Vera Ivanovna Kovalenko, Deputy Head of the Department of International Law at the Russian State Social University (RSSU), Doctor of Law, criminologist, took part in the meeting of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000”, the topic of which was: “Public diplomacy as a tool for strengthening international relations in the context of new economic realities.”
Vera Ivanovna made a presentation on the topic: “International cooperation in the study of best practices in combating crime as a form of public diplomacy.”
At the beginning of her speech, she drew attention to the history of the emergence and development of public diplomacy as a mechanism for non-governmental interaction and international cooperation between representatives of non-governmental structures, interstate coordinating bodies, scientific, educational, and public organizations from different countries in order to discuss and conduct scientific research on the most pressing issues, including in the field of combating crime.
V.I.Kovalenko noted the numerous forms of cooperation between representatives of the scientific community and educational organizations that take place during working professional meetings, including within the framework of international cooperation between interstate regional bodies (the CIS CSG Secretariat), scientific organizations (the Research Institute of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia), educational organizations (the Russian State Social University), international public organizations (the All-Russian Police Association of the International Police Association) allow to identify, to discuss and conduct scientific research on topical issues of countering the most dangerous forms of transnational organized crime.
V.I.Kovalenko recalled that the adoption of any international document (convention, agreement, memorandum, model law) requires lengthy and detailed preparatory work, in-depth study of conceptual issues, which involves not only government officials, but also representatives of interstate regional bodies, non-governmental organizations, professional communities, scientific, educational and public organizations.
In this case, non-governmental contacts in the form of “people’s diplomacy”, discussions at professional meetings, and scientific conferences allow for informal discussion of the most pressing issues that require additional study, taking into account the position of opponents, and reaching consensus.
During her speech, Vera Kovalenko stressed that crime is an international disease that affects the legitimate interests, rights and freedoms of citizens of all states. Countering transnational organized crime, crimes committed using information and telecommunication technologies, suppressing cyber attacks against minors, combating drug trafficking, illegal migration and human trafficking, countering terrorist threats and the spread of the ideology of extremism and neo-Nazism – all these issues are priorities on the agenda of international cooperation, are of great importance and are especially significant in the Year 80th anniversary of the Great Victory of the Soviet people and the world over fascism.
It is during professional meetings, international conferences, and participation in thematic working groups that law enforcement officials from various countries, scientists, and specialists manage to familiarize themselves with best practices in combating the most dangerous forms of criminal encroachments, and subsequently implement them into domestic law enforcement practice.
During the speech, the important role of strengthening international cooperation between regional interstate structures (CISGS) was noted. Within the framework of coordinating coordinated actions and joining efforts in the course of international cooperation of the Prosecutor General’s offices of the member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States in protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, strengthening law and order and combating crime, developing proposals for the convergence of national legislation and participation in the development of the contractual legal framework of the CIS– joint scientific research is conducted aimed at study and develop best practices in combating the most dangerous forms of criminal encroachments – cybercrime, terrorism and extremism, illegal migration, and corruption crimes.
An important role in the mechanism of public diplomacy is played by the joint activities of representatives of international regional organizations and educational organizations.
So, on August 27, 2025, in Moscow, in the legendary House of the Comintern, now the Main (historical) Building of the Russian State Social University, the first working meeting of the deputy prosecutors General of the states took place in 30 years. – The meeting was held at the initiative of the Executive Secretary of the Coordinating Council of the General Prosecutors of the CIS member States, Head of the Department of International Law of the Russian State Law University, Professor Yu.N.Zhdanov, during which topical issues of cooperation in the field of migration, countering extremism and terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal money laundering, cross-border crime, and cyberbullying were discussed.
It is symbolic that the meeting of representatives of international organizations and foreign guests took place at the legendary historical site of the Comintern, in the main building of the Russian State Social University, whose rector, A.L.Khazin, was able to recreate the unique atmosphere of the international spirit and the historical continuity of the glorious traditions of the Comintern.
In this regard, V.I.Kovalenko emphasized the role of the Russian State Social University (RSSU) as an active and significant subject of international public diplomacy.
For example, the President of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship between Nations, a well-known French public and political figure, is the grandson of former French President Charles de Gaulle. On September 8, 2025, Pierre de Gaulle spoke at the historic building of the Russian State Social University (RGSU), where, during a conversation with students and teachers, he expressed his opinion about the main strength of Russia, which lies in the fact that it is based on traditional values.
Imbued with the spirit of international friendship and unity of fundamental life values, the atmosphere of the meeting of the famous public and political figure Pierre de Gaulle with the rector of the Russian State Social University A.L.Khazin, Head of the Department of International Law of the Russian State Law University Yu.N.Zhdanov, staff and students of the university inspired the French guest, who said that his grandson plans to study at the Russian State Social University.
One of the most common forms of popular diplomacy among scientists is the holding of international scientific conferences, round tables, where scientists and teachers share the results of scientific research and study the best practices in combating crime. The international public organization Union of Criminologists and Criminologists and the A.I.Dolgova Russian Criminological Association are among the most reputable organizers and participants of international scientific forums on law enforcement. On the official websites of these respected organizations, you can find information about planned and conducted scientific events and conferences, as well as the results of legal and criminological research by leading Russian scientists.
In conclusion, V.I. Kovalenko recalled the words of Andrei Gromyko, a prominent statesman of the USSR, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR for almost 30 years during the most difficult period of world history: “It is better to negotiate for ten years than to wage war in one day.”
You can’t say anything better about the mission of people’s diplomacy!
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The International Discussion Club “VISION 3000” continues to work on developing practical solutions based on the dialogue that has taken place.