"Religious Diplomacy in a Multipolar World" Master's degree program has been launched at the National Research University "Higher School of Economics". Its grand opening took place on September 8, 2026.
The program is implemented by the Higher School of Law and Administration of the National Research University of Higher School of Economics in cooperation with the Church-wide Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies named after Saints Cyril and Methodius. This is Russia's first Master's degree in international relations, dedicated to religious diplomacy.
The new program is designed to train specialists who are able to work at the intersection of international relations, public policy and the religious sphere, as well as build interaction between government agencies, religious organizations and the international community.
At the opening ceremony, Dmitry Kuznetsov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Administration, noted the high interest of applicants in the new Master's degree and the special role of the first set in the further development of the program.
The first vice-rector of the OCAD, Archpriest Valentin Vasechko, spoke about the importance of church diplomacy in history and the modern world. He stressed that it helped to maintain dialogue even during periods of political confrontation, and today, in the context of the formation of a multipolar world, it should contribute to the search for common ground and reconciliation.
Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations, also welcomed the participants of the meeting. He noted the importance of studying the religious factor at one of the leading Russian universities.
The curriculum combines fundamental training in international relations with the study of diplomatic law, intercultural communication, history and modern concepts of religious diplomacy, inter-Orthodox, inter-Christian and inter-religious relations.
The training is designed for two years and takes place in a full-time format. Graduates will be able to work in government agencies, diplomatic missions, international and religious organizations, expert and analytical centers, as well as engage in scientific and teaching activities.