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DOI: 10.15507/1991-9468.029.202504.610-625

UDC 327(470+571)(540)

Educational Diplomacy: Shaping a New Model (Based on the Interaction between Russia and Southeast Asia)

Andrey A. Sychev
Dr.Sci. (Philos.), Professor, Independent Researcher (Saransk, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3757-4457, Scopus ID: 57205759512, Researcher ID: N-7591-2015, SPIN-code: 7992-7652, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Katerina V. Fofanova
Dr.Sci. (Sociol.), Professor, Professor of the Chair of Sociology and Social Work, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolshevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2344-8986, SPIN-code: 4082-7312, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract
Introduction. Russia’s active participation in international education programs and its presence in the educational spaces of several regions of Southeast Asia (India, Laos, China) are exhausting the heuristic potential of traditional theoretical approaches to educational diplomacy. Therefore, a rethinking of the goals, means, motives, and actors of educational diplomacy is required in light of contemporary conditions and challenges. The aim of this study is to conceptualize the potential of educational diplomacy in the context of cultural interaction between Russian regions and Southeast Asian countries.
Materials and Methods. The article is based on the results of the authors’ research conducted in March–May 2025 using semi-formalized expert interviews. The experts (15 people) were members of the academic community in Russia, India, Laos, France, and Taiwan. The methods used made it possible to consider the problems of educational diplomacy from different points of view, which made it possible to identify the features of the modern model of educational diplomacy.
Results. A comparison of two systems of educational diplomacy was made: traditional and modern. The main factors influencing the nature and content of educational diplomacy were identified. Internal incentives arising from the logic of academic development and the ethos of scientific activity are particularly important for the modern model. Recommendations are given on how to improve the effectiveness of educational diplomacy in the new sociocultural conditions, which concern the optimization of international activities in the field of education, including the need to develop cultural competencies, involve local residents more widely in teaching Russian language and culture, and create certification programs and distance learning courses for teachers at foreign universities.
Discussion and Conclusion. The study revealed that a new model of educational diplomacy is currently emerging, based on networking at the regional and university levels and driven by the internal educational and research needs of universities. This article will be useful to academics involved in international educational activities, specialists in regional policy, and diplomatic personnel.

Keywords: educational diplomacy, “soft power”, cultural dialogue, scientific ethos, education export, Southeast Asian regions

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Sychev A.A., Fofanova K.V. Educational Diplomacy: Shaping a New Model (Based on the Interaction between Russia and Southeast Asia). Integration of Education. 2025;29(4):610–625. https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.029.202504.610-625

Authors’ contribution:
A. A. Sychev – formulation of research goals and aims; development of methodology; specifically writing the initial draft; specifically critical review.
K. V. Fofanova – formulation of research goals and aims; conducting a research and investigation process; verification; specifically writing the initial draft; specifically critical review.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 18.06.2025;
revised 24.07.2025;
accepted 31.07.2025.

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