CIIC

🇭🇳 What happened in the Honduran elections, and what does Trump have to do with it?

Elections were held in Honduras on November 30, and our experts served as independent observers representing Russia.

🌏 We prepared an analytical report for our colleagues OGON. We addressed questions about why Trump threatened to revoke work permits for Hondurans in the US and why the Honduran elections are another indicator of the rightward shift in Latin America.

🔥 Read more from our colleagues on the Telegram channel: https://t.me/ogon_media/5297

Author: Daria Korchemnaya

🔥 Horizons Reached: Looking Back to Move Forward

Friends, let’s take a moment to look back at how it all unfolded. Last month, we held the Congress for Best Graduates of International Schools that brought together 150 international students from 50 countries.

🌏 The Horizons of Opportunities Program has brought together many specialists from various countries and regions of Russia and supports the development of professional networks, which is an important step towards creating a Community of Program Alumni.

📱 We’ve put together a gallery of moments on our Instagram*.

Swipe through and see if you can spot yourself!

* Meta recognized as an extremist organization, its activities are prohibited in Russia.

🇰🇬 How the New System is Changing Kyrgyzstan's Political Landscape

🇮🇷 Friends, we continue with our #AnalyticswithoutBorders column. Today, we present an article from our regular contributor, Mehdi Honardideh from Iran, whom you know well.

A week ago, on November 30, parliamentary elections concluded in Kyrgyzstan under a new legislation. They marked a transition from the previous mixed system—where some deputies were elected by party lists and others from single-mandate constituencies—to a new electoral model. Read the full article at the link below to learn more about the voting process and the historical significance of these elections for the country.

Historically, allegations of electoral manipulation have often served as a pretext for consolidating political power in Kyrgyzstan. The Japarov-Tashiyev alliance now appears determined to prevent a recurrence of this pattern by further restricting opposition activists ahead of elections.

🔗 You can read the full material at the link

✨ Author: Mehdi Honardideh

Do you agree with the author?

🇸🇰 The Soul of the State: The Search for Identity in the Flow of Globalization

🌏 Today, as part of our #AnalyticswithoutBorders column, we would like to present the work of our participant from the Slovak Republic, Emy Janicevicová.

Ema has prepared a paper on the problems of on the problem of the development of globalization in a multipolar world and issues of strengthening state sovereignty.

A state's true strength lies not only in its economy or military might, but also in its authentic identity and moral integrity. A state that understands and protects its soul can conduct diplomacy based on values, not just pragmatic interests.

🧷You can read the full text at the link

✨ Author: Ema Janicevicova

European Energy Sovereignty or Replacing Russian Energy with American Energy?

🌏 Friends, our expert Pierre Kamina recently wrote a commentary for «Газета.Ru», in which he shared the political significance of European energy sovereignty.

EU countries will have only one option: purchasing extracted gas at prices set by the US, which confirms the thesis that this project is not a "step toward EU energy sovereignty," but rather the development of the American energy business at the expense of European consumers and taxpayers.

🔗 You can read the full article at this link

Author: Petr Kamina

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

🌐International Competition and Workshop «Challenges of Multipolarity»

Dear friends, we are pleased to announce the call for applications for the Competition and Workshop «Challenges of Multipolarity»!

Working in teams, you will conduct your own research in your field and then tackle a real-world case study from one of our partners.

The best teams from the online stage will be invited to the in-person program in Moscow! A unique experience awaits you there: a hackathon where your team will have one day to simulate the operations of a real organization — such as a political science center, a historical society, or a consulting firm — and complete a series of practical tasks. The program also includes discussions with experts, visits to specialized institutions, and networking opportunities that will help participants to promote themselves within the professional community.

You can participate in one of 5 tracks:
📚Political science
👨🏻‍⚖️Law
🏛History
👥Sociology
🏦Economics

Dates of Workshop:
🔘February 5, 2026 – March 16, 2026 - online theoretical and practical stages
🔘April 27–29, 2026 - in-person stage in Moscow

Terms of participation:
🔘Aged 18 to 35
🔘A student or young researcher in one of the fields
🔘Proficiency in English at a minimum of B1 level

Don't miss your chance! We are waiting for your application!

👉🏻 Register on our website!

😌 The event will be held with the grant support of The Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund

🇭🇳 Field Observer Notes: Unique Observations from the General Election in Honduras

🌏 International observation played a key role in Honduras' electoral process on November 30. Our specialists, Maria Prokofieva and Daria Korchemnaya, contributed to this effort by documenting several distinctive aspects of the vote. Their professional, albeit subjective, perspective provides deeper insight into the local political culture.

The 2025 general elections included elections for the head of state, the president; members of Congress and their deputies; members of the Central American Parliament and their deputies; mayors, their deputies, and members of municipal councils.

Characteristics of the Electoral Process in Honduras:

💙Verified Identity. Before receiving a ballot, each voter undergoes mandatory biometric verification. This guarantees a high degree of accuracy and eliminates any doubt regarding voter identity.

💙Indelible Mark. To prevent repeat voting, a simple yet effective method is employed: an inconspicuous ink mark on the little finger. This serves as a personal and visible sign that civic duty has been fulfilled.

💙Visible Transparency. Complete voter lists, including photographs, are publicly displayed at the entrance to each polling station. This allows for public scrutiny and strengthens trust in the integrity of the voter registry.

💙Openness to the Last Ballot. The vote-counting process is entirely public. Any citizen may observe it without requiring special permission or prior registration, taking the principle of transparency to its logical conclusion.

💙Multilateral Consensus. Each precinct commission is composed of a balanced representation of all political parties. Key leadership positions within the commission are allocated by consensus, ensuring balance and mutual oversight from the very beginning of the process.

💙Voter-Centric Flexibility. The electoral system demonstrates considerable flexibility. In cases of high turnout and long queues, the Central Election Commission has the authority to extend voting hours. This decision prioritizes every citizen's right to vote, even under conditions of exceptionally high turnout.

Share in the comments what features of the electoral system in your country exist👇🏽

🌏 Congress Results: From Theory to Practice

The final day of the Congress for the Best Graduates of International Schools, the culminating event of the «Horizons of Opportunites» program, has concluded.

✨ The day's packed program featured a master class by Snezhanna Vikulina, Deputy Head of the Digoria Platform, on «How to Assemble and Organize a Project Team» as well as a lecture by Alexandra Nikiforova, a teacher at the LinguaRus online school, titled «Russian from Russians: How to Speak Naturally—Secrets of Lively Speech».

The role-playing game simulating a job interview and a series of interactive activities were particularly valuable for the participants. The key practical lesson was a master class on public speaking, led by Angelina Grokholskaya. These formats allowed the students to consolidate the extensive theoretical knowledge they had acquired during the Congress and hone their new skills in practice.

Theory has successfully been put into practice! Now, on to new achievements! 🚀

🌏 Creating sustainable professional communities

During the large-scale plenary session "Working with International Graduate Students: Creating Sustainable Professional Communities," participants focused on presenting the specific ideas of developing their community in future. The goal of this work was to strengthen graduates’s cooperation and create effective mechanisms for career development with Russia.

The keynote of the session was a presentation by international students Mensa Koffi Martin, Timur Bekmuradov and Ghazi Yosser Khaled Elhosseny. They presented the collective work developed during the preliminary foresight session and shared their vision for projects that contribute to the consolidation of the “Horizons of Opportunities” alumni group.

The plenary session opened with welcoming remarks from key experts, setting the strategic direction for the entire session.

📌Areg Agasaryan, First Deputy Director of the International Youth Center at RUDN University, emphasized the "bridge-building" initiative:

"Our graduates are the main ambassadors of Russian education. Our shared goal is to create strong ties between those who have returned to their homeland and Russia."

📌The dialogue was continued by Alexander Alimov, Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting:

"We have gathered here to create sustainable professional communities. I am confident that our community should become a tool for realizing your personal and professional plans, and we consider this task extremely important."

📌Pavel Shevtsov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, spoke about practical support abroad and in Russia:

"Our principle is 'Our home is your home.' We are ready to help you even after your return, whether it's establishing a school or an educational center in your country. Rossotrudnichestvo will provide methodological support, successful cases, textbooks, and assistance with teacher training."

📌Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work, and International Relations at MGIMO University, noted the importance of concrete actions in building the community:

"The community must live by its own calendar of events. Without this 'form,' the association risks ending before it even begins. We are already seeing a number of promising proposals ready for implementation."

📌Dmitry Ivanov, General Director of the ANO "Directorate of the World Youth Festival," spoke about upcoming opportunities for international students:

"Starting in 2026, we will launch a mechanism for direct support of foreign citizens' initiatives – a grant competition for foreign citizens and organizations. We see foreign students as our key partners – those who can convey the truth about Russia firsthand, honestly, reliably, and without intermediaries."

📌Konstantin Malyshev, Head of the Department of International Youth Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, concluded the expert session, assuring the participants:

"Your ideas will form the basis for the further development of the program." We will take the projects you've outlined, refine them based on expert opinions, and continue the program next year, building on your initiatives."

✨ Participants look forward to the third day of diplomatic games, master classes, and interactive seminars!

Education and Careers for International Talent

🇷🇺 On the first day of the Congress for the Best Graduates of International Schools, Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, delivered an address to participants.

The discussion focused on new initiatives to attract international students to study and pursue careers in Russia.

🌏 Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and join the conversation.

🌏 Moscow Hosts Congress for Best Graduates of International Schools

Moscow welcomed the distinguished alumni of the «Horizons of Oppotunites» program for a major congress of its best graduates. The forum aims to facilitate not only the exchange of professional expertise but also to inspire future accomplishments.

The opening ceremony featured addresses from esteemed guests, including:

🟣 Konstantin Malyshev, Head of the Department for International Youth Cooperation and Tourism at the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education;
🟣 Natalia Chesnokova, Vice Rector for Admissions at Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University);
🟣Sergey Shitkov, Acting Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
🟣 Svetlana Gavrilova, Deputy Head of the Program Department at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC);
🟣 Konstantin Pilipiliadi, Project Director at the The Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund;
🟣 Nikolai Larin, Director of the RUDN International Youth Center.

The congress maintained a dynamic pace from the start, with participants engaging in strategic planning during foresight sessions, refining their abilities in practical workshops, and establishing valuable connections through dedicated networking.

🟣A particular highlight was the participants' opportunity to interact with Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

✨ Ultimately, the event proved to be more than just a conference—it marked the emergence of a synergistic community where expertise, ambition, and camaraderie converge to forge a powerful network for future collaboration.

🇳🇱 The Dutch Experiment: How Europe is Learning to Rebuild Trust

The outcome of the 2025 Dutch elections represents more than just a change of power. It is a powerful signal that the rise of the far-right in Europe is not an irreversible fate, but a consequence of systemic crises.

🌏 As the analysis by our contributor Mehdi Honardideh shows, voters returned to liberal and centrist parties once they began offering pragmatic solutions to challenges like migration and housing.

This is a lesson for all of Europe: when mainstream politicians effectively address real problems, they can reverse a far-right trend.

The Netherlands now faces the task of forming a pro-European government. Its success or failure will not merely be an internal affair, but a beacon for the entire continent as it seeks a path between populism and effective governance.

🔗 You can read the full article here

Autors: Mehdi Honardideh

🇷🇺🇲🇬 CIIC held a meeting with the delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Madagascar

On November 9, 2025, talks were held in Moscow between the delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Madagascar led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Randrianasoloniaiko Siteny Thierry, and Areg Agasaryan, Head and co-founder of CIIC.

During the meeting, the parties:
🔸 Discussed potential areas of bilateral cooperation
🔸 Agreed to further specify areas of interaction
🔸Noted the prospects for developing Russian-Malagasy relations

Significance of the visit:

This meeting demonstrates the strengthening of the Center's status as a significant platform for developing international dialogue. Negotiations with representatives of Madagascar's highest legislative body confirm the relevance of the interaction formats being developed by the Center.

🌏 Developing partnerships with Madagascar is consistent with the strategic guidelines of Russia's foreign policy in Africa and creates the foundation for the implementation of joint projects.

🇮🇶 Ivan Bubnov, political scientist and expert at the CIIC Center, spoke especially for the Telegram channel "Center for International Interaction and Cooperation" about the parliamentary elections in Iraq.

On 11 November, Iraq held elections to the Council of Representatives, the lower house of the national parliament. The vote became a major test for the country’s fragile political system, divided along ethnic and religious lines.

The largest share of the vote went to the pro-government electoral bloc Reconstruction and Development, created earlier this year and securing 46 of 329 seats. Led by Prime Minister al-Sudani, this political force draws primarily on the Shi’a population and focuses on infrastructure development, and combines moderate Iraqi nationalism with a broadly secular agenda. Other Shi’a forces in parliament include the pro-Iranian conservative State of Law bloc and the Islamist Sadiqoun bloc, with 27 seats each. The largest Sunni force was the centrist Progress alliance, which won 28 seats. Kurdish votes were split between the right-leaning Kurdistan Democratic Party (26 seats) and the more left-leaning Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (15 seats).

No single party reached the 165-seat threshold required to form a government on its own, so extended negotiations on a governing coalition are expected in the coming days.

A key factor was the boycott of the elections by the radical Islamist movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr. In 2021 the movement had won 73 seats and became the largest bloc in parliament, but its refusal to compromise led it to withdraw from the Council of Representatives and attempt to shift the confrontation onto the streets.

Nonetheless, voter turnout reached 56% against 41% in the previous elections. Election day itself was largely calm, although on the eve of the vote clashes between supporters of Kurdish and Turkmen parties in the north of the country left one police officer dead. Observers and NGOs reported isolated cases of vote-buying and procedural violations, but Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and the United Nations Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) assessed the elections as competitive and in line with the legal framework.

🌏 The "Horizons of Opportunites" Are Expanding: Next Stop, Moscow!

What an incredible journey it's been! Our "Horizons of Opportunites" program has officially wrapped, uniting over 300 bright young professionals from 69 countries.

🇷🇺 This initiative was designed to create a dynamic platform for talented individuals from around the world who are looking to build their careers and futures with Russia. For four months, participants engaged in a series of expert lectures, tackled individual assignments, and culminated their experience by presenting their own unique projects.

But the journey isn't over—it's reaching a new peak!

⚡️ We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Congress, set for November 24-26 in Moscow! This event will gather 150 of our top participants, representing 50 countries and 72 universities from 40 regions across Russia.

Get ready for three days of:
✨ Insightful plenary sessions
✨ Engaging lectures and masterclasses
✨ Unparalleled networking opportunities

We're looking forward to connecting, collaborating, and building a brighter future together. It's going to be both productive and inspiring!

⚡️ See you all in Moscow!

🔥Regular #CIIC_digest

We have collected news from all over the world

🇩🇪 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the country's economic reserves are depleted.

Chancellor Merz noted that high energy prices are severely impacting German companies, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue to restore the economy's competitiveness. He added that the German federal government and the European Union are already developing measures to lower prices.

🇧🇷 Protests Erupt in Rio de Janeiro Following a Large-Scale Police Operation

Thousands of people protested in Rio de Janeiro following a major police operation against drug gangs, which resulted in at least 121 fatalities, including four police officers. According to The Guardian, this was the deadliest police operation in Brazil's history. Protesters are demanding an investigation into the operation's circumstances and an end to security policies that they say are turning the city's poor neighborhoods "into a war zone." Some demonstrators also called for the resignation of Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro.

🇫🇷 France Investigates TikTok Over Content Linked to Suicides

France has launched an investigation into TikTok, with authorities considering the platform's algorithms dangerous for children and teenagers. They believe the algorithms can push harmful content to vulnerable users and even lead them to suicide, as concluded by a French parliamentary commission. The Paris prosecutor's office is now investigating TikTok for "promoting suicide methods" and for the platform's potential use in the commission of crimes.

🇰🇪 Kenyan Workers Storm Chinese-Owned Garment Factory

Hundreds of Kenyan workers, represented by the Tailors and Textile Workers' Union, stormed the Shangcheng Kenya Apparel textile factory in Athi River. They accused the management of grossly violating workers' rights and creating conditions resembling modern-day slavery. The alleged violations include excessively long shifts (from 6:00 PM to 11:00 AM) without breaks, unjustified wage deductions, systematic obstruction of union formation, and dismissals without compensation. Cases involving suspended pregnant women and employees forced to work while sick have caused particular outrage.

🇦🇺 Australia to Ban Teenagers from Social Media Platforms

Australia has announced a ban on teenagers using social media platforms. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that these platforms would be subject to new restrictions as part of a government initiative to ensure children's online safety. Companies will be required to block access for teenage users or face severe financial penalties, including fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance.

Elections in a Multipolar World: Abkhazia Conference Focuses on Sovereignty and Trust

🌏 On November 7, on the eve of local elections scheduled for November 8, 2025, a conference titled "Elections in a Multipolar World: Sovereignty, Trust, and the Transformation of Electoral Processes" was held in Sukhum, Abkhazia.

The Republic of Abkhazia has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to international democratic standards, under which it continues to refine its national electoral system, including approaches to monitoring electoral processes.

🔹The welcoming address was delivered by Dmitry Marshан, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia.

The event brought together more than 20 international experts from 17 countries. The discussions facilitated an exchange of experience between experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations, and yielded practical recommendations for enhancing the transparency of and trust in electoral processes.