Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Artem Vanyashev, a fourth-year student majoring in International Economic Relations and Foreign Economic Activity, took first place in the prestigious International Student Debate Competition in Durban, South Africa. The event took place late last year, and the jury consisted of representatives from the BRICS network universities.
To reach the finals, Artem successfully passed the qualifying round, which received approximately 100 applications from across Russia, and then competed in the in-person round against representatives from MGIMO, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, St. Petersburg State University, and other leading universities. Ultimately, he defeated national debate champions from all BRICS countries!
Sincerity as a strategy
"The most challenging was the semifinal against the Chinese champion. It was clear he had a deep understanding of the topic and was able to formulate his thoughts on the fly. During our discussion with him, I truly understood the position I was assigned to defend. For me, this round wasn't just a debate semifinal—it became a matter of principle: I had to defend my point of view," says Artem Vanyashev.
According to the student, he prepared for the competition independently before the selection process. After reaching the finals, Daria Sergeyevna Sokolan, Deputy Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Economics, joined his preparation.
"I didn't read any specific literature. I constantly study materials on related topics and watch relevant video lectures. Just before the debate, I read The BRICS: A Very Short Introduction by Andrew F. Cooper," says Artyom Vanyashev.
Playing on two fronts
The book proved very useful, as all the final topics were related to the future of BRICS and its development. The student had to argue both from an idealistic perspective and from the opposite—in which case, he would point out existing problems and ask why they haven't been resolved yet.
"For example, there was a case study on the question, 'Should BRICS create its own body to evaluate countries' development?' In my argument, I argued that when attempting to build an alternative to existing institutions acting in the interests of the global West, no aspect can be ignored, including such an important one as the existence of its own evaluation bodies and agencies. The creation of such a structure does not mean abandoning cooperation with existing organizations, but it does provide participants in global economic processes with a choice and an alternative. BRICS, in turn, advocates for the development of such alternatives, so such initiatives fit seamlessly into its philosophy," says Artem Vanyashev.
In another case study on the unification of digital policies among BRICS countries, the RUDN student's opponent proposed borrowing technologies from China on mutually beneficial terms for subsequent adaptation in other BRICS countries. He argued that, with similar technological foundations, the countries could join a unified system.
"I had to speak out against it. My argument was based on the fact that China wouldn't take such steps without a tangible and strategically significant benefit for itself. Furthermore, such borrowings are fraught with the risk of creating technological dependence, which contradicts the BRICS concept. Also, if this model is truly so simple and feasible, the question arises: why hasn't any of this been implemented yet, and why isn't China already transferring its technologies to other BRICS countries?" — Artyom Vanyashev.
The secret of success
As the winner noted, there were no unexpected answers from his opponents.
"The entire debate followed my script, and I was the one setting the direction of the argument. Rather, each of my answers was a surprise to them. I think the key factor in my success was confidence. I won rounds because I firmly believed in what I was saying, and the jury sensed this conviction," says Artyom Vanyashev.
Artem advises students who would also like to try their hand at debate not to wait for an invitation but to seek out opportunities on their own. Incidentally, this was his first debate, and he doesn't plan to stop there. "Next year, I'll defend my title and plan to win again," says Artem Vanyashev.
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