Центр G.O.R.K.I. СПбГУ

St. Petersburg State University will host a presentation of the Chinese edition of “Requiem for Europe”, Karin Kneissl's personal perspective on the fate of the European Union in an era of global transformation.
 
In her book, Karin Kneissl, Head of the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia's Key Issues at St. Petersburg University,reflects on the Europe where she was born and worked for many years. She explores the path Europe has taken through the centuries, from being a center of global attraction to its current decline, with the region’s most influential nations ceding their once-dominant role on the world stage to Eastern powers. “That Europe, for which I am so grateful to fate, no longer exists. I do not know exactly when this blessed place disappeared. Freedom, equality, and human dignity have been replaced by a new form of censorship, economic division, and a horrifying contempt for humanity, and this happened with startling suddenness and speed,” notes the author.
 
During the event, Karin Kneissl will share insights into the creation of the book, the nuances of its translation, and the cultural context surrounding its release in Chinese. Following the presentation, an autograph session will be held: all attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the Chinese-language edition and get the author's personal signature. The meeting will be moderated by Professor Alexey Rodionov, First Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Asian and African Studies at St. Petersburg University.

Date: 3 June 2026
Time: 16:00
Location: St. Petersburg, Universitetskaya Embankment, 11, Room 175 (Faculty of Asian and African Studies)
Language of the event: English.

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Карин Кнайсль представила свой первый литературный труд для юных читателей — «Принц Евгений. От безвестности к европейскому признанию»

В Центральной детской библиотеке имени А.В. Ганзен автор книги погрузила зрителей в эпоху принца Евгения Савойского: гости увидели видеоролики о его блистательных победах, характере и невероятной воле. Отдельный блок посвятили тонкой душе полководца — его любви к искусству, музыке и… животным. Также узнали любопытную деталь: у принца Евгения дома жил настоящий лев, который помогал избавляться от нежелательных гостей.

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Фото: Библиотека Касимовского муниципального округа

On May 19, G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU hosted a business breakfast titled “Anarchy in International Relations and the Impact on Russia – from Breaches of Contracts to Piracy.”

The discussion brought together experts and practitioners to examine the ongoing transformation of the international system amid the deepening confrontation between Russia and the West. Participants reflected on how international law, global governance, and the balance between power and norms are being reshaped in an increasingly unstable world.

A central theme of the discussion was the erosion of international legal mechanisms. Speakers noted that while international law is built upon principles intended to prevent anarchy, its effectiveness ultimately depends on political will and the balance of power. Particular attention was devoted to the selective interpretation of international norms and the growing tendency of states to prioritize security considerations over legal commitments.

The conversation also addressed whether a single legal framework can truly be compatible with different civilizations, historical traditions, and cultural models. Participants discussed tensions between Western legal traditions and alternative perspectives emerging from the Global South.

Another important point concerned the distinction between the “letter” and the “spirit” of law, as well as the increasing reinterpretation of international norms according to political interests.

The meeting concluded with reflections on resilience, social cohesion, and the challenges societies may face in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain world order.

#InternationalRelations #Geopolitics #InternationalLaw #Russia #GlobalOrder #GORKI

On May 18, the G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU hosted a Kamin Talk «Global Monetary System and Geopolitical Watershed Line: From the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference to the Emerging World Order of Today» focused on the transformation of the global monetary and financial system in the context of geopolitical change.

Dr. Kazi Sohag, Head of the Centre for Econometrics and Business Analytics at St. Petersburg University discussed the evolution of the international financial order from the Bretton Woods Conference to the modern multipolar system. Particular attention was devoted to the role of the U.S. dollar, global fragmentation, the growing influence of BRICS, and China’s financial initiatives such as the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS).

During the discussion, issues such as sanctions, cryptocurrencies, alternative financial mechanisms, and gold-backed settlement systems connected to the New Development Bank were also addressed.

Karin Kneissl emphasized the growing importance of commodities, particularly food, water, and energy resources, in the future global economy and argued that the emerging world order is unlikely to be dominated by a single superpower.

The event concluded with an engaging debate on the future of money, global governance, and the transition toward a multipolar international system.

#GORKI #BRICS #GlobalEconomy #Multipolarity #SPbU

Global Monetary System and Geopolitical Watershed Line: From the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference to the Emerging World Order of Today

The G.O.R.K.I. Centre of St. Petersburg University invites you to a Kamin talk on the global financial system in the context of contemporary geopolitical transformations.

During the event, we will trace the journey from the post-war agreements in Bretton Woods to the challenges facing the international economic system today: How did the historical decisions of 1944 lay the institutional foundation of the modern world order? Which structural shifts, crises of confidence, and technological breakthroughs have led to the current “geopolitical watershed line”?

Dr. Kazi Sohag, Head of the Centre for Econometrics and Business Analytics at St. Petersburg University, will deliver the keynote lecture. The expert will examine the historical evolution of the global monetary system, analyze empirical data and macroeconomic indicators underpinning current financial shifts, and outline key vectors of transformation in the global system amid the emerging multipolar world order.

Following the 30-minute lecture attendees are invited to join the discussion: How inevitable is the transition from a unipolar financial model to a multipolar one? And how will these processes shape the economic sovereignty and alliances of states in the emerging world order? The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Karin Kneissl, Head of the G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU.

Date: 18 May 2026
Time: 18:00
Location: St. Petersburg, 28 Tchaikovskogo St. (Kelkh Mansion)

Language of the event: English
In order to participate you have to register

Кнайсль: Ливан сравнивают с землей, а мир молчит об этом

Глава Центра G.O.R.K.I. СПбГУ призналась, что "потрясена и лишена слов от того, что происходит в стране", где ей довелось жить и где у нее до сих пор есть друзья, с частью которых она уже не может связаться. "И кто остановит Израиль? Я не вижу никого, кто остановил бы Израиль. Сейчас стали возможными так много вещей, и никто ничего не говорит", - подчеркнула она.

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On April 18, the G.O.R.K.I. Centre hosted the lecture “The Great Delusion: When the Ruling Families from London to Berlin and St. Petersburg were Cousins,” dedicated to the paradox of dynastic ties on the eve of the First World War.

At the heart of the discussion was a question that remains highly relevant today: can close personal relationships between rulers prevent a major conflict? As history has shown, the answer is no. Despite strong family ties, national interests consistently prevailed over personal attachment.

Particular attention was paid to the symbolic moment of Queen Victoria’s funeral, which brought together “Europe’s crowned heads”. However, only a few years later, these same powers found themselves on opposing sides of the war. During the lecture, Karin Kneissl drew a line from the events of the early twentieth century to the present day, drawing attention to the rhetoric of European politics today. She noted that EU leaders often refer to one another as a “family,” yet such symbolism does not negate a fundamental principle - diplomacy remains a sphere where national interests come first.

An emphasis was placed on the role of communication. Mastery of language and the ability to conduct dialogue in a respectful and restrained manner are not mere formalities, but the very foundation of diplomatic practice. In this context, one key idea emerged: it is better to remain formal while advancing national interests than to give in to the illusion of closeness.

History teaches sobriety: behind outward closeness, deep contradictions may lie, and it is clarity of positions and discipline that determine the stability of international relations.

#GORKI #WWI #History #Geopolitics #Europe #Diplomacy

On April 14, the G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU hosted a Kamin Talk “China and the Turbulent World: More than Business”.

During the meeting, particular attention was given to the remarkable pace of China’s development over the past decades. Professor Alexey Rodionov emphasized that China today demonstrates extraordinary progress across nearly all spheres, achieved within an exceptionally short historical period. As was noted during the discussion, many of the realities that now define China’s global presence simply did not exist forty years ago. Speakers reflected on the fact that China has become increasingly present in everyday life around the world. From technology and trade to consumer goods and digital infrastructure, China is now “everywhere around us,” making its influence highly visible on both regional and global levels.

At the same time, Professor Stanislav Tkachenko noted that modern China is facing active opposition to its plans to expand ties with other countries, which is being exerted by the United States and, in some cases, by the European Union. For example, China's strategic project "One Belt, One Road" has been effectively banned in Europe, and its attempts to implement it in other regions of the world are limited due to US pressure on countries invited by China for partnership.

The discussion has been moderated by Dr. Karin Kneissl. She also highlighted an important paradox: despite its impressive economic progress, China’s cultural presence and soft power remain less prominent than expected. Still, China is becoming increasingly visible both in Russia and across the West. Participants also noted that Chinese culture is often more difficult to integrate into the Russian context than European culture due to differences in mentality and historical experience.

As one of the evening’s key takeaways put it, China is acting -  but in its own way.

#China #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #SoftPower #BeltAndRoad #GlobalPolitics

Today, G.O.R.K.l. Centre SPbU hosted a business breakfast where experts and practitioners discussed current geopolitical trends, with a focus on Hungary's parliamentary elections - one of the year's most significant political events in Europe.

The conversation centered on the electoral contest between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his principal challenger, Péter Magyar.
Following the election results, in which Magyar's coalition secured a parliamentary majority, experts assessed the implications for Hungary's political trajectory and its position within the European Union.

Among the key questions raised during the discussion:
How do external political and economic instruments of influence affect national decision-making autonomy? And what strategies can ensure economic self-reliance in the face of such pressures?
Recent developments provided a concrete backdrop for the debate. Archival footage from Viktor Orban's early political career — highlighting his initial anti-communist stance and support for democratic reforms — offered retrospective context for understanding the evolution of his political views.

The discussion underscored that, despite the change in parliamentary representation, fundamental shifts in Hungary's political establishment and economic strategy remain unlikely. It was also noted that, given the country's dynamic political landscape, Viktor Orbán retains significant potential to return to power in the future.

#Hungary #Geopolitics #Elections #EuropeanUnion #Sovereignty

The Great Delusion: When the Ruling Families from London to Berlin and St. Petersburg Were Cousins

The G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU invites students, researchers, and all interested individuals to an open lecture on the interconnected royal houses of Europe and their role in shaping the political landscape on the eve of the First World War.

The session will examine how dynastic relationships between the Romanovs, the British monarchy, and the German imperial family intersected with the growing tensions of the early 20th century. Despite their close familial bonds, these rulers ultimately became leaders of opposing sides in a global conflict.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the fate of the Russian Imperial family and the response of the British court, highlighting the complex interplay between personal ties and state interests.

During the lecture, Karin Kneissl, Head of the G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU, will present an analysis of the British court's position regarding the granting of asylum to the Imperial family and examine the reasons why dynastic solidarity gave way to political expediency.

Date: April 18
Time: 12:00
Location: Saint Petersburg, Chaikovskogo St., 28 (Kelkh Mansion, Gothic Hall)

Language of the event: English

In order to participate you have to register: http://reg.spbu.ru/nik2

China and the Turbulent World: More than Business

The G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU invites students, researchers, and all interested individuals to explore China’s role in the contemporary global order beyond its economic dimension.

The meeting will address the deeper foundations of China’s international behavior, including the influence of philosophical traditions, historical experience, and cultural codes on its foreign policy. Particular attention will be given to China’s restrained approach to major geopolitical crises and its vision of global development.

Professor Alexey Rodionov will examine China’s strategic restraint through the prism of cultural codes and communicative practices, while Professor Stanislav Tkachenko will focus on China’s position in the transformation of global economic relations and institutions. The discussion will be moderated by Karin Kneissl, Head of the G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU.

The event will also consider whether China’s global conduct is shaped primarily by pragmatic calculation, civilizational specificity, or long-term strategic thinking, and how these factors define its role in the emerging world order.

Date: April 14
Time: 18:00
Location: Saint Petersburg, Chaikovskogo St., 28 (Kelkh Mansion)
Language of the event: English

In order to participate you have to register: http://reg.spbu.ru/kitay