CIIC

🇨🇲 Cameroon: Elections amidst a crisis

Cameroon will hold presidential elections on October 12. 92-year-old Paul Biya may remain in power for an eighth term and rule for a total of 50 years.

🌏 Expert Arina Salivon has prepared materials especially for our Telegram channel about why the ruling party is split, and discontent is growing even among the elites and the church. To avoid unrest, maximum transparency and international observers are needed.

Despite the opposition's modest successes, the outcome of the presidential race in Cameroon is by no means a foregone conclusion. Today, the incumbent's party is experiencing a split. Many of its members are in favor of a change in the country's leadership. Moreover, Paul Biya's candidacy is increasingly gaining opponents among influential representatives of the Catholic Church.

🔥 You can read the full article at the link

🇻🇪 What's behind the US Military Operation off the Coast of Venezuela?

🌏 Friends, today we are sharing with you an interesting interview with our expert Daria Korchemnaya.

Last week, especially for the Telesur TV channel, in the From the South program, Daria commented on the US decision to send warships to the shores of Venezuela to combat drug trafficking.

The main points of the conversation:

📌Washington's statements about the fight against the "Cartel of the Suns" are a pretext for putting pressure on the Maduro government.

📌 The international community, represented by countries in the region and states around the world, speaks out in support of Venezuela and condemns the actions of the US and any actions aimed at interfering in the internal affairs of another state.

📌 The UN's silence when the public requests a reaction from international organizations is a sign that it is necessary to create new independent international organizations that will respond to such situations and take into account the interests of not only the US, but indeed all countries.

🔗 The full version of the interview in English can be found at the link: videos.telesurenglish.net/en/content/359495

How do nations define their "national interest" in today's turbulent world?

Last Friday, we hosted a fascinating keynote lecture for our "Horizons of Opportunity" program with Ivan Timofeev (@sanctionsrisk), Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC).

His lecture, "National Interests and Their Implementation in Modern International Relations," explored critical global challenges.

RIAC is a leading Russian think tank focused on international relations. The Council brings together prominent government officials, experts, and representatives of business and media.

The discussion covered key themes:

💙How the concept of "national interest" is evolving.
💙The balance between sovereignty and international cooperation.
💙Modern tools for achieving foreign policy goals.
💙Challenges nations face in implementing these goals.

A key takeaway? In a complex global landscape, a strategic and comprehensive approach is essential for policies that support long-term development.

🇲🇩 Visit of high-ranking European representatives to Chisinau: support for the course or interference in the electoral process?

On August 27, the President of France Emmanuel Macron, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk paid an official visit to the Republic of Moldova.

How justified are the concerns about external influence on the electoral process? What is the real alignment of political forces in Moldovan society and to what extent is the pro-European course supported within the country?

🌏 There is exactly one month left before the elections, so our experts Arina Salivon and Ivan Bubnov prepared the answers to these questions, as well as an analysis of the current political situation in the Republic of Moldova.

Despite this, there is no doubt that the citizens of Moldova should have the opportunity to determine the future of their country themselves and make the choice that corresponds to their views and beliefs.

🧷 You can read the analytical materials at the link

🇷🇺 How to build relations with Russia?

On Friday, as part of the "Horizons of Opportunities" program, a thematic session was held on the evolution of the Russian Federation's foreign policy in the 21st century.

The event was held with the participation of an invited expert, Director of the Institute of World Military Economy and Strategy of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) Dmitry Trenin.

🌏 During the lecture, Professor Trenin presented his own analysis of the key stages, principles, and vectors of the formation of Russia's modern foreign policy strategy.

We have collected for you a selection of literature from our expert so that you can immerse yourself in this topic:

📌D. Trenin "Integration and Identity: Russia as a "New West""

This monograph examines the period of the early 2000s and Russia's search for its role in the system of international relations after the Cold War, and analyzes the potential for rapprochement with the West.

📌D. Trenin "European Security: From "As Long as There Is No War" to the Search for a New Balance"

Since the end of the Cold War, the countries of the Euro-Atlantic region have failed to create a comprehensive security system on the continent that would include Russia. This is the main reason for the serious problems in the sphere of European security.

💫 Applications for participation in the 2nd School of Electoral Experts are now open!

Friends, we are launching our flagship project again. We invite you to participate in the 2nd School of Electoral Experts!

Our goal is to train highly qualified experts to make elections more transparent and accessible around the world.

🌏 The 2nd School of Electoral Experts is a project that will help you conduct independent election monitoring and get acquainted with new electoral technologies.

🇷🇺 The lessons will be held in Moscow on November 6-7, as part of the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Ensuring Observation and Expertise of Electoral Processes" (with the grant support of the Presidential Grants Foundation).

⚡️We invite Russian and international youth and student aged 18 to 35, fluent in English or Russian and interested in law studies or political science.
Kindly note: the participation is free, the organizers cover meals during the event and provide visa support.

⚡️Deadline: September 29

🧷Registration links http://ciic.site/electoralschool

Share information with your colleagues! See you in November

First Round in Bolivia: Crisis of the Left and an Unexpected Frontrunner

🇧🇴 The results of the first round in Bolivia shocked many: the poll favorite failed, and the ruling MAS crashed out of the race. For the first time in many years.

The key factor is the brutal split on the left between Morales and Arce. Their ambitions have buried the chances of the entire movement.

The CIIC co-founder, Maria Prokofieva, has prepared a special article for our channel dedicated to how this crisis happened and what awaits us in the second round.

The outcome of the second round is unpredictable, and the gap between the candidates is minimal. Bolivia stands at the threshold of a fundamental choice that will determine not only its internal development but also its place in the system of regional and global alliances.

🔗 A detailed analysis of the election results is available at the link

Now the country is choosing between two scenarios: a pragmatic "post-ideological" Bolivia or a turn towards the United States.

🚀 How the "Horizons of Opportunities" program helps turn a dream into a career vector

The "Horizons of Opportunities" program continues its active work.

While participants deepen their knowledge in lectures and acquire valuable professional competencies in practice, we were interested in what career goal inspires them.

☝🏽 Check out the stories of our participants in the cards below!

We are confident that these aspirations have every reason to become reality in the future. For our part, we will make every effort to help achieve these goals.

🌏 Stay up to date with the latest news and event announcements by subscribing to our information resources.

🇷🇺🇺🇸Putin and Trump meet: dialogue amid challenges

On Friday, forces emerged at the American military base in Anchorage that attracted the attention of the entire world: Vladimir Putin and Trump met face to face after a long break.

The solemn atmosphere — a red carpet, an honor guard, and a warm handshake between the hosts — set the tone for the dialogue. However, behind the politeness of the external convention were complex issues that needed to be addressed.

What did the presidents talk about?

📌Security guarantees for Ukraine
📌Possible ways to resolve the conflict
📌Prospects for Russian-American relations

The president noted that he discussed the future of Ukraine with Putin and even advised Zelensky to “agree to a move” that remained behind the scenes.

The significance of the meeting: a step forward or the status quo?
Three-hour internationals do not bring breakthrough agreements, but they maintain contrasting positions for the sides. The main result, perhaps, was the continuation of the dialogue at the meeting level.

🌏 Expert opinion

In an exclusive article for Газета.ru, political scientist Alexander Nazarov analyzes how this meeting can represent an international agenda.

📎 Read the full version at the link: https://www.gazeta.ru/politics/2025/08/16/21544526.shtml

The analysis is presented exclusively for Газета.ru in Russian and can be translated via an in-browser translator

Do you think such a dialogue has learned to change the balance of power in the world? Share your opinions in the comments!

🗞 CIIC Weekly Digest

While the whole world is waiting for Putin and Trump to negotiate, we will tell you what important things happened this week in other countries.

🇧🇷 Brazil fears additional tariffs from the US

Because it buys fuel from Russia, the Financial Times writes.

"Brazil fears additional tariffs from the US because of its purchases of Russian diesel fuel," the headline of the publication says.

According to the publication, Brazilian politicians and business leaders believe that their country could be the next to face additional tariffs after India.

🇮🇶 Iraq faces acute water shortages

Iraq is facing an acute water shortage amid a severe drought and a decrease in water inflows from neighboring countries, RIA Novosti reported.

Iraqi authorities attribute the crisis not only to climate conditions, but also to dams built by Turkey and Iran on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which play a key role in the country's life support. Earlier, Iraqi Water Minister Aoun Diab announced record low water reserves in many years, warning of a possible halt in crop production due to a sharp deficit.

🇰🇷 South Korea detains ex-president's wife

Former first lady of South Korea Kim Kong-hee, the wife of the country's ex-president Yun Seok-yul, has been detained on charges of involvement in securities fraud, election interference and bribery, Yonhap news agency reports.

🇵🇰 Pakistani textile workers strike for decent wages

Pakistan remains one of the leading countries in textile production due to its low labor costs. According to open data, Zara, H&M, Mango and many other well-known Russian companies place orders in the country. Local workers work 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week with minimal breaks. Enterprises do not have health insurance, paid vacations or pension contributions. At the same time, the minimum wage in the industry barely exceeds 25,000 rupees ($285).

🇩🇪 The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become the most popular party in the country

Recall that the coalition of the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party of Germany is currently in power in Germany. Thus, in total, the ruling coalition is supported by only about 37% of the population. Nevertheless, the growth in support for the far right could lead to changes in the country's political landscape and potential new alliances, but this time with the AfD.

The survey involved 2,505 respondents, taking into account the representative sample. It is part of a series of regular surveys known as the "Sonntagsfrage" ("Sunday Question"), which simulate the results of elections if they were held next Sunday.

#CIIC_digest

❓Colleagues, are you ready for a heated discussion?

Trump and Putin meeting this Friday – what’s behind it?

Unexpected negotiations between two key figures in world politics always raise questions: Is this an attempt to ease tensions or, on the contrary, a new round of strategic games? What topics could be on the table – Ukraine, sanctions, energy, US elections? How will this affect global alliances and the economy?

Putin and Trump will meet in Anchorage on August 15. These will be the first face-to-face talks between the two heads of state since June 2021, when Putin met with then-Washington administration leader Joe Biden in Geneva.

📌 Write your analytical note (in brief or in detail) – we will collect key ideas, test hypotheses and publish a general overview.

💬 Let’s discuss in the comments:

📌What is the main motive for this meeting?

📌What unobvious consequences could it have?

📌Who will win and who will end up in the red?

Write, discuss, send us your analytical notes in messages – let’s figure out this story together! 🚀

🌍 Registration for the BRICS International School is now open

Friends, we are always happy to share the worthwhile projects of our colleagues with you!

⚡️ In the fall, Moscow will host the BRICS International School: New Generation, a flagship educational and outreach project of the BRICS-Russia Expert Council.

📎 The School is held with the support of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the aim of expanding the association of young experts to form a personnel reserve and develop the BRICS youth track.

Participants will find:

⚡️ lectures by leading Russian and foreign experts on BRICS topics;
⚡️ workshops, business games, debates, and discussions;
⚡️ the opportunity to study the interaction of BRICS member countries and the prospects for the development of the association;
⚡️ practical work on your own projects.

Working language: English.

⚡️Who can participate?

Young professionals aged 18 to 35 are welcome to participate:

▪️young scientists;
▪️diplomats, representatives of relevant ministries and agencies;
▪️political scientists, experts from research centers;
▪️international journalists;
▪️entrepreneurs and leaders of youth movements.

⏰ Applications are accepted until September 15. The selection of participants will be carried out on a competitive basis.

➡ Details and participation conditions are available on the project website: bricsschool.ru/

Inspiring stories of international students and entrepreneurs in Russia

At a recent meeting within the "Horizons of Opportunities" program, our participants heard inspiring stories of international students and entrepreneurs who have achieved success in Russia.

🔹 Henrique Dominguez (Adviser to the President of Brazil) shared how Russian education helped him understand international trade and sanctions policy. He graduated with honors and emphasized: the main thing in learning a language is desire!

🔹 Natalia Radivoevich (Coordinator of the Ministry of Defense of Serbia) told how studying in Russia opened the doors to diplomacy, helped her establish valuable connections and even inspired her to write a doctoral dissertation. Her advice: use opportunities for growth, be open to new things and don’t be afraid to change direction.

🔹 Akil Mohammad is an entrepreneur from India who, thanks to a Russian grant, organized an international forum and created a business in several countries. His key principles are courage, networking and a strong team.

🔹 Guy Eames (entrepreneur from the UK) moved to Russia permanently and highly appreciated the quality of life, business opportunities and hospitality. He advises foreigners to start with an individual entrepreneur status and actively participate in local business programs.

✨ It is important for us that everyone finds their own path to success - be it education, career or business. Russia opens the doors to a world of opportunities, where your efforts turn into real achievements.