A scholar of Eastern European Studies with a PhD in Global History from Charles University in Prague, Ladislav Zemanek works at the China-CEE Institute in Budapest, focusing on EU-China relations and political developments across Central Europe. In this interview, he talks about cutting through misinformation with first-hand experience, the unpredictable joys of Russian weather, and how six weeks at MGIMO helped shape his ongoing research.
– Had you ever been to Russia before the fellowship?
– Yes, several times, three, if I'm not mistaken. My first visit was in 2014, but it was always just for a short stay, a week or two at most. So, I also wanted to use this opportunity to spend more time in Russia, because a week is fine, but it's not really enough to get properly familiar with the country, the people, and their perspective on the world.
– Were you familiar with the specifics of the Russian approach to international relations?
– I'd say yes, because I graduated in Eastern European Studies, or Russian Studies, at university in Prague, so I studied Russia for many years. I think I'm quite familiar with the country, its history, politics, economic development, culture, and so on. So, it wasn't a completely new experience for me, but it was still a great opportunity to spend a longer period of time there.
– And were there things that impressed you about everyday life in Russia, or did it feel normal to you?
– I'd say it felt normal, but that's actually very important from my perspective. The current situation, especially in Europe and in relations between Europe and Russia, is quite complicated, and there's a lot of prejudice, misinformation, and disinformation about Russia. Mainstream liberal media in particular tend to portray it as a failing country where life is terrible. So going there myself and seeing that it's simply a normal life in a normal country – that, to me, is a genuinely important takeaway.
– Could you give your top-3 tips for anyone planning a trip to Russia?
– I think everyone considering a trip to Russia should be prepared for a few things.
First, be ready to walk long distances. Moscow is huge, and the country as a whole is enormous, so you'll end up spending a lot of time walking or on the subway.
Second, be prepared for unpredictable weather. That actually surprised me a lot. We arrived in mid-March and left in late April, so I expected it would still be winter turning into early spring. But it was completely different: over those six weeks we experienced winter, spring, and even summer-like weather, around +20 degrees. I was prepared for it, so it was fine for me, but some of my fellow participants were really surprised. Since I'd been to Russia before, always in winter, I only really knew Moscow in November or December, so it was actually really nice to see the city through different seasons this time.
And third, everyone should be prepared to meet beautiful women everywhere in Russia.
– And going back to the fellowship itself, what event left the biggest impression on you?
– Yes, there were several such events, but I would mention first the visit to the State Kremlin Palace and the ballet there. It was a cultural event, and it wasn't only about the music itself, which was very nice and I appreciated it very much because I love classical music, it was also the overall environment, the palace, the Kremlin, which is the heart of Russia, and the architecture.I can say that my fellows, my colleagues, were also very impressed and liked it very much.
And the second one is the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, because it's a completely different area compared to my expertise, which lies in international relations and social sciences. This is completely different, it's about technology and natural sciences, agriculture, chemistry, and so on. I was impressed not only by the scientific achievements and research there, but also by the new campus, because it's a completely new district where the institute is still being constructed. I was also surprised, but in a positive sense, to learn that there was a partnership between the Skolkovo Institute and, if I'm not mistaken, MIT in the United States, which has unfortunately been suspended. But some people, even from the West, still work there. So, it was really interesting.
– Do you maintain any contact with the fellows now, about a year after the programme?
– Not regularly, or in any institutional sense, but occasionally, yes. We have a common group on Telegram, so we're able to stay in touch with each other. I think it's important that we can connect whenever it's possible or necessary. And also, the Gorchakov Fund is planning to organize an alumni meeting, which will be another great opportunity to meet each other again, as well as fellows from other years. I think it will be very useful, it's a great idea.
– What were the most valuable professional takeaways from the fellowship for you?
– I think the very fact that I was able to gain this kind of international experience at such a respected university is valuable. It's true that, under current circumstances, having studied or gained experience at Russian universities or institutions isn't always welcomed in some Western countries, but I'm convinced it's a comparative advantage for me looking ahead. This situation will undoubtedly change, sooner or later, and the connections and experience I was able to build will be valuable, and may even help contribute to restoring relations between Europe and Russia one day, which matters a great deal to me.
And of course, I was also able to use the findings from my research afterward in conference presentations and publications. That's been very useful, because my work focuses on China-related research, not only at the China-CEE Institute in Budapest, which I mentioned earlier, but previously also at the Czech Academy of Sciences and elsewhere. What I hadn't had the chance to do before was really immerse myself in the security policy of the Chinese government and state, and that was exactly the focus of my research during the fellowship: China's Global Security Initiative and its international implications for Russia and other countries. So, it really helped me broaden my expertise in China-related research.
– Has your research continued or developed since the programme ended?
– Yes, I carried out the core research during the fellowship at MGIMO, but I'm still working on it now. I'm currently writing an article based on that research.
– And what would you recommend to someone who is just thinking about applying to the fellowship?
– Just do it. I think that's the most important thing – to make the decision and go to Russia, because it's an invaluable experience, useful not only for the prospective fellow, but for their Russian colleagues too, I believe.
– Had you ever been to Russia before the fellowship?
– Yes, several times, three, if I'm not mistaken. My first visit was in 2014, but it was always just for a short stay, a week or two at most. So, I also wanted to use this opportunity to spend more time in Russia, because a week is fine, but it's not really enough to get properly familiar with the country, the people, and their perspective on the world.
– Were you familiar with the specifics of the Russian approach to international relations?
– I'd say yes, because I graduated in Eastern European Studies, or Russian Studies, at university in Prague, so I studied Russia for many years. I think I'm quite familiar with the country, its history, politics, economic development, culture, and so on. So, it wasn't a completely new experience for me, but it was still a great opportunity to spend a longer period of time there.
– And were there things that impressed you about everyday life in Russia, or did it feel normal to you?
– I'd say it felt normal, but that's actually very important from my perspective. The current situation, especially in Europe and in relations between Europe and Russia, is quite complicated, and there's a lot of prejudice, misinformation, and disinformation about Russia. Mainstream liberal media in particular tend to portray it as a failing country where life is terrible. So going there myself and seeing that it's simply a normal life in a normal country – that, to me, is a genuinely important takeaway.
– Could you give your top-3 tips for anyone planning a trip to Russia?
– I think everyone considering a trip to Russia should be prepared for a few things.
First, be ready to walk long distances. Moscow is huge, and the country as a whole is enormous, so you'll end up spending a lot of time walking or on the subway.
Second, be prepared for unpredictable weather. That actually surprised me a lot. We arrived in mid-March and left in late April, so I expected it would still be winter turning into early spring. But it was completely different: over those six weeks we experienced winter, spring, and even summer-like weather, around +20 degrees. I was prepared for it, so it was fine for me, but some of my fellow participants were really surprised. Since I'd been to Russia before, always in winter, I only really knew Moscow in November or December, so it was actually really nice to see the city through different seasons this time.
And third, everyone should be prepared to meet beautiful women everywhere in Russia.
– And going back to the fellowship itself, what event left the biggest impression on you?
– Yes, there were several such events, but I would mention first the visit to the State Kremlin Palace and the ballet there. It was a cultural event, and it wasn't only about the music itself, which was very nice and I appreciated it very much because I love classical music, it was also the overall environment, the palace, the Kremlin, which is the heart of Russia, and the architecture.I can say that my fellows, my colleagues, were also very impressed and liked it very much.
And the second one is the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, because it's a completely different area compared to my expertise, which lies in international relations and social sciences. This is completely different, it's about technology and natural sciences, agriculture, chemistry, and so on. I was impressed not only by the scientific achievements and research there, but also by the new campus, because it's a completely new district where the institute is still being constructed. I was also surprised, but in a positive sense, to learn that there was a partnership between the Skolkovo Institute and, if I'm not mistaken, MIT in the United States, which has unfortunately been suspended. But some people, even from the West, still work there. So, it was really interesting.
– Do you maintain any contact with the fellows now, about a year after the programme?
– Not regularly, or in any institutional sense, but occasionally, yes. We have a common group on Telegram, so we're able to stay in touch with each other. I think it's important that we can connect whenever it's possible or necessary. And also, the Gorchakov Fund is planning to organize an alumni meeting, which will be another great opportunity to meet each other again, as well as fellows from other years. I think it will be very useful, it's a great idea.
– What were the most valuable professional takeaways from the fellowship for you?
– I think the very fact that I was able to gain this kind of international experience at such a respected university is valuable. It's true that, under current circumstances, having studied or gained experience at Russian universities or institutions isn't always welcomed in some Western countries, but I'm convinced it's a comparative advantage for me looking ahead. This situation will undoubtedly change, sooner or later, and the connections and experience I was able to build will be valuable, and may even help contribute to restoring relations between Europe and Russia one day, which matters a great deal to me.
And of course, I was also able to use the findings from my research afterward in conference presentations and publications. That's been very useful, because my work focuses on China-related research, not only at the China-CEE Institute in Budapest, which I mentioned earlier, but previously also at the Czech Academy of Sciences and elsewhere. What I hadn't had the chance to do before was really immerse myself in the security policy of the Chinese government and state, and that was exactly the focus of my research during the fellowship: China's Global Security Initiative and its international implications for Russia and other countries. So, it really helped me broaden my expertise in China-related research.
– Has your research continued or developed since the programme ended?
– Yes, I carried out the core research during the fellowship at MGIMO, but I'm still working on it now. I'm currently writing an article based on that research.
– And what would you recommend to someone who is just thinking about applying to the fellowship?
– Just do it. I think that's the most important thing – to make the decision and go to Russia, because it's an invaluable experience, useful not only for the prospective fellow, but for their Russian colleagues too, I believe.
