Articles Volgograd - the capital of people’s diplomacy

29.03.2026

Awards and Orders in the Diplomatic Community

On February 10, Russian Diplomat's Day at VSSPU, Sofia Sklyarova, a fourth-year student at the Institute of Historical and Legal Education, spoke about the history of this holiday and its traditions. She also elaborated on the orders and awards that every junior secretary at an embassy probably dreams of receiving.

We would also like to share information about them with you.

08.03.2026

Recommended watching: Ambassador of the Soviet Union (1969)

Today in our recommendations section we have a film with the main character heavily inspired by Alexandra Kollontai, the first female diplomat in the USSR.

28.02.2026

The Defense of Sevastopol in 1941-1942, a memoir by Lyudmila Pavlichenko

On the week after the 23rd of February, this is the book that our thematic column desperately neeeds.
This brochure of 72 pages is written by a woman whom we had already mentioned in our social networks on the occasion of March 8 as an example of a combat hero and people's diplomat alike. Lyudmila Pavlichenko was a legendary Soviet sniper, a Heroine of the Soviet Union, and a defender of Sevastopol during its WW2 siege.

15.02.2026

Recommended reading and watching: on the history of Russian diplomacy

On February 10th, at the Russian Diplomat's Day at the VSSPU Center for Public Diplomacy, Maria Deeva, a staff member of our department, presented a selection of books that, in our opinion, provide a very interesting and comprehensive reflection on the history of our country's diplomacy.

Among the works featured not only comprehensive overviews but also personal stories—for example, from a translator who spent 40 years facing the world leaders, and an ambassador whose residence was amidst a civil war zone. Perhaps you remember some of them from our "recommendations" column! Or maybe you'll discover something new today.

08.02.2026

Recommended watching: "The Third Half" (1962)

Today, our traditional column features a film that is more than just a sports drama. It's a lesson in human dignity, fortitude, and unwavering will, which will relevant to anyone who values historical memory and moral victories.

15.12.2025

Recommended reading: Yevgeny Primakov, "The Minefield of Politics"

Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov was rightfully considered one of Russia's most influential politicians. His career is a unique example of the variety of capacities in which a professional can serve his country: from a leading scholar of oriental studies to Minister of Foreign Affairs, head of foreign intelligence, and Prime Minister. And, to top it all, each of these important roles had to be fulfilled during the most challenging times for the country, true turning points in its history.