Research with Rhetoric
IRGS professors and students break down barriers in research during a conference on rhetoric in world politics by embracing the power of conversation.
On 11 April, two representatives of the Bachelor’s Programme International Relations and Global Studies (IRGS) gave presentations in the Political Science section of the "Vectors" conference, held at the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences. The participants were Iain Ferguson, a lecturer for the course Introduction to International Relations, and Ivan Pokatilov, a second-year student and research intern at the Laboratory of Political Geography and Contemporary Geopolitics. The IRGS Press Centre is pleased to share a brief report on their participation.
The session in which they presented carried the intriguing title: “From Words to Actions: Theoretical and Methodological Issues of Political Rhetoric in (Contemporary) International Relations”. As the title suggests, the focus was on political rhetoric—how language shapes and constitutes the political world. This emphasis on discourse remains somewhat unconventional within international relations research, yet it offers a fresh lens through which to explore the roots of political action and interaction.
“I see rhetoric as both a key empirical reference for my research and as something I actively produce when writing academic papers,” said Professor Ferguson in his remarks to the press centre. “When I used to teach academic writing, I often referred to books on rhetorical composition — covering argumentation, style, and persuasion. These are all essential elements of rhetorical practice in writing.
Rhetoric also takes shape in international documents that emerge from deliberation and negotiation — such as the United Nations Charter, which I discussed in today’s Introduction to IR lecture. Documents like these illustrate why rhetoric is a foundational empirical category in my work. Analysing rhetoric in international affairs requires a sensitivity to what kind of evidence we’re dealing with, and how we communicate that to academic readers — or, in the case of a presentation, to an audience.
I see enormous potential in the study of rhetoric in global politics, particularly from early-career researchers such as those who organised this innovative Vectors conference. I was genuinely impressed by the students’ presentations — especially Ivan’s work on spheres of influence. In contemporary international studies, which increasingly centres on political figures, decision-makers, and their public statements and documents, a firm grasp of rhetoric is absolutely essential. It’s encouraging to see a new generation tackling this head-on.”
While Professor Ferguson is no stranger to preparing academic papers and presentations, the conference also provided a debut platform for younger participants—among them, second-year student Ivan Pokatilov. We spoke with Ivan about his experience at the conference, the relevance of his studies to his research, and his advice for peers looking to embark on academic work.
Ivan, how did you hear about the conference, and what motivated you to participate?
Back in mid-February, someone shared information in one of my academic group chats about upcoming conferences. Some colleagues invited me to speak in the law section of Vectors 2025: XXIII International Conference of Young Academics. I became curious about the event more broadly and looked through the various sections until I found one that really suited my interests—“From Words to Actions: Theoretical and Methodological Issues of Political Rhetoric in (Modern) International Relations.”
I’d been wanting to take part in an academic conference for a while, to present my thoughts and findings on spheres of influence—my main research interest at the moment. I couldn’t miss the opportunity. I quickly prepared and submitted my abstract. All in all, Vectors was a great entry point for an undergraduate student, and a valuable platform for a first academic presentation.
What steps did you take to prepare for your talk?
The process started with reading and reflecting on my topic. My presentation was titled “Historical Discourse on Spheres of Influence.” I developed the conceptual basis and classification myself through comparing existing research and political discourse on the topic. I then summarised this in a 500-word abstract and submitted it. That part only took me half a day.
Tell us more about your research interests—what draws you to this topic, and how have your IRGS courses helped shape your work?
I think each research interest is a reflection of the researcher’s personal focus and intellectual curiosity. For me, it’s the study of influence—how one actor affects another, through what mechanisms, and to what degree. Despite its practical importance, it’s still an underexplored field. With recent geopolitical shifts—especially since Donald Trump’s second term—it’s becoming more relevant by the day. Plus, it’s a priority area for the lab where I work, so we’ve built something close to a research synergy around it.
As for my coursework, two history modules with Dmitry P. Novikov—Modern History of International Relations before 1945 and History Since 1945—were invaluable. They provide rich historical context and help in identifying cases to support theoretical points, including Cold War-era examples directly related to spheres of influence. The Introduction to International Relations course also deserves a mention—it offers a solid theoretical grounding and trains you to interpret others’ arguments through different theoretical lenses. That’s key when researching contested ideas like spheres of influence.
Unexpectedly, the Spanish language course has also been a real asset. It allows me to read news, academic literature, and commentary from the Spanish-speaking world—an increasingly important region, especially given that Spanish is now the de facto second language in the United States.
I’m also grateful to our faculty. Dmitry P. Novikov, who heads the lab where I work, helped shape the final structure of my paper. Iain Ferguson, as both a course lecturer and a respected researcher on spheres of influence, offered insightful comments during the conference. And Sergei V. Kondratiev, the seminar tutor for Introduction to IR, also gave helpful feedback during our discussions.
Could you share a roadmap for students looking to get involved in academic research? Where can they find opportunities, and what should they expect?
Every academic journey is unique, but here are some general tips:
1. Look for events. Most universities have an “Events” or “Conferences” tab on their websites—HSE University does too, and it’s recently been redesigned for easier browsing. You can subscribe to updates. Don’t hesitate to attend lab seminars or round tables; people in academia are usually happy to share opportunities.
2. Define your interest. Once you know what you want to research, start reading relevant literature. The more you read, the more equipped you’ll be to reflect critically, form your own ideas, and contribute something meaningful.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s the organisers, your supervisor, or senior students, people are usually happy to help.
4. Embrace setbacks. Rejections happen—it’s all part of the process. What’s worse is not trying at all.
5. Be proactive. Research should be driven by your own curiosity and passion. Take that first step—you won’t regret it.
We thank Professor Ferguson and Ivan Pokatilov for their time and insights, and wish all aspiring researchers the best of luck in their academic journeys.
This material was prepared by the Press Centre of the International Relations and Global Studies Programme. Interview, text and editing by Timofei Petrov, second-year student and press centre coordinator.