S A I N T - P E T E R S B U R G S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

SCHOOL
OF INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
«The future is not some place we are going to but one we are creat-
ing. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of
making them changes both the maker and the destination.»
John Schaar

These words perfectly reflect the attitude of those who founded the
School of International Relations and of those who work and
study here. Though little time has passed since the School was
founded, we have already been able to accomplish quite a lot.
However, our main achievement is that our graduates, wherever
they may be working now, are successfully moving forward. The
path we have chosen is not an easy one. Many challenges lie
ahead. Yet, we say to all those who trust their own abilities and
the power of intellect, to those who are setting high goals and will-
ing to apply themselves to achieve them: «Do join us!»

Dean of the School of International Relations

of Saint-Petersburg State University
Konstantin K. Khudoley
 School of International Relations
of Saint-Petersburg State University

Founded in 1994 the School of International Re-

lations is one of the leading research and teach-
ing institutions in Russia that trains highly quali-
fied specialists in international relations.
Today our Faculty maintains relations with more
than twenty universities and organizations in Eu-
rope and North America taking part in such inter-
national projects as TEMPUS and Civil Education
Project.
The School of International Relations is a member
of the Association of Professional Schools of In-
ternational Affairs (APSIA) that unites leading uni-
versities of the United States and other countries
training specialists in international relations.
The students and lecturers of the Faculty partici-
pate in various international exchange and study
programs offered by the world’s top universities
including the University of Freiburg, Miami, South
California, Groningen, etc.
All the Faculty members hold academic degrees. At present the School of International Relations
Most of them have taught at universities in North offers two basic programs:
America and Europe. Among our lecturers are of- — International Relations
ficials from the Russian Foreign Ministry, St. Pe-
— Area Studies
tersburg City Administration and members of the
Russian Academy of Sciences. At the same time, The School of International Relations offers a wide
many foreign experts come to our School through variety of courses, both compulsory and optional,
a network of numerous exchange programs. thus ensuring an integrated and interdisciplinary
approach to international affairs. Our courses
The Faculty regularly holds international semi-
cover a wide range of subjects, including:
nars and conferences attended by prominent
researchers and scholars, policymakers and re- — International Law
nowned public figures both Russian and foreign. — Economics
The School of International Relations runs Educa- — International Relations
tional Resources Information Centres for the top
— Political Science
three international organizations. It houses a Euro-
pean Documentation Centre, a Regional Informa- — History
tion and Documentation Centre for the Council of — Arts
Europe, and a United Nations Depository Library.
Besides, it has an Information Centre for Iberian — Ethnic Studies
Studies and another one for Indian Studies. — Foreign Languages, etc.

S A I N T - P ET ER S BU R G STA TE UNI VE RSI TY

4
Saint-Petersburg State University
is the oldest university in Russia.
It was founded by Emperor Peter
the Great in 1724. It is situated
in the historic centre of the city,
close to the well-known architec-
tural masterpieces. The Emperor’s
edict regarding the foundation of
a university in Saint Petersburg
was approved by the Senate of the
Russian Empire on January 28,
1724. A noteworthy detail of this
Russia’s first institution of higher
education was its organic link to
the other two constituent parts of
Saint-Petersburg’s scholastic trin-
ity — the Academy of Sciences and
the Grammar School. The Univer-
sity originally provided teaching in
three fields of «classes» — math-
ematics, physics, and the humani-
ties. The social composition of the
first enrolments was very diverse,
descendants of the noble families
studying together with representa-
tives of the lower classes.
THE UNIVERSITY DEGREE SYSTEM
IN RUSSIA
The degree system is based on the three-level
hierarchy of degrees (Bachelor, Master, and Doc-
tor / Ph. D).
The language of instruction is mainly Russian,
however, a number of programmes are taught
in English including some English Master’s Pro-
grammes offered to both domestic and interna-
tional students. Degree students can take these
programmes as part of their major. Exchange stu-
dents can take them as non-degree studies. The
earned academic credits can be transferred to-
ward the completion of the degrees at their home
universities.
School of International Relations gives a won-
derful opportunity for young people to develop
their professional skills and to get wide knowl-
edge in different aspects of international rela-
tions. Studying at School of International Rela-
tions is a unique chance to meet and to listen
not only to professors of the School but also to
diplomatic figures. Students here not only study
but also take active part in international con-
ferences, round tables, meetings. When you get
here and fully involve in the live of the School
you can really feel that you have some relation
to «big» international and diplomatic live.
Elena Rukavishnikova, 1st year master student
(Russia)

SAINT -PET ER SBUR G

The University offers study and re-
search opportunities at its twenty
Faculties: Faculty of Applied Math-
ematics, Faculty of Biology & Soil
Science, Faculty of Chemistry,
Faculty of Geology, Faculty of Ge-
ography & Geo-Ecology, Faculty of
Mathematics and Mechanics, Fac-
ulty of Medicine, Faculty of Phys-
ics, Faculty of Economy, Faculty
of History, School of International
Relations, Faculty of Journalism,
Faculty of Law, School of Manage-
ment, Faculty of Oriental Studies,
5
Faculty of Philology, Faculty of
Philosophy, Faculty of Psychology,
Faculty of Sociology, Department
of Sports and Physical Culture.
Even though the main language of
instruction is Russian, some Fac-
ulties offer study programmes in
English. The teaching staff of the
University exceeds 5,000 people,
among them: over 1,000 Profes-
sors (Doctors of Science / Art), over
2,000 Associate Professors (Can-
didates of Science / Art).
 Bаchelor’s Programmes

Length of study: 4 years

Language of instruction: Russian

EUROPEAN STUDIES NORTH AMERICAN STUDIES

Specialization: AREA STUDIES Specialization: AREA STUDIES
Department: EUROPEAN STUDIES Department: NORTH AMERICAN STUDIES
AREAS OF STUDY: AREAS OF STUDY:
— Contemporary International Relations in Europe — New Social and Political Trends in American
— European Peoples: General Traits and Ethnic Society
Challenges — US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
— Political and State Systems in Europe — United States: Evolution, Trends, and Chal-
— European Culture lenges

— Disarmament and Security Issues in Europe
— Muslim Communities in the EU
— Modern History of Medium-sized European
Countries
— Economy and US-Canadian Economic Rela-
tions
— Canadian Federation: Contemporary Issues
— The French Canadian Issue

— Religion in Europe, etc. — International Financial Institutions as Instru-

ments of US Foreign Policy
— Ethnic processes in North America
— Russian-American relations, etc.

S A I N T - P ET ER S BU R G STA TE UNI VE RSI TY

6

Saint-Petersburg State University

has one of the largest scientific
libraries — M. Gorky’s Library. The
Library collections comprise over
7 million copies (over 1.5 million
book titles), books dating from the
15th century, incunabula, early
printed books and books in Cyril-
lic script, 50,000 manuscripts and
xerographs in Oriental languages.
The branches of the Library, which
specialize in specific areas of
knowledge, are located at each
Faculty of the University.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Specialization: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Department: WORLD POLITICS, THEORY AND
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, INTER-
NATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LINKS
AREAS OF STUDY:
— Central Issues in World Politics
— International Organizations and World Politics
— International Organizations: Theory and
Practice
— The Role of Nation-State in World Politics
— Environmental Protection in the Activities of
International Organizations
— Theoretical Principles of International Secu-
rity Challenges
— Key Challenges to Russia’s National Security
— International Conflict Settlement and Peace-
keeping
— Practice and Conventions of International Hu-
manitarian Cooperation
— Major Challenges and Trends in International
Cultural and Scientific Knowledge Exchange

APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE IN

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Length of study: 5 years
The program’s curriculum covers a great number
of maths subjects and a foreign language (Eng-
I like studying in Russia, because I
lish). The students are also required to take gen-
love this country. I enjoy my student’s
eral core courses. The program is carried out in
life in School of International Rela-
cooperation with the Department of Mathemat-
tions. It’s so interesting to study here.
ics and Mechanics of Saint-Petersburg State
I have got so much knowledge about
University.
all of the world from my teachers and
I have many friends. I will finish my
study in next July, but I will never for-
get my life here.
Bai Ling, 4 year student of School of
International Relations (China)

SAINT -PET ER SBUR G

7

Saint-Petersburg, the former capi-
tal city of the Russian Empire for
over 200 years, has always been a
cultural and educational centre.
One of the most beautiful cities in
the world, Saint-Petersburg was
founded by Peter
the Great on the
Gulf of Finland in the Neva delta
in 1703. The city’s unique history
is reflected in its 18th-19th cen-
tury avenues, palaces, and parks.
The streets of the Northern capi-
tal represent a wonderful combi-
nation of different architectural
styles. The beautiful parks and
palaces of Saint-Petersburg sub-
urbs — Pushkin, Pavlovsk, Gatchi-
na, Peterhof, Lomonosov, and
the old part of Kronstadt — were
included into the UNESCO world
heritage list.
 Master’s Programmes

Length of study: 2 years

Language of instruction: Russian
Students may choose from the following fields of
specialization:

EUROPEAN STUDIES
AREAS OF STUDY:
— Contemporary International Relations in Europe
— Theory and History of European Integration
— Russia’s European Policy

COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT PACIFIC AREA STUDIES

STATES STUDIES
AREAS OF STUDY:
AREAS OF STUDY: — Integration in the Asian-Pacific Region: History
— CIS Institutions and the Status Quo
— Domestic and Foreign Policies of East Euro- — United States and Russia in the Pacific Region
pean and SIS States — Domestic and Foreign Policies of Asian States
— CIS Regional Security and Integration Chal-
lenges WORLD POLITICS
AREAS OF STUDY:
BALTIC AND NORDIC STUDIES
— International Organizations and Central Is-
AREAS OF STUDY: sues of World Politics
— Russian Policy in the Baltic Regions: History — Environmental Protection in the Activities of
and the Status Quo International Organizations
— International Organizations in the Baltic Region
— Foreign Policies of the Baltic States INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN
LINKS
NORTH AMERICAN STUDIES AREAS OF STUDY:
AREAS OF STUDY: — Practice and Conventions of International Hu-
— US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy manitarian Cooperation
— United States: Evolution, Trends, and Chal- — Major Challenges and Trends in International
lenges Cultural and Scientific Knowledge Exchange
— Key Factors in Canadian Foreign Policy

S A I N T - P ET ER S BU R G STA TE UNI VE RSI TY

8

Tsar Peter the Great founded the
city on May 27 (May 16, Old Style),
1703 after re-conquering the land
from Sweden. He named it after
his patron saint, the apostle Saint
Peter. The original name of Sankt-
Peterburh was actually an imita-
tion of the pronunciation of Dutch
Sint Petersburg; Peter had lived
and studied in the Netherlands
for quite some time. The Swedish
fortress of Nyenskans and the city
Nyen had formerly occupied the
site in the marshlands where the
river Neva drains into the Gulf of
Finland. Inspired by example of
Venice and Amsterdam, Peter the
Great envisaged boats and cora-
cles as principle means of trans-
port in his city of canals. No per-
manent bridges across the Neva
were allowed until 1850. By virtue
of its position on an arm of the Bal-
tic Sea, it was called by Pushkin a
«window on Europe». It was also a
base for Peter’s navy, protected
by the island fortress of Kronstadt,
built soon after the city.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY
AND FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
AREAS OF STUDY:
— Political Decision-making and Forecasting
— Classical and Modern Theories in Internation-
al Relations
HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS IN THE 20TH CENTURY
AREAS OF STUDY:
— Systems of International Relations in the 20th
Century
— History of Diplomacy in the 20th Century
DIPLOMACY OF THE RUSSIAN
FEDERATION AND FOREIGN STATES
AREAS OF STUDY:
— Diplomatic Professional Training
— Modern Diplomacy of Russia
— Modern Diplomacy of Foreign States
— International Negotiations in Political and
Economic Affairs
PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS
Since its construction began dur-
ing wartime, the new city’s first
building was a fortification. The
Peter and Paul Fortress occupies
the central position in the archi-
tectural ensemble of the city cen-
tre, and the Peter and Paul Cathe-
dral with its high bell tower is one
of the main landmarks of Saint-
Petersburg. The silhouette of the
Peter and Paul Fortress became
the main symbol of the city on the
Neva River.
For a better understanding of international
relations and the politics of foreign countries
one must go abroad, get in touch with the di-
versity of cultures, and meet different people to
broaden one’s own horizon. The School of Inter-
national Relations with its open-minded profes-
sors has given me a chance to experience a new
way of looking at politics, especially concerning
Russia and the countries of the former Soviet
bloc as they undergo the process of political and
economic transformation.
Sebastian Nentwig, exchange student from
Technical University of Dresden (Germany)
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
IN THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENT
ANDDEVELOPMENT
AREAS OF STUDY:
— Global Environmental Problems
— Cooperation of States in the Environmental
Protection Field
— International Environmental Organizations
SAINT -PET ER SBUR G
9
The plan of the fortress was worked
out by Peter himself. He made it in
the shape of an elongated hexa-
gon with six projecting bastions,
connected by curtain walls. The
first defensive constructions were
made of timber and earth, but
in 1706 the construction works
of stone buildings started under
supervision of architect Tresini. A
boardwalk was built along a por-
tion of the fortress wall, giving visi-
tors a clear view of the city across
the river to the south.
 Master’s Programme
New Independent States

The program was created in 2003. INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY

Length of study: 2 years
Language of instruction: English
Due to the increasing numbers of international
students, the School of International Relations
launched an English language MA programme
«New Independent States»
The programme is aimed at providing comprehen-
sive knowledge of the processes that affect the
post-soviet area. It also intends to give students
the tools needed to analyse the complex environ-
ment surrounding the New Independent States.
PRINCIPAL COURSES
The programme takes an interdisciplinary ap-
proach to the study of the New Independent
States drawing on subjects from various academ-
ic fields such as law, economics, history, political
science, arts, and ethnic studies.
All courses are taught in English by the leading
professors of the Faculty whose scholarly works
are widely known both in Russia and abroad.
The following are brief descriptions of some of the
key courses offered within this programme:
Lecturer: Stanislav L. Tkachenko,
Associate Professor, Dep. of Euro-
pean Studies
This course examines international
economic relations from theoreti-
cal and political perspectives. After
studying alternative approaches to the political
field of the World Economy, the course explores
the history of economic relations between coun-
tries in the 20th century. It also covers the issues
of production, trade, and finance, analysing the
major players, both state and corporate, in the
post-World War II economy.
RUSSIAN ECONOMY IN TRANSITION
Lecturer: Dmitry S. Evstafiev,
Associate Professor, Dep. of Euro-
pean Studies
The primary objective of the course
is to introduce students to the cul-
tural, political and business environ-
ment of Russia that has been changing in the way
of reform since 1992.
INTERNATIONAL CONFLICTS IN THE MODERN WORLD

RUSSIA’S EUROPEAN POLICY Lecturer: Dmitry N. Baryshnikov,

Lecturer: Konstantin K. Khudoley,
Professor, Dep. of European Studies
This course examines one of the
most important spheres of Russian
foreign policy, namely, its European
dimension. Some of the specific is-
sues addressed in this course are as follows: in-
ternal struggle among the Russian elite over the
policy issues on the European arena, Russia-EU
relations, Russia-NATO relations, Russia in the
Council of Europe, Russia in the Organization on
Security and Co-operation in Europe, etc.
S A I N T - P ET ER S BU R G STA TE UNI VE RSI TY
10
Associate Professor, Dep. of World
Politics
The main objective of the course is
to provide students with the basic
concepts of conflict as a social phe-
nomenon in its international dimension. By study-
ing different approaches to the normative, moral
and national aspects of the peace / war problem
the students should get a general idea of the con-
flict as the dominant form of inter-state and inter-
group relations.
NEW INDEPENDENT STATES:
MAIN TRENDS IN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLICIES;
REGIONALISM IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS;
POLITICAL ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS;
RUSSIA AND THE BALTIC REGION AND ETC.

The State Hermitage Museum oc-
cupies five magnificent buildings
along the Neva River Embankment
in the very centre of Saint-Peters-
burg. The State Hermitage pos-
sesses one of the largest art col-
lections in the world. The collection
comprises about 3 million items,
including masterpieces of some
of the most outstanding artists.
The Hermitage collection includes
culture objects embracing the pe-
riod from the Stone Age to modern
times. The life of the Russian Royal
family was closely connected to the
Hermitage. Each tsar decorated
the interiors according to his / her
tastes and wishes, acquired new
works of art, and enlarged the col-
lection started by Catherine the
Great. After the Russian Socialist
Revolution of 1917 the Hermitage
was turned into a museum, and
its treasures became open to the
public.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON
EXCHANGE PROGRAMME STUDIES
AT THE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS OF SAINT-PETERSBURG
STATE UNIVERSITY
Exchange students can come to our School
through various exchange programmes or bilat-
eral agreements between the host and home in-
stitutions. Exchange students may select courses
from different programmes to form their individu-
al curricula (usually twenty hours a week).
Visiting students should apply directly to the Ad-
missions and be accepted prior to enrolment in
one of the programmes. Visiting students attend-
ing non-degree programmes pay for each course
they take separately.
Please note that most of the international pro-
grammes offered by the School do not lead to a
degree. They are primarily intended to form part of
the students’ degree at their home universities.
REQUIREMENTS: the basic requirement for an
exchange student is that the applicant should be
an enrolled university student in his / her home
country. Some programmes require 2–3 years
of prior study within the field. All programmes
require familiarity with the basic concepts of the
disciplines studied. Students seeking enrolment
in the programmes taught in English should have
good command of the language.
The focus of my studies is Russia and the Cauca-
sus. I’m writing my graduate master’s thesis on
the post-soviet ethnic conflicts with the major
emphasis on the conflicts in Georgia.
The School of International Relations in Saint-
Petersburg offers a wide span of interesting and
useful courses for my research, not to mention
the fact that I’ve been studying Russian for 4
years and I’ve finally got a chance to deepen by
knowledge of the Russian language and culture.
Marianna Vindimian, exchange student from
University of Bologna (Italy)
HOW TO APPLY: application deadlines are speci-
fied for each programme. For more detailed in-
formation, please contact the Foreign Depart-
ment of the School. Please check the information
about the programme you are interested in and
note that all students must meet the application
requirements and deadlines. You can also find
relevant information on the website of the School
at www.sir.edu.
After a successful completion of the programme,
exchange students receive an official certificate
indicating the number of credits, academic hours,
and grades obtained over the course of study.

SAINT -PET ER SBUR G

11

The Kunstkammer (translating One of the most famous exhib-

from German — «chambers of cu-
riosities») was founded in 1718.
It was intended to house a library
and collections of «monsters and
rarities» gathered by Peter I. The
Kunstkammer enjoys a very fa-
vourable location. Situated on the
bank of the Neva River, the build-
ing can be seen from far distances.
M. Lomonosov insisted that Peter
the Great wanted people to see the
Kunstkammer building and think of
the importance of sciences.
its of the Kunstkammer is the
unique Globe-Planetarium of Got-
torp. It was created in Germany in
the 17th century and during the
Northern War was presented to
Peter the Great who brought it to
Saint-Petersburg. The diameter of
the globe is 3.1 meters. Outside
the Globe all known by that time
continents, seas and rivers were
pictured, and inside there the first
planetarium in the world.
 Annual International Conferences,
Forums and Round-tables

RUSSIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION RUSSIA AND NATO

International Academic Conference
The conference is held annually in October at the
School of International Relations of Saint-Peters-
burg State University.
Since 1996 the School of International Relations
has been hosting this annual conference focus-
ing on the most crucial issues of the EU-Russia
relations. The range of subjects discussed at the
conference included such issues as political and
economic relations between Russia and the EU,
cooperation in the field of security and defence,
cooperation in Northern Europe and the Baltic
Sea Region, the Kaliningrad issue in the context
of the EU enlargement, the role of Russia and the
EU in forming the European International Order,
reality perceptions of mutual relations in various
parts of Europe.
The conference brings together members of the
diplomatic corps and international academic
community, government officials, journalists, and
students.
International Academic Conference
The International Conference «Russia and NATO»
is held annually by the School of International Re-
lations of Saint-Petersburg State University and
organized in close cooperation with the Consulate
General of the United States in Saint-Petersburg
and the NATO Information Office in Moscow.
The past conference explored such themes as Mod-
ern Russia and NATO: achievements, difficulties,
and problems; the approaches by Russia and NATO
to the central issues of the modern world: similari-
ties and differences; NATO Summits and their de-
cisions; Cooperation between Russia and NATO on
combating terrorism; Russia, NATO, and the issue of
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, etc.
The topics of discussion at the conference spanned
a wide spectrum of matters such as operations con-
ducted by NATO, transformation of the armed forces
of the Western Alliance (organizational structure and
training), prospects for future NATO expansion, and
the issue of NATO restructuring, particularly through
the development of partnership programmes.

S A I N T - P ET ER S BU R G STA TE UNI VE RSI TY

12
ALEXANDER NEVSKY LAVRA
One of the oldest architectural en-
sembles of Saint-Petersburg, Alex-
ander Nevsky Lavra, was founded
in 1710 on that very place where
according to the legend Alexander
Nevsky defeated Swedish troops.
The compositional centre of Lavra
is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, con-
structed by architect Starov. The
end of the construction works and
the sanctification of the cathedral
in 1790 marked the end of the
forming of the Alexander Nevsky
Lavra ensemble. The monumental
cathedral is crowned with a high
dome and it harmonizes well with
the surrounding monastery build-
ings. Among the icons of the cathe-
dral the one most honoured is the
icon of Saint Serafim Sarovsky.
By the end of the 18th century the
Alexander Nevsky monastery that
in 1797 was elevated to the sta-
tus of Lavra (Lavra is a name given
to rich monasteries), became the
spiritual and cultural centre of
Saint-Petersburg.
ANNUAL RUSSIAN-AMERICAN SEMINAR
The Russian-American Seminar has become a
distinguished venue in the social and academic
life in Russia gaining wide recognition in the
United States over the past 16 years. In her intro-
ductory speech before Vladimir Putin and George
W. Bush at the Russian-American Summit in May
2002 in Saint-Petersburg the University Rector
referred to the Russian-American Seminar as the
longest running Russian-American joint project
undertaken by our University.
The Seminar is organized with the help of the
Russian-American International Relations As-
sociation and the Foundation «Politika». Partici-
pants of the Seminar discuss such issues as Rus-
sian-American relations at the governmental and
non-governmental levels, transformations in the
governments of Russia and the United States, re-
gional priorities of foreign policy of Russia and the
United States, etc.
The Seminar is an open forum for discussions on
current domestic and foreign political issues of
Russia, Russian-American relations, US domestic
and foreign policies, and the roles of Russia and
the USA in the modern world.
Seminar participants meet for discussion and
debate with leaders of various political parties,
prominent scholars, representatives of Russian
culture, diplomats, and intellectuals.
In 2006 ex-President of the USSR Michael Gor-
bachev gave a keynote speech at the Seminar. In
it he highlighted he most significant trends in the
evolution of international relations, made his as-
sessment of the modern processes in world poli-
tics, and answered students’ questions.

SAINT -PET ER SBUR G

KAZAN CATHEDRAL
The solemn laying of the Cathe-
dral of Our Lady of Kazan took
place on August 27, 1801. The
new cathedral replaced the
wooden church that had been
constructed in 1733–1737 by
architect Zemtsov and treasured
the miracle-working icon of Our
Lady of Kazan. This icon was a
family relic of the Romanovs and
was though to be the patroness
of not only the ruling Royal family
but of all Russia.
13
The construction of the cathe-
dral, which according to the wish
of Paul I was to remind of the St.
Peter’s Cathedral and, at the same
time, the Santa-Maria-Magiore in
Rome, was entrusted to architect
Voronikhin, who had been Count
Stroganov’s serf and later became
Professor of the Academy of Fine
Arts.
 Annual International Conferences,
Forums and Round-tables

RUSSIA AND INDIA UN MODEL

IN THE MODERN WORLD
International Conference
The conference is organized by the School of In-
ternational Relations of Saint-Petersburg State
University with the help of the Consulate General
of India in Saint-Petersburg.
This conference touches upon the entire range of is-
sues pertaining to contemporary relations between
Russia and India such as the prospects for new
ways of cooperation between the two countries,
the positions of Russia and India on nuclear non-
proliferation, military cooperation, local conflicts in
Central Asia and the Middle East, Russian and In-
dian cooperation in the war on terrorism, etc.
S A I N T - P ET ER S BU R G STA TE UNI VE RSI TY
14
International Youth Conference
Since 2003 the School has held an international
youth conference simulating the work of a UN
Session. Relevant problems of international re-
lations are discussed by the students in accor-
dance with the UN procedures. Each participant
of the Conference acts as plenipotentiary rep-
resentative of a UN member state in one of the
simulated organs of the Organization having to
protect the national interests of the represented
state on various questions on the agenda. As a
result of the Session, a final document — Resolu-
tion — must be adopted where recommendations
on problem solutions are made and later sent to
the UN Headquarters in New York.
The simulation has a scholarly and practical value
and implies:
— a serious preparation of the delegates to be
cognisant of the relevant issues on the UN
agenda
— discussion of key issues of current interna-
tional relations from the viewpoints of repre-
sented states bearing in mind their national
interests
— mastering negotiation skills, ability to work as
part of a team, acquiring experience in public
speaking
At the end of the conference each student re-
ceives a Certificate of participation.

THE CHURCH OF THE SAVIOR ON commemorate the Tsar-Liberator.

SPILLED BLOOD
One of the most beautiful cathedrals
of Saint-Petersburg, the Church of
the Saviour on Spilled Blood was
erected on the spot where Russian
Emperor Alexander II was assassi-
nated on March 1, 1881. The tsar
was mortally wounded by terrorists
from the «People’s Will» revolution-
ist organization. The very next day
the Municipal Duma at its emer-
gency meeting decided to order
the construction of a cathedral to
The cathedral was constructed in
the style of the 16th-17th century
Russian architecture and has a lot
in common with the Church of St.
Basil the Blessed that is located in
Red Square in Moscow. The Church
of the Saviour on Spilled Blood
stands out for its complicated and
picturesque outline, as well as rich
and multicoloured decoration — a
sharp contrast to the austerity of
all other Saint-Petersburg church
architecture.
School of International
Relations on Radio and
TV

Why this university? The answer’s simple, ev-

erything I needed for my graduate thesis and
my future career goals I’ve found right here.
I also got an opportunity to learn about dif-
ferent aspects of Russian culture — some-
thing that’s always interested me.
Evdokia Atanasovska, exchange student
from University of Bologna (Italy)
THE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS ON TV AND RADIO
The lecturers of the School of International Rela-
tions are frequent guests to a weekly radio talk
programme «International Relations: a view from
Saint-Petersburg» aired on the local radio station
«Russia». They are invited as expert analysts on
contemporary international politics and economy
discussing various issues regarding world politics
and the activity of Russia in world affairs.

At the School of International Relations I’ve

TV CHANNEL «VESTY»
Vice-Dean for International Relations Philipp
G. Khanin is giving an interview for the TV chan-
nel «Vesty».
ST. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL
St. Isaac’s cathedral is one of the
largest domed cathedrals in the
world, after the Cathedral of St.
Peter in Rome, the Cathedral of St.
Paul in London and the Cathedral
of St. Maria in Florence. St. Isaac’s
Cathedral, which is 101.5 meters in
height and has the area of 4 thou-
sand square meters, can hold up
to 12 thousand people. The interior
d cor of the cathedral features an
abundant use of paintings, mosaics,
and sculptures made by well-known
acquired some useful knowledge, which I
hope to apply in my country.
Mokwebo Morumbela Judas, graduate stu-
dent at the School of International Relations
(Republic of South Africa)
SAINT -PET ER SBUR G
15
Russian artists and sculptors such
as Bryullov, Klodt, Pimenov, and
others. Today St. Isaac’s Cathedral
is one of the most recognized Rus-
sian cathedrals and one of the most
popular museums in Saint-Peters-
burg. The visitors are invited to climb
the colonnade of the cathedral to
enjoy a breathtaking view of the city
centre from the 43-meter height. In
1988, when Russia was marking
the millennium of Christianity, the
cathedral, for the first time after a
long period, was used for prayer.
 Strategic Partners of Our School

Since 2000 the School of International Relations
has been an active member of the Association of
Professional Schools of International Affairs. Our
representatives take part on a regular basis in AP-
SIA Admissions Fairs that take place in the United
States, Latin America, and Europe. The School of
International Relations has established strong
bilateral ties with several members of this inter-
national organization.
APSIA comprises 29 member schools in the
United States (Henry M. Jackson School of In-
ternational Studies of University of Washington,
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy of University
of Michigan, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign
Service of Georgetown University), Asia, Latin
America, and Europe. APSIA is dedicated to the
improvement of professional education in inter-
national affairs and the advancement thereby of
international understanding, prosperity, peace,
and security.
APSIA members work to promote excellence
in professional, international affairs education
worldwide by sharing information and ideas
among member schools and with other higher
education institutions, the international affairs
community, and the general public.

S A I N T - P ET ER S BU R G STA TE UNI VE RSI TY

16

Saint-Petersburg is surrounded by ing dynamited by the retreating

imperial residences, some of which
are inscribed in the World Heritage
list. These include: Peterhof, with
the Grand Pegerhof Palace and
glorious fountain cascades; Tsar-
skoe Selo, with the baroque Cath-
erine Palace and the neoclassical
Alexander Palace; and Pavlovsk
featuring a domed palace of Em-
peror Paul and one of the largest
English-style parks in Europe.
Much of Peterhof and Tsarskoe
Selo had to be restored after be-
Nazis in 1944. Other imperial resi-
dences have yet to be revived to
their former glory. Gatchina, lying
45 km southwest of Saint-Peters-
burg, retains a royal castle with
600 rooms surrounded by a park.
Strelna has a hunting lodge of Pe-
ter the Great and the recently re-
constructed Constantine Palace,
used for official summit meetings
of the Russian President with for-
eign leaders.
Summer and Winter Courses

SUMMER AND WINTER COURSES

AT SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
Over the last few years our School has welcomed
international students for 2–3 week programmes
during the summer and winter breaks.
One example of such programmes is

JOINT SUMMER COURSE OF SCHOOL

OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
The joint programme «Russia and the World» was
started by the School of International Relations
and University of Miami in August 2006. 14 Amer-
ican and 6 Russian graduate and undergraduate
students participated in the programme.
It was an interdisciplinary course with about a
dozen Russian and American professors from
both Schools. History, political science and re-
gional studies experts were addressing Russia’s
relations with the European Union, the United
States and the Islamic world.
The course was made up of both theoretical and
practical parts. The first part was comprised of
lectures, the second part included visits to the
Saint-Petersburg City Administration, Russian
and foreign corporations operating in the north-
west region of Russia. On top of that, an impor-
When I look at the students of this School,
I see future leaders of their countries and it
makes me study harder.
Cho Robert Sung Il, senior student at the
School of International Relations
tant element of the programme was the informal
personal contact between the American and Rus-
sian students.
A great achievement of the programme was that
the American students were able to gain invalu-
able experience of seeing the result of the 15
years of Russia’s transformation — the knowl-
edge one can never obtain by just simply reading
books, newspaper articles, or viewing TV specials
on the subject.

SAINT -PET ER SBUR G

17

Saint-Petersburg is one of the erlands, and Sweden. It is impos- which has not contributed to the
largest centres of world and Rus- sible to find a European country development of Saint-Petersburg.
sian culture. It is home to unique
historical and cultural landmarks,
80 % of its heritage assets of the
18–19th centuries being original.
According to UNESCO, Saint-Pe-
tersburg ranks 8th in the list of
the most popular and attractive
cities in the world, and legitimately
so, since it was created by the
genius of the most outstanding
architects and builders of Russia,
Italy, France, Germany, the Neth-
Students’
Kaleidoscope

1. Ambassador of the United

States of America
to the Russia
William Joseph Burns

2. Margelov Mikhail — 3
Head of Foreign
Affairs Committee
of the Council of Federation,
Russian Federation

3. The day of traditional

Russian cuisine
for foreign students

4. Sergey Yastrzhembsky,
Aide to the President,
Special Representative
for the President for Issues
of the Development
of Relations with the European Union
3
5. Football team

6. George W. Bush, the President of the USA

with Anna Sakharova student of the Sckool

7. Xia Lingling and Sun Tao, students from China,

who met each other in our School
and recently married
 4

6 7

3
7
USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Welcome to Saint-Petersburg, Russia. The staff of the International Admis-
sions Office and the staff of Foreign Department of the School of International
Relations of Saint-Petersburg State University are always available to assist
you. We will be more than happy to help you with application, enrolment, and
matters related to studying at our university. We provide transfers from the
airport, accommodations, help with medical insurance coverage, and arrange
your leisure time. Also, our Office can help you with issuing academic certifi-
cates and transferring credits earned at Saint-Petersburg State University.

SAINT-PETERSBURG STATE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

UNIVERSITY
ADMINISTRATION
Chief of St. Petersburg State
University International Depart-
ment, Director of the Center
for International Exchanges
Vera I. Alaxandrova
Tel. (+7 812) 328-15-51
Fax: (+7 812) 325-87-39
e-mail: vera@va3114.spb.edu
VISITING ADDRESS:
Russia, 199034
Saint-Petersburg,
Universitetskaya nab. 7–9
Phone: (+7 812) 328-32-91
(+7 812) 328-15-51
(+7 812) 328-97-38
Fax: (+7 812) 325-87-39
E-mail:
interoffice@om1636.spb.edu
OF SAINT-PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
ADMINISTRATION
Dean of School of International Relations,
Professor Doctor of Science
Konstantin K. Khudoley
Tel. (+7 812) 576-79-47
Fax: (+7 812) 576-72-70
http://www.dip.pu.ru
e-mail: sir@sir.edu
Vice-dean for International Relations
Associate Professor, PhD in political
science
Philipp G. Khanin
Tel. (+7 812) 5767824
Fax (+7 812) 5767824
e-mail: fd@dip.pu.ru
khanin@dip.pu.ru
VISITING ADDRESS:
Russian Federation, 191060,
St. Petersburg.
Smolny street, Entrance VIII, room 223–224
Foreign Department School of International
Relations St. Petersburg State University