
'Changing Academic Track Is a Chance to Make a More Informed Choice'
Can you enrol in a master's programme in political science without a bachelor's degree in the same field? What prospects does a change of academic track open up? Nikita Zubarev, graduate of the Master's programme 'Comparative Politics of Eurasia,' shares his experience. After a bachelor's in history, he chose to pursue political science: finishing the master's programme, defending his PhD thesis in political science, and now combining teaching with research work in a sociological laboratory. Read on to find out about the track change, admission to a PhD programme, and work at the crossroads of sciences.

'True Asia': HSE University–St Petersburg Bachelor's Student on His Exchange Studies in Malaysia
Alexey Shkilev, third-year student of the Bachelor's programme 'Public Policy and Analytics,' spent the spring semester at Universiti Malaya. Read on to find out how the trip helped him explore Asia and improve his foreign language skills.

'No Rush and No Skyscrapers': HSE University–St Petersburg Master's Student on Her Studies in Oman
Vlada Bondarenko is a first-year student of the Master's programme 'Cross-Cultural Studies of Asia and Africa in the Context of International Relations' of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at HSE University–St Petersburg. This year, she spent the spring semester at the University of Nizwa in Oman. Read on to find out how the HSE University–St Petersburg academic mobility programme helped the student immerse herself in Middle Eastern culture and why studying in the country is unique.
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Why Study Comparative Politics of Eurasia?
Eurasia is not just a geographical term. It is a geopolitical space where history has shaped—and continues to shape—the fate of entire continents. From the dissolution of the Soviet Union to the shifting influence of great powers like China, the EU, and the United States, the region offers a rich laboratory for studying how politics works in practice.Today, understanding Eurasia is more relevant than ever. Global energy politics, post-imperial state-building, war and peace, authoritarian resilience, democratic backsliding—these are all phenomena that play out across the vast space from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. At HSE University-St Petersburg, the master’s programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’ equips students with theoretical tools and empirical knowledge to study these dynamics critically and comparatively. To explore why students choose this field—and how they envision using it—we spoke to several students of the programme, as well as a professor whose academic career is rooted in the region.

International Partners' Week in St Petersburg Strengthens Cooperation between Russia and Vietnam
HSE University-St Petersburg hosted an open lesson on the Vietnamese language for students of 'Asian and African Studies' in the framework of the International Partners' Week and the V Festival of the Vietnamese language.

Dean of St Petersburg School of Art and Design Holds Classes for Students of University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
Dimitry Kharshak, Dean of the St Petersburg School of Art and Design, delivered a lecture on typography and a workshop on lettering in South Asia.

‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’: International Perspective on Political Processes
The Master’s programme 'Comparative Politics of Eurasia' trains specialists who can choose various professional paths. Students not only master theoretical aspects of international relations and politics but also develop their competencies in applied spheres. In this interview, Andrey Starodubtsev, academic supervisor of the programme, shares some details about the curriculum, student projects, and career opportunities for graduates.

‘Eastern Perspective’: HSE University–St Petersburg Prepares Russian Businesses for Iranian Market
Over the past three years, goods turnover between Russia and Iran has reached four billion dollars, and experts estimate the potential for cooperation at 10 billion dollars. For Russian companies that strive to expand the geography of their exports, Iran is becoming one of the most appealing markets.

‘Looking for Talents’: HSE University Holds Entry Competitions in Three Chinese Cities
In early March, representatives of HSE University-St Petersburg organised a series of entry competitions for applicants from China. The exams were held in three cities—Beijing, Nanjing and Chengdu—at the Russian Cultural Centre (RCC) in Beijing and leading Chinese universities.

'Practice without Limits': How Students of Middle Eastern Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg Gain Their First Professional Experience
Interpreting at international forums, accompanying delegations, and informal communication with native speakers—students of the Department of Middle Eastern and African Studies at the Institute of Asian and African Studies (HSE University-St Petersburg) gain experience starting from the first year of bachelor's studies. What is the system of volunteer practice like and what opportunities does it open up for future specialists in international affairs? Read on to find out more.

