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Электронное приложение к журналу «
Международная жизнь
»
Author : A. Orlov
Director, Institute of International Studies, Moscow State Institute (University) of International Re-
lations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL
STUDIES (IIS) at MGIMO-University of Rus-
sia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) was
formed in May 2009 as successor to the univer-
sity's Problem Research Laboratory for Systems
Analysis of International Relations founded in
1976. The founding of the IIS should be seen as
an important event in the continuing develop-
ment of MGIMO-University, an essential phase
in turning it into not only a recognized center of
education but a world-standard research center as well.
A closer bond between science, education and practice is essential for the making of modern
society. All the major universities in the world are also big research centers. The leading nations
on the planet foster a fusion between academic and expert knowledge, theoretical training and
developing practical skills. This is in line with the traditions and the main strategic development
of MGIMO-University, which has every reason for regarding itself as one of the cutting-edge
national universities doing research into the key sociopolitical disciplines.
One important distinguishing characteristic of the Institute of International Studies is that
this is a leading analytical agency working for the government. In addition to Russia's MFA,
which is naturally a customer of IIS, its analytical products are of interest to virtually all gov-
ernment agencies dealing with the shaping of Russia's foreign policy, including the Presidential
Executive Office, working for which is both a great responsibility and honor.
The unique role of IIS is that this institute deals with more than a narrow special subject; it
deals with all pivotal matters of international relations. At the moment, IIS brings together 11
research centers, each of which is a recognized center of expert knowledge in a particular
field.
Working towards these objectives will help MGIMO-University adopt major interdisciplinary
innovatory research and education programs aimed at scoring advances in a number of areas
of research and train specialists rated here and abroad as highly skilled and capable of con-
tributing in a big way to modernizing Russia.
The goals set by IIS may seem too ambitious, but experience shows that failing to set major
goals, one is likely toSPIN the wheels for a long time without knowing it. MGIMO-University's
philosophy is to work hard to achieve its goals, all the more so because these goals accord with
the state's development goals.
New Analytical Center to Serve Government Interests