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HSE Campus in St. Petersburg
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Department of International Relations and Political Processes in Asia and Africa
Institute of Asian and African Studies

Department of International Relations and Political Processes in Asia and Africa

Contacts

Address: 123 Naberezhnaya Kanala Griboedova, room 322
190068 St Petersburg

8 (812) 644-59-11 *61289

Administration
Svetlana Krivokhizh
Department Head – Svetlana Krivokhizh
Publications
Book
EU–Central Asian Interactions: Perceptions, Interests and Practices

Arynov Z., Bossuyt F., Davletova N. et al.

Abingdon: Routledge, 2024.

Article
Kazakhstan reimagined: insights into Kazakhstan's image among Chinese internet users

Ekaterina S. Melnikova, Svetlana V. Krivokhizh.

Central Asian Survey. 2025.

Book chapter
Refugee migration to the People’s Republic of China

Soboleva E.

In bk.: Handbook on Migration to China. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2025. P. 294-308.

All publications
About the Department

The department brings together researchers and practitioners specialising in various aspects of contemporary international relations, as well as the political and economic development of East Asian and Middle Eastern countries. An interdisciplinary approach provides students with a wide range of options when choosing courses and topics for their own research. Additionally, the department implements scientific and practice-oriented projects that allow students to develop organisational and leadership skills. Together this helps to achieve our main goal of preparing specialists in Asian and African studies and providing them with up-to-date knowledge and skills in creative activity and data analysis.

The department additionally focuses on enhancing the quality of expertise and knowledge in Asian and African studies not only in the academic environment but beyond it as well. As part of this effort, department staff organise and conduct public lectures, seminars, and workshops for anyone interested in modern processes in East Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

News

At the Discussion Club meeting, students discussed the phenomenon of video games as an instrument of soft power

At the Discussion Club meeting, students discussed the phenomenon of video games as an instrument of soft power
On 17 February, another meeting of the Discussion Club on International Relations in East Asia was held, led by Maria Chizhevskaya.
February 20

On soft power, debates and discussion clubs: fourth-year student Sofya Cherkasova shares her experience of studying international relations in Asia

On soft power, debates and discussion clubs: fourth-year student Sofya Cherkasova shares her experience of studying international relations in Asia
We continue to talk about our tracks, and today we will discuss the field of international relations. The most common questions we receive from students considering this track are: ‘Theory is useful, of course, but where can I find lively discussions and a community? What real-world skills can I develop?’ This track addresses these questions through a comprehensive approach. Here, you can delve into political theories and concepts, write a term paper that will form the basis for publication, and discuss current world events in a discussion club. Fourth-year student Sofya Cherkasova shared how she managed to structure her studies in a way that was both interesting and useful for developing her professional skills.
February 18

A diplomat from the Russian Foreign Ministry was a guest at a new career guidance meeting

A diplomat from the Russian Foreign Ministry was a guest at a new career guidance meeting
On 12 February, as part of the department's career guidance project, an online meeting was held with Denis Karenin, a Japanologist, employee of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and graduate of MGIMO and Ural Federal University. Denis spoke about his experience working in Russian diplomatic missions in Japan and the Philippines, about the daily routine of the diplomatic service, and shared some memorable episodes from his practice. We would like to share some important points from this meeting.
February 16

"I combined my thesis with what I love — and it turned out to be so much easier!"Ekaterina Slinkina, student of the Economics track, on researching UAE airlines' development strategies

"I combined my thesis with what I love — and it turned out to be so much easier!"Ekaterina Slinkina, student of the Economics track, on researching UAE airlines' development strategies
The "Economics of Asia and Africa" track at the Department of Asian and African Studies has long been one of the most popular on our programme. Yet many students hesitate when they first see the name: "Will I manage? Do I need to already know something complex and highly specific to feel confident here?" Let us be clear: no, you don't. Our tracks follow a "simple to complex" logic — we start with foundational concepts and gradually guide you toward independent research. Most importantly, you get to explore what genuinely interests you. Want to dive into Emirati airlines? Chinese digital platforms? We will always find a supervisor who can help you turn curiosity into serious academic work — just as we did for Ekaterina Slinkina. Combining her passion for aviation, hands-on experience at an airport, and economic analysis, she turned personal interest into a successful thesis. Here's what she gained along the way.
February 10

The department organized the first meeting for students as part of career guidance activities

The department organized the first meeting for students as part of career guidance activities
The first speaker in the project was Anna Belikova, head of RT's protocol department, advisor to the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, and founder of the Asian specialists Club. The meeting took the form of a live dialogue and was structured around questions from students.
January 20

December academic events at the Department of International Relations and Political Processes in Asia and Africa

December academic events at the Department of International Relations and Political Processes in Asia and Africa
We are glad to share the most interesting events in December at our Department.
December 24, 2025

Discussion Clubs, Publication and an Educational Workshop: November news of the Department

Workshop on the fundamentals of preparing and publishing scientific articles
November at the Department of International Relations and Political Science of Central Asia and East Asia was very active.
December 03, 2025

The Institute of Asian and African Studies welcomed a delegation from Vietnam

The Institute of Asian and African Studies welcomed a delegation from Vietnam
On October 3, a delegation of researchers from Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance visited the Institute of Asian and African Studies.
October 07, 2025

A graduate of the Asian and African Studies program received a gold medal from the Russian Academy of Sciences

A graduate of the Asian and African Studies program received a gold medal from the Russian Academy of Sciences
The Russian Academy of Sciences has announced the results of the 2024 competition for awards for the best scientific works by young scientists and students. Among the medalists is Ekaterina Melnikova, a graduate of the Asian and African Studies program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg.
July 14, 2025

Maria Chizhevskaya spoke at the round table discussion “80 Years Since the Atomic Bombings of Japan”

Maria Chizhevskaya spoke at the round table discussion “80 Years Since the Atomic Bombings of Japan”
On June 20, a round table discussion was held dedicated to the upcoming 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The event was organized by the Association of Japanologists at the Institute of International Studies at MGIMO University.
July 01, 2025
All news