“To Have a Winning Way of a Russian Name About Us.” Conversation Between Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary M. Konarovsky and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary A. Kuznetsov Featuring V. Vorotnikov and A. Сhechevishnikov

Abstract

This publication is the record of a conversation in the editorial office of the International Analytics Journal about the peculiarities of the diplomatic service in various states, due to the historical traditions of the state service as a whole; about the training of diplomats in Russia in the past and present, and about the requirements for young diplomats. Among the most important requirements: learning how to formulate analytical texts, participating in the drafting of diplomatic documents; the ability to speak and conduct public polemics in English and in the language of the host country; constantly broadening cultural horizons, being an interesting conversationalist; observing the everyday and behavioural restrictions imposed by the diplomatic service; assuming all the nuances of diplomacy. The publication also analyses the main problem of diplomatic training at MGIMO – the need to maintain a university level of education while spending a significant part of the study time on language training.