RAFU’s Network Diplomacy: Cultivating the BRICS Spirit in Education – JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE FOR AFRICAN STUDIES

Author:

Zalyvskiy M.N., de Oliveira Bunder T.C.

Abstract:

The article examines the role of network diplomacy in the emerging multipolar international system using the example of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) during the period of its coordination by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) in 2023–2025. The authors argue that the modern world is characterized by the impact of two interrelated but multidirectional forces—interdependence and fragmentation—affecting the sphere of international relations and diplomacy. In their article, the Russian and Brazilian researchers present a theoretical overview of the concept of network diplomacy, focusing on its importance for the development of cooperation in science, culture, and education. Despite the lack of hierarchy and stable financing, non-governmental networks, according to the authors, have a high potential for forming sustainable partnerships and an atmosphere of trust. The very emergence of RAFU is, according to the authors, the direct consequence and manifestation of the rise of Russian-African relations to a new level. RAFU’s network activity during the period under review reveals its contribution to supporting Russia’s diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening Russian-African relations. RAFU appears as an important institution that promotes mutually beneficial cooperation in higher education. The authors analyze the compliance of the activities of the Russian-African Network University with the “BRICS spirit” and the Concept of Russian Foreign Policy, emphasizing the university’s commitment to the principles of equal cooperation, sovereignty, inter-civilizational dialogue, and mutual respect. An analysis of the first years of the network university’s activity allows the authors to conclude that it functions as an integration network mechanism for African and Russian higher education institutions as well as scientific and technological institutions and promotes information exchange aimed at mutual expansion of socio-economic and educational cooperation.

Keywords:

Russian-African relations, network diplomacy, higher education, educational diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, BRICS Spirit, RAFU (Russian-African Network University)

DOI:

10.31132/2412-5717-2025-71-2-75-91

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For citation:

Zalyvskiy M.N., de Oliveira Bunder T.C. (2025). RAFU’s Network Diplomacy: Cultivating the BRICS Spirit in Education. Journal of the Institute for African Studies. Vol. 11. № 2. Pp. 75–91. https://doi.org/10.31132/2412-5717-2025-71-2-75-91

Для цитирования:

Залывский М.Н., де Оливейра Бундер Т.С. Сетевая дипломатия РАФУ: продвижение «духа БРИКС» в образовании. Ученые записки Института Африки РАН. 2025. Т. 11. № 2. С. 75–91. https://doi.org/10.31132/2412-5717-2025-71-2-75-91

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