Round Table by Italian Club (NSO MGIMO) Review: 100 Years Since the Soviet Union Diplomatic Recognition

The round table held by the NSO MGIMO Italian Club named after Tatiana V. Zonova discussed the establishment of diplomatic relations between the USSR and both European and non-European powers, as well as the official recognition of the Soviet Union—known in Russian research tradition as “the period of recognition.” The event provided a platform for students to present their research findings and for MGIMO professors to share their expertise on the topic.

In the 1920s, the Soviet Union struggled to broaden its influence and further its ideological as well as national interests. Diplomatic recognition by small states, such as Albania and Greece, was crucial for strengthening Soviet influence in the politically divided Balkan region. Establishing diplomatic relations with great powers, namely Great Britain, was essential for enhancing Soviet international prestige and defining its role in world politics. The importance of official relations with both European states (including France and Italy) and non-European countries (such as Mexico) is underscored by the variety of diplomatic tools and strategies employed by the USSR.

Although the Soviet Union prioritized its relations with European powers, establishing ties with transatlantic states was also crucial to overcome ideological differences and bolster its status as a global power, not merely a regional one. Studying this Soviet experience provides valuable insights into the priorities and principles of contemporary Russian policy and diplomacy, highlights both successful and unsuccessful diplomatic initiatives, and identifies the factors that influence international relations among states with diverging national interests and socio-political and economic systems.

The round table contributed to raising students’ interest in the history of Russian foreign policy and facilitated the exchange of knowledge between young researchers from various universities and experienced scholars.