Master’s Students Contributed Analytical Papers for the Russian International Affairs Council
Master’s students of the Modern Asian and MENA Studies program at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, HSE University, prepared analytical materials for the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC). Their research addressed a wide range of topical issues in global politics, economics, and international relations, demonstrating their strong academic background and applied research skills.
Qamar Abbas authored a study on the relationship between democracy and freedom through the lens of theories by Robert Putnam, Fareed Zakaria, and Alexis de Tocqueville. His work explores how these concepts interact and sometimes contradict each other in the context of modern political systems.
Qamar Abbas also co-authored a paper with Wei Wenjing and Regan Arthur examining the evolution of political and economic cooperation between China and Myanmar — from cautious early contacts to a strategic partnership that serves both China’s foreign policy interests and Myanmar’s development goals amid internal political challenges.
Vera Lutsenko and Klim Fot analyzed the foreign policy rhetoric of U.S. and South Korean presidents between 2017 and 2024. Their study highlighted the differences in diplomatic approaches and communication styles of Donald Trump, Joseph Biden, Moon Jae-in, and Yoon Suk-yeol, and how these shaped foreign policy during periods of geopolitical turbulence.
Denis Zlobin focused on Trumponomics — the economic policies of Donald Trump. His paper discussed both the domestic dimension, such as tax reforms and deregulation, and the foreign economic policy, including protectionist measures and trade strategies aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing.
Preparing these materials for RIAC provided the students with valuable professional experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world issues and receive expert feedback from the professional community.
The students’ work can be read at>>.