"Foreign Affairs. History of Diplomacy" TV-series

We should, of course, start with the series "Foreign Affairs. History of Diplomacy," released in 2004 on the Rossiya. Kultura TV channel in 8 episodes and covering the period from Ancient Rus' to the end of the 20th century. Each episode is an investigation into why diplomacy developed the way it did at a given stage, intertwined with the comments on the international situation and the domestic state of the country.

This series is a treasure trove for those who feel the urge to refresh their memory of the history of – not only diplomacy, but also the Russian state as a whole.

"Lost in Translation" by Vitaly Churkin

Vitaly Churkin, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN and the UN Security Council, was a master of information warfare and a professional in resolving the most difficult situations. This book is practically a must-read.

Firstly, it covers the period from 1980 to mid-2010 – a vast and unusually turbulent time, both for our country and for global politics. And all this time, Vitaly Ivanovich represented and defended our country in the most dangerous spots of global politics (UN included). Secondly, because Vitaly Churkin essentially revolutionized the way the Russian Embassy, and later the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, communicates with the outside world, journalists, and the public.

Thirdly, because this book – in its writing style, its approach to presenting information, and overall tone, – is the memoirs of a stunningly noble and modest man who preferred to let his actions—and the results of these actions—speak for him rather than words.

His journey, described in the book, is an inspiring example for anyone who wants not just to learn a language but to become the voice of their country in the world.

"How Much is an Ambassador's Life Worth in TNT Equivalent?" by Vasily Kolotusha

Vasily Kolotusha is one of the most renowned diplomats specializing in the Middle East. He was chosen to lead the USSR Embassy in Lebanon at a time when the country was torn apart by a bloody internal conflict, involving numerous foreign countries. Shootouts, shelling, and terrorist attacks were a daily reality for the Lebanese residents — as well as, of course, for embassy staff. This book is the shortest and, at the same time, the most psychologically difficult reading. What do we learn from it?

How Vasily Kolotusha deliberately donned the "mask of a naive amateur" in order to, contrary to all established rules, actively engage with everyone, making no distinction between Muslims and Christians. How could a simple visit to a theater become a strategic move and a political statement? What purely practical matters must an ambassador consider alongside diplomatic matters? Because the head of a mission isn't just a negotiator, but also a manager, a HR officer, and a therapist for all staff...

"My Tongue is My Friend," by Viktor Sukhodrev

Viktor Sukhodrev had served as the personal interpreter for our country's political leaders and foreign ministers for nearly forty years. He retired with the diplomatic rank of colonel general—a feat no other interpreter has ever achieved.

If Churkin and Kolotusha's books are both a textbook on diplomacy, Sukhodrev's book offers a more mundane perspective: a gallery of portraits and stories that protocols and official briefings don't convey.

Protocol officers will be interested in reading about the most catastrophic moments, from their perspective: for example, how the Canadian Prime Minister stole a motorcycle from an honor escort. And linguistics students will be interested in learning about the enormous number of minor and unbearably important duties that go into being a translator, especially for top officials.

These are stories not only about politics, but also about personal courage, intellectual flexibility, and moral choice. They show diplomacy from the inside: risky, humane, and incredibly important.

We hope you'll enjoy reading them too, even if you don't plan to pursue a career in diplomacy.