On June 19, 2018, at 11:00 the Valdai Discussion Club will hold an expert discussion, titled "Geopolitics in a New Way: The Global Role of China and India and Interests of Russia", with participation of Igor Morgulov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. During the discussion the Valdai Club will present the report “The Rise of Rimland: The New Political Geography and Strategic Culture”.

       Rimland is a concept championed by Nicholas John Spykman, in contrast to the concept of Heartland by Halford Mackinder. For Mackinder, Heartland was the central part of Eurasia. According to Spykman, Rimland encircles Heartland from the west, south and southeast. Unlike Mackinder, Spykman believed that it was this land of decisive strategic importance for the control of Eurasia.

       Modern international relations entered a period of unprecedented global shift since the end of World War II. Its catalysts are China and India, whose role in world affairs is increasing, their economic and political influence is growing. China came close to create its own system of alliances. India is in search of a new place for itself, which would meet the ambitions and capabilities of the country. The goals of these countries at this stage differ, but the potential of both powers and their implementation abilities will undoubtedly become the determining factors in the global struggle for leadership in the 21st century.

       Will China be able to overcome the fears of the states of the region due to the rise of its military power and influence? Will popularity of the "Indo-Pacific Power" become the key to India's regional leadership? What strategy should Russia choose to maximize the benefits of the new global shift and not to find itself on the periphery of world processes? These and other questions will be answered by the participants in the discussion.

       Speakers:

       Igor Morgulov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

       Timofei Bordachev, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club

       Andrey Bezrukov, Associate Professor, Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the MFA of Russia (MGIMO)

       Moderator:

       Fyodor Lukyanov, Research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club

       Working languages: Russian, English.

       Information for the media! To attend, please fill out the accreditation form or call +7 926 930 77 63.

       Information for participants! If you have any questions, please call +7 926 638 86 37