CIIC

🎬 5 Must-Watch Movies About World War II

Recently, the whole world celebrated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

We decided to make for you a selection of world cinema, which reflects all the hardships of that period.

🪱 "Come and See" (1985) – USSR

One of the most harrowing war films ever made. It follows a young Belarusian boy who joins the partisans and witnesses the horrors of Nazi occupation.

Why watch? Raw, unflinching, and deeply emotional. Shows the civilian cost of war like no other film.

🪱"The Dawns Here Are Quiet" (1972) – USSR

A moving story about a group of young female anti-aircraft gunners fighting in the forests of Karelia against German saboteurs.

Why watch?

A heartbreaking yet heroic tale of women in war—rarely shown in Western WWII films.

🪱"The Pianist" (2002) – Poland/France/Germany/UK

Based on a true story, this film follows a Jewish pianist struggling to survive in Nazi-occupied Warsaw.

Why watch?

A heartbreaking yet beautiful portrayal of survival and humanity.

🪱"Downfall" (2004) – Germany

A dramatic retelling of Hitler’s final days in his Berlin bunker as the Soviet Red Army closes in.

Why watch?

A chilling look at the Nazi regime’s collapse from the inside.

🪱"They Fought for Their Country" (1975) – USSR

A classic Soviet film about a group of soldiers defending their homeland during the brutal retreats of 1942.

Why watch?

A deeply patriotic yet realistic depiction of Soviet soldiers’ endurance.

Have you seen any of these? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#CIIC_digest : main events in the world

🇮🇳India, Pakistan Announce Suspension of Military Operations🇵🇰

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said New Delhi had suspended Operation Sindoor, a military operation targeting "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan, and stressed that the Indian side would monitor Islamabad's further actions.

"When Pakistan approached us, they assured us that there would be no further terrorist activity or military aggression from their side. Only then did India consider its response. I repeat once again: we have now simply suspended our retaliatory actions against terrorist and military installations in Pakistan," he said (quoted by the Economic Times).

"Terrorists could not have imagined in their dreams that India could take such a serious step," Modi concluded.

However, India later accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire. The cities of Udhampur and Srinagar were attacked, while drones were spotted in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, The Indian Express reported. The Foreign Ministry said that the military "is giving an adequate response" to these violations. Pakistan rejected accusations of violating the ceasefire. Islamabad remains committed to the agreement, the Foreign Ministry assured.

🇹🇷 Russia continues to prepare for talks in Istanbul on May 15

The Russian side continues to prepare for talks in Istanbul on May 15 and will not make any further comments on this matter for now, said Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov.

During a conversation with journalists, the head of state's press secretary was asked whether the 2022 agreements would form the basis for new negotiations, and how the Kremlin felt about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's intention to personally meet with Vladimir Putin.

On the night of May 11, Putin proposed resuming interrupted direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan subsequently confirmed his readiness to receive Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul.

🇷🇺 The parade in honor of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War was held in Moscow on May 9, 2025. It began at 10:00 Moscow time

The event on Red Square was watched by leaders of more than 25 states and war veterans. Leaders of 34 states arrived for it. Among the main guests was Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping, with whom Putin held talks on the eve of the holiday.

The complete defeat of Nazism, the president is convinced, was made possible by the joint efforts of many countries, and Russia highly values ​​the contribution of the allied armies, the Resistance fighters, and the people of China. The Russian Federation will not forget the opening of the second front in Europe, which brought victory closer, Putin concluded.

🇺🇸 Trump declared the United States the main victors in the First and Second World Wars

US President Donald Trump said that the United States made the greatest contribution to victory in both the First and Second World Wars, and therefore should be considered the main victors in these conflicts.

Trump noted that many allies celebrate May 8 as Victory Day in World War II, but the United States "did more than any other country to achieve the victorious outcome." He announced the renaming of May 8 as "Victory Day in World War II," and November 11 as "Victory Day in World War I."

🇻🇦Robert Prevost, the first pontiff from the United States, has been elected the new pope. He will be known as Leo XIV

The Vatican has announced that 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal Dominique Mamberti walked out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and announced in Latin: "Habemus Papam!", which means "we have a pope." He then introduced the new pontiff and announced his new name as head of the church.

🇨🇳 Bridges that unite us: culture, youth, and the future of Russia and China

Recently, an amazing podcast was released on Chinese television with the participation of Maria Prokofieva and Alexey Malinin, our co-founders and experts who spoke vividly and deeply about cultural ties, youth projects and everyday life in Russia and China.

🔹 What were we talking about?
✔️ Cultural parallels and differences
✔️ Joint youth initiatives
✔️ Household traditions that bring us closer
✔️ Prospects of cooperation between the two countries

The conversation turned out to be lively, informative and inspiring — a real bridge between our cultures! 🌏

🎧 Watch the podcast recording here:
👉 Bridges beyond borders: culture, connection and the road ahead

✨ Would you like to record a similar conversation on your blog or channel? We will be happy to share our experience! Write to the following email address: info@ciic.site

🌟 80 years of the Great Victory: Russia celebrates the anniversary of the people's feat

In 2025, Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

This date is not just a historical milestone, but a symbol of the unparalleled courage, unity and heroism of millions of people who defended freedom and peace at the cost of incredible sacrifices.

May 9, 1945 will forever go down in history as the day when Nazi Germany capitulated, and the Soviet people won the bloodiest war of the 20th century. Four years of battles, losses and incredible exertion of forces ended in triumph, which became possible thanks to the steadfastness of soldiers at the front, home front workers and the unity of the entire multinational Soviet people.

Happy Great Victory Day! May 9 is forever in our hearts. 🇷🇺 ✨

🚀 Exclusive content for our project!

Within the framework of the international contest "The Way of Political Expert" our team continues to actively work on the implementation of projects.

This time, the participants from the "Syndicat d'équilibre" team managed to take an exclusive interview with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru Miguel Angel Macaky!

This is a great honor and an important step in the development of our project, because:
🔹 Experience and expertise - the former minister shared unique knowledge and views that will help us achieve our goals.
🔹 International recognition - such meetings strengthen trust in our project and open up new opportunities for cooperation.
🔸 Inspiration and motivation - communication with people of this level charges the team for new achievements!

🔜 Follow the link to read the full text of the interview

We thank our guest for valuable insights and are proud that our project is reaching a new level!

😍 Summing up: introducing the winners

🔥 We have completed three stages of the "The Way of a Political Expert" competition and are delighted to present you the results!

It was bright, challenging and incredibly interesting!

👏Congratulations to the winning teams who will go to Moscow for a unique program.

🏆 Winners:
Team №2: Kazakhstan, Ecuador, Russia 🇰🇿🇪🇨🇷🇺
Team №4: Iran, Brazil, Russia 🇮🇷🇧🇷🇷🇺
Team №12: Great Britain, Russia, Cuba 🇬🇧🇷🇺🇨🇺
Team №16: Uzbekistan, Russia, Peru 🇺🇿🇷🇺🇵🇪
Team №19: India, Ethiopia, Belarus, Brazil 🇮🇳🇪🇹🇧🇾🇧🇷

🇷🇺 In Moscow, they will embrace:
• Visits to the State Duma and the Russian Foreign Ministry
• Meetings with government officials and experts
• Discussions on international politics

✨Stay tuned and follow our winners to the capital, we’ll keep you updated

We invite you to the Strong Ideas for New Times Forum!

Have a ready-made project? Or maybe a promising idea? This forum is for you!

Submit your application on идея.росконгресс.рф web-site by 15th May 2025.

What ideas are we waiting for?

Anything aimed at:
— improving the quality of life
— entrepreneurship support
— development of human resources, creative industries, technologies and environmental well-being.

The best ideas will be presented to the Russian leadership at the final Forum in July 2025.

Don't miss the chance to influence the future of Russia!

Subscribe to the channel to stay up to date with forum news: https://t.me/ideas_forum

🌎 #CIIC_digest We have collected the most interesting and relevant news for you

🇬🇱 Satellite communications have been disconnected in Greenland

Greenland's largest telecommunications company Tusass has lost contact with its satellite equipment located in the city of Maspalomas in Spain after a large-scale blackout occurred there the day before, the company reports. According to a statement published on the company's website, Tussas is investigating whether the blackout is the cause of the failure.

Currently, we have lost contact with our equipment in Maspalomas in Spain, through which we provide services to our customers located in the satellite coverage area," the company said in a press release.

🇧🇪 Belgium Begins Massive Strike as Unions Fight for Social Benefits

The protests on April 29, organized by Christian and socialist unions, will involve workers from both the private and public sectors.

Severe disruptions to transport are expected. Brussels Airport is canceling some flights, and Charleroi Airport is shutting down completely due to a lack of personnel to ensure flight safety.

Workers are protesting against government policies they call “social destruction.” The strikers’ main complaint is the reduction of social spending amid increased military spending. Unions accuse the government of lobbying for business interests to the detriment of pensioners, young people, and workers.

🇺🇸 The United States is facing a demographic crisis

The birth rate in the United States has reached a critical point that does not ensure the natural reproduction of the population. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2024 the total fertility rate in the country was 1.6 children per woman. For simple reproduction of the population, this figure should be at least 2.1. Experts note a steady downward trend in the birth rate, which began back in 2008.

The main reason for the decline in the birth rate is considered to be the widespread use of effective contraceptives, allowing young women to deliberately postpone having children for the sake of a career and income growth. Experts from Columbia University in the United States believe that to change the situation it is necessary to improve social infrastructure, reduce the cost of goods for children, provide financial support to young families, create resource redistribution programs and increase the availability of education.

🇮🇳 India's military invasion of Pakistan is inevitable 🇵🇰

Pakistan's defense minister has said that a military invasion by India is inevitable after a terrorist attack in Kashmir last week.

The attack has caused outrage in India. The government has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, without providing any evidence. India has taken a series of tough diplomatic measures: it has cut embassy staff, cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens, closed the border, and even suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which regulates the distribution of water resources between the two countries.

According to Pakistan's defense minister, the armed forces are on high alert. At the same time, the minister stressed that their side will use nuclear weapons only if the country's existence is threatened.

🇻🇦The world bids farewell to the Pope: Francis buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Francis will be the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican.

Under a new rite adopted last year, Francis will be buried in a single wooden coffin covered in zinc, breaking tradition once again.
The main event after the funeral is the conclave. Only cardinals aged 80 and younger can vote in the conclave. At the moment, this is 138 out of 252 cardinals. If after two weeks of voting there is no new pope, the cardinals can choose the one who has received the most votes.

After all the procedures, the new pope will go out on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square to address the faithful for the first time. The new pope's speech will be preceded by the cardinal protodeacon, who will announce: "We have a new Pope."

✨ Let's discuss

🇨🇳 Chinese Diplomacy in the Era of Global Transformations

The modern foreign policy of the People's Republic of China is a unique synthesis of centuries-old Confucian traditions and pragmatic neorealism. In the context of the transition to a multipolar system of international relations, Beijing is consistently implementing the strategy of "peaceful rise", transforming economic power into geopolitical influence.

🐼 China's diplomacy continues to be the subject of research and observation by political experts.

On the one hand, China is a leader in "green" energy ($546 billion in investments in 2022), on the other, it continues to export coal technologies to developing countries.

On the one hand, it supports the rhetoric of "multilateralism", and on the other, it advocates the creation of international alternative institutions.

❓ What do you think: Can the Chinese model of "constructive engagement" be considered a sustainable alternative to Western liberal internationalism?

✨ Write your opinion in the comments

🎧 April Inspiration

Dear friends, here is a special playlist that we have put together with you.

🌸 These melodies warmed, inspired and helped you create, work and achieve more.

From classical to modern rhythms, each composition here breathes spring and new opportunities.

Your April soundtrack:
🎹 Chopin – Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor
🎻 Rachmaninoff – Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
🌿 Juan Arenosa – camelia
🎤 Dima Bilan – The impossible is possible
🏙 Sirotkin – Above the houses
✨ Sergey Lazarev – I'm not afraid
🌹 Sezen Aksu – Belalım
💐 Tchaikovsky – Waltz of the Flowers
🎼 Debussy – Suite Bergamasca
🌌 Rachmaninoff – Symphony No. 1

Thank you for inspiring us as much as music inspires you.

✨ And which of these do you play?

💲International School of Economics

Friends, we continue to introduce you to the upcoming program "Horizons of Opportunities"

⏺Today we will tell you the details for those who choose the International School of Economics (ISE) track

📖 This track is specifically for those who want to create a business in Russia or together with Russia. Here you will learn the basics of business and international economics, participate in practical workshops on employment and be able to communicate with those who have already successfully completed this path and are ready to tell their story.

As a result of the program, you will acquire basic skills in the field of business and foreign economic activity, which will allow you to further develop in this direction, including, building a business with Russia.

🏆 In practice, the result will be the development of your own business plan, based on an analysis of the market of your country. Together with leading experts, you will have the opportunity to create a professional resume and assistance in entering the Russian labor market.

👉🏽 You can submit an application until May 16 at the link https://horizonty.online/sign-up

✨ Ask your questions about the upcoming program in the comments!

📚 CIIC Bookshelf

Want to understand world politics, historical processes and social mechanisms more deeply?

Catch a selection of books that are worth reading for everyone who works or studies in these areas!

🌍 Diplomacy and International Relations

🇷🇺 Sergey Lavrov "Between the Past and the Future".

🇷🇺 Yevgeny Primakov "The Middle East on Stage and Behind the Scenes".

1. Henry Kissinger - "Diplomacy" - a classic about the key events of world politics.

2. George Kennan - "The Long Telegram" - the origins of the Cold War through the eyes of an American diplomat.

3. Robert Kaplan - "The Revenge of Geography" - how space and climate influence world politics.

📜 History and Analysis of Civilizations

4. Francis Fukuyama - "The Origins of Political Order" - the evolution of states from ancient times to the present.

5. Yuval Noah Harari - "Sapiens" - a large-scale look at the history of mankind.

6. Paul Kennedy - "The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers" - why do empires collapse?

📊 Sociology and Political Theory

7. Max Weber - "Politics as a Vocation and Profession" - the basis for understanding power.

8. Samuel Huntington - "The Clash of Civilizations" - a controversial but important theory about the future of conflicts.

9. Pierre Bourdieu - "Sociology of Politics" - how the field of power is structured.

🔥 Contemporary Challenges

10. Timothy Snyder – “On Tyranny” – 20 Lessons from the 20th Century for Today.

11. Anna Arest – “How Democracies Fail” – alarming signs of authoritarianism.

12. Peter Pomerantsev – “This Is Not Propaganda” – the war of information technology.

Which of these books have you already read? Which ones would you add to the list? Share in the comments! 👇

Analytics without Borders: Join #ciic_friends

Dear friends, we are very grateful to you for your participation in the development of our professional community.

🔥 For the most active and talented, we decided to launch the #ciic_friends section, in which we will publish analytical materials from our subscribers.

Send your works and topics
to us in the telegram channel and do not miss the release of your materials 💬

⭐️ Would you like to participate?

🌎 From Unipolarity to Multipolarity. Policy Architects

😍 Friends, today we would like to introduce you to another study within the framework of the "The Way of Political Expert" competition.

The "Policy Architects" team, which includes 🇧🇷David Felipe da Silva, 🇷🇺 Alisa Parkhomenko and 🇮🇷 Behrooz
Kiany, prepared an analytical note of the focus group.

In their work, the guys explored the hypothesis of how people in Russia, Brazil and Iran
perceive the impact of multipolarity on their own country? Do they view it as a positive or risky development?

Key Insights:

🍴 Shared Anti-Western Sentiment:
A recurring theme across Russia, Brazil, and Iran was the perception of multipolarity as a tool to counter
U.S./EU dominance. This suggests that geopolitical resentment fuels support for alternative alliances
(BRICS, SCO).

🔥Economic Hope:
While participants in all three countries highlighted economic opportunities (e.g., BRICS trade, Foreign
investment), skepticism persisted about the hardships during this route.

You can read the full presentation of the guys at the link. There you will find a lot of interesting infographics and useful conclusions.

✨ How do you like the work of the participants?