International Sanctions on Russia Topic of International Studies Roundtable

The Birzeit University Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies held on March 25, 2015 a roundtable on the subject of international sanctions on Russia and their impact on Russia's position in the Arab world, addressed by academic Nimr Rizkallah, from Russian university Kazan .

Opening the event, institute director Abdul-Karim al-Barghouthi emphasized the institute’s interest in hosting experts on international issues in order to promote students’ understanding of global affairs.

Rizkallah talked about the geopolitical status of Russia, explaining the reasons that western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia (mainly due to the Ukrainian crisis), and noting that Russia is not the only party affected by the sanctions, but that the European Union also is impacted, especially in the field of oil and energy.

"Currently, Russia's diplomatic efforts are directed towards rapprochement with China, a number of Arab states and BRICS countries,” Rizkallah added, “to become an active and influential geostrategic player in international relations without confrontation with the United States or any other major power,  but while maintaining its geopolitical interests and defending them from any danger.”

During the roundtable, a film about the Republic of Tatarstan and its capital Kazan was screened.