Milorad Dodik at MGIMOOn 28 September, Milorad Dodik, leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) and former President of Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), delivered a lecture at MGIMO entitled "The Future of Cooperation between Russia and Republika Srpska in the New System of International Relations".
MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov, Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, welcomed the guests and audience. Reflecting on Dodik’s political career, he highlighted his unwavering commitment to defending the interests of the Serb people.
Anatoly Torkunov spoke of the challenges facing Republika Srpska, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two entities. He noted that the legacy of Yugoslavia’s breakup continues to shape the region, where disputes remain unresolved long after the armed conflicts ended. He also recalled visiting Republika Srpska as part of a delegation led by Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov, describing the visit as one of the most memorable experiences of his diplomatic career.
Continuing on Russian-Serbian ties, the Rector spoke about cooperation in education:
four students from Republika Srpska are currently studying at MGIMO, and more than ten have already graduated; Serbian has been taught at MGIMO for over 70 years; opportunities for further cooperation include student exchanges and joint youth projects.In his lecture, Milorad Dodik discussed the emergence of a polycentric world and on the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Republika Srpska in this new setting.
He argued that several global centres of power have already taken shape, including Russia, the United States, China and India, while the future of relations among the major powers remains difficult to predict.
Discussing Russian foreign policy, Dodik emphasised Russia’s commitment to cooperation based on respect for its partners’ sovereignty.
He also highlighted Russia’s consistent support for the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement, which established Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current constitutional framework. In his view, events in the Balkans would have unfolded differently had Russia possessed its present capabilities and influence at the time of Yugoslavia’s breakup.
Dodik praised MGIMO’s contribution to educating students from Serbia and Republika Srpska. He expressed confidence that the knowledge they acquire at the University would help them serve their people, whatever career paths they choose. Studying in Moscow, he said, offers an opportunity to understand Russian perspectives on world affairs and compare them with views in the Balkans and the United States.
Addressing the aspiring diplomats in the audience, Dodik stressed the importance of diplomacy in preserving peace and preventing armed conflict. He concluded by encouraging students to be patriotic and cherish their people.The event was also attended by Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work and International Relations; Andrey Baykov, Vice-Rector for Research; and Duško Perović, Head of the Representation of Republika Srpska in Moscow.
Meetings with political leaders and public figures from around the world are part of life at MGIMO. Curious about the University before you apply? Join the MGIMO International Applicants Club! MGIMO for International Students (RUS) | MGIMO International (ENG)
