of the main partners of the university network.
Ilya Shershnev, President of the Foundation for Public Diplomacy and Director of the Scientific and Educational Center “Globus XXI Century” of the Faculty of Global Processes at Moscow State University, emphasized that the public’s role in preventive diplomacy should occupy a significant position. The expert noted that this area started to develop at Moscow State University in 2022 when the first School of Preventive Public Diplomacy was organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the “Tashkent Treaty” and to mark the opening of a new humanitarian dimension in collective security and preventive public diplomacy. The School of Preventive Public Diplomacy aims to develop personnel, educational, scientific, methodological, and organizational frameworks to strengthen the security of integration projects in both the Eurasian and global spaces (CIS, CSTO, EAEU, SCO, BRICS and UN).
The speaker stressed the importance of mastering the art of preventive public diplomacy, which depends on the ability to negotiate, mitigate sharp contradictions, quickly respond to political processes, and act proactively. He expressed hope that the decisions made during the panel discussion will serve as a theoretical and practical foundation for future training in the field of preventive public diplomacy.
Igor Krugovykh, Deputy Director of the Scientific and Educational Center “Globus XXI Century” of the Faculty of Global Processes of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Chairman of the Board of the Moscow Regional Organization “Assembly of the Peoples of Russia,” and Deputy Chairman of the Council on Nationalities under the Moscow Government, called for the activation of the international public movement “World Creation,” emphasizing that the movement is apolitical. It is based on scientists, educators, and students.
According to the expert, a broader dialogue with public organizations across the Eurasian space working in the field of preventing security threats is especially necessary today. Krugovykh proposed developing a seminar program for the Eurasian University, with key points including the preservation of traditional values, mutual respect, and educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism.
The expert highlighted the importance of noting, in the upcoming year 2025—designated as the year to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory—the role of the former Soviet republics in the fight against fascism. Furthermore, Krugovykh suggested organizing a film festival featuring films made during the Great Patriotic War in Central Asia, where all major film studios were relocated at the time.
Sergey Baranov, a member of the Izborsky Club, coordinator of the Expert Council of the “Russian Dream” National Public Movement, political sociologist, ethno-sociologist, philosopher, and Candidate of Sociological Sciences, stressed the importance of forming a sovereign civilizational philosophical position for the EAEU and engaging in public diplomacy to ensure Eurasian security.
He noted that foreign world views, particularly Western ones, are unlikely to benefit the peoples of Northern Eurasia. As a foundation, he proposed drawing upon the heritage of Russian philosophy from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.
Baranov emphasized the historiosophy of individual civilizations and Russian spiritual metaphysics. In historiosophy, he outlined seven different continuous platforms for defining Russia’s civilization and its neighbors. Within Russian spiritual metaphysics, Baranov highlighted two key directions in contradictory unity: the philosophy of universal unity and personalism. Both, he argued, can serve as the foundation for a philosophy of the new 21st-century world order.
Vadim Tedeev, Rector of South Ossetian State University, stated that the world is on the verge of a nuclear war, provoked by the United States and its allies. He emphasized that leaders of all nations must carefully weigh every step on the international stage, avoid hasty decisions, and consider the losses each country might suffer by becoming involved in any crisis or conflict.
In the current acute geopolitical situation caused by the West, the Special Military Operation (SMO) is the sole force contributing to geopolitical stability. It is clear to everyone that this is not a war between Russia and Ukraine, but rather a struggle between Russia and the entire NATO bloc, with Ukraine chosen by the West as a foothold for attacking Russia, and the Ukrainian people sacrificed to the insatiable and inhumane Western greed for profit.
The task of all sane-minded people across the post-Soviet space is to make every effort to prevent conflicts similar to the Ukrainian one in other Eurasian regions. Such attempts are being actively made, and we are all well aware of this. In all the former Soviet republics, numerous Western and Turkish non-governmental organizations conduct subversive activities. They engage in destructive actions aimed at destabilizing the population, spreading Russophobia everywhere, and grossly distorting historical facts.
According to the expert, South Ossetia stands as a reliable ally of Russia in the region and a key guarantor of security in the Eurasian space. In the area of the Special Military Operation (SMO), young men from South Ossetia are fighting alongside Russian military forces. In this context, the expert expressed confusion regarding the position of CSTO countries, which not only fail to provide military assistance to Russia but are also wary of sanctions from the United States.
According to Vadim Tedeev, all Eurasian states must closely monitor the activities of Western and Turkish NGOs that spread Russophobia, distort historical facts, and destabilize the situation. Tedeev also touched upon an essential issue for every devout resident of South Ossetia, namely the recognition of the Alan Diocese by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Dmitry Soin, a deputy of the 5th convocation of the Supreme Council of Transnistria, Rector of the International Law Institute (JUSTO) and professor, spoke about his service in the Transnistrian security forces since 1993 and the negative role that Western foundations, NGOs, and resource centers already played back then.
Dmitry Soin believes it is critical to foster the creation of public organizations, especially youth-oriented ones that educate, provide means for youth consolidation, and offer young people opportunities not provided by Western NGOs. The expert cited the International Youth Corporation “Breakthrough” as an example of a project that has entered the political history of the region. This project played an important role in halting the Orange Revolution in Transnistria.
Dmitry Soin stated that public diplomacy requires a leader-communicator, a person capable of finding allies in different countries, building proper connections, and motivating people to act. According to the expert, such efforts could include interagency joint platforms where students from various universities and organizations can obtain skills in communication, promotion, image-building, and more. Public diplomats, the speaker believes, require ongoing support, which is key to achieving visible results.
Alexander Berdnikov, Vice President of the Public Diplomacy Fund and Chair of the Commission on Public Security and Public Diplomacy of the Council for Nationalities under the Moscow Government, believes that the main aspect of public diplomacy is the humanitarian component.
According to the expert, the humanitarian mission consists of many factors: creating an educational base, supporting humanitarian projects in public activities and culture, museum work, youth projects, aiding the healthcare system, and even supporting the military sphere when it comes to conflict resolution. Preparing specialists and leaders of public organizations is vital.
The goal of public diplomacy, according to Berdnikov, is the development of new relations with countries, which can be termed as geo-cultural struggle. He emphasized that an analysis of information flows in recent years demonstrates activities directed against Russia. The collective West has set itself the task of weakening our country and, if possible, dismembering it akin to the Soviet Union.
The expert also shared information on the implementation of the Public Diplomacy School for leaders of non-governmental organizations within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as the School of Preventive Public Diplomacy with CSTO member states and other countries.
According to Berdnikov, the public diplomacy school is a highly relevant project for students and young scholars, as it combines academic and practical activities. Skills in managing conflict development, crafting strategies for constructive conflict resolution, as well as organizing and conducting conflict prevention activities, are crucial competencies for young specialists. These skills not only enhance their professional competitiveness in the job market but also expand their scope of activities.
Nina Dimoglo, a television host, journalist, and public figure from the Republic of Moldova, outlined the situation in Moldova starting from the collapse of the USSR, when the republic found itself detached from the unified linguistic, economic, cultural, legal, and political space. In this situation, under the pretext of providing assistance, American, European funds, and NGOs became active. These organizations aimed to create a society loyal to the West and fostered confrontation with Russia. These NGOs, however, became the main tools of ideological warfare against Russia in Moldova.
Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.
