Russian students discuss NATO’s new Strategic Concept

The event took place at Abramtsevo, the centre of 19th century slavophile discussions on how to rid the Russian culture of Western influences. But this year’s Winter Academy focused on how to make Russia and the Western Alliance true partners in tackling common challenges.     

The Winter Academy annually brings together high-ranking officials from NATO, its Member states, the Russian authorities, and NATO Partners countries for discussions with graduate students and young academics. Together, they address issues connected with NATO’s present and future as well as perspectives on NATO-Russia relations. This year’s event took place under the title “NATO’s New Strategic Concept and Perspectives for NATO-Russia Cooperation”.

The 40 students were selected to participate on the basis of a written essay. This year’s speakers included Belgian and NATO Contact Point Ambassador Guy de Trouveroy, Polish Ambassador Jerzy Bahr, Russian Ambassador at Large Alexander Alexeev,  Lithuanian Ambassador to NATO Linas Linkevicius, and NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Dr Stefanie Babst, among other distinguished speakers and academics.

“You are tomorrow’s leaders. It will be your responsibility to shape your country’s future and decide where you would like to see Russia in the international arena in the years to come,” said Dr Babst in her keynote speech. 

“It is important, therefore, that you sharpen your views and opinions on what matters not only today, but also tomorrow. The Winter Academy has always been a great place to discuss NATO-Russia relations in an open and profound spirit. I am confident that it will be the same this time.”

The Winter Academy is one of the major public diplomacy activities in Russia sponsored by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division.