MOSCOW, December 8, 2025 — Traditional, top-down diplomacy is facing a challenge from an innovative, grassroots alternative: the “diplomatic startup.” This new model, termed a “dialogue-network” approach to public diplomacy, was presented today at the National Patriotic Forum in Moscow by Inga Koryagina, Associate Professor of Marketing.
Speaking during the pitch session on international projects, Koryagina outlined a pragmatic framework designed to replace political monologues with authentic dialogue and horizontal connections, forging lasting international partnerships based on shared interests.
“Communication used to often be a monologue. Our approach is about dialogue and network,” stated Koryagina. “We don’t broadcast; we listen and connect. The goal is not to talk about ourselves, but to find a point where interests and capabilities overlap. This creates a living, self-developing network.”
🔑 Action-Oriented Tools Define the Model
The “diplomatic startup” model is built on three core, actionable tools that translate initial inquiries into concrete cooperation:
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Personal Navigation (“Tochka Sborni”): This approach moves beyond general advice by offering personalized support, acting as a concierge for international business inquiries. The goal is to provide a “roadmap” that directly connects partners with the right people and resources, ensuring the resulting partnership can develop independently.
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On-Demand Educational Modules: Instead of pre-packaged lectures, the team focuses on delivering workshops and lectures tailored to the specific curricular needs of foreign universities. This practical education often serves as a “bridge for real deeds,” transforming an academic interaction (e.g., a lecture on e-commerce) into a concrete business or project request.
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Facilitating Authentic Stories: The model avoids conventional news releases. It works with international media to provide unique access to tangible cooperation projects and breakthroughs. By focusing on real cases of partnership, it aims to replace general narratives with content that garners genuine interest from journalists and the public.
Diverse Network of Engagement
Koryagina reported that this practical framework has already engaged a diverse, international community of over 100 participants. The current network spans:
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Latin America: Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina, Venezuela
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CIS Countries: Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Moldova
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Middle East & Africa: Iran, Jordan, South Africa
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Europe: The Netherlands, Italy
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Other: Abkhazia
The ultimate aim is to foster organic, international communities where partnership naturally stems from joint, successful projects in business, education, and culture, positioning the “diplomatic startup” as a pragmatic framework for sustainable international ties.
The presentation concluded with a direct appeal to the audience: “The first step is the simplest. Write. One specific request. Become an active node in our common network. Let’s create the next success story together.”
“Diplomatic Startup”: Russian Academic Presents New Model for International Cooperation at National Forum
