The Higher School of Economics in Moscow has introduced a master’s program targeting the navigation of Western sanctions imposed on Russia. This two-year course will cover international corporate compliance and business ethics in both Russian and English, aiming to equip students for roles in corporate compliance departments amid increasing sanctions. Additionally, a professional development course on sanctions compliance and another focusing on crypto assets under sanctions regimes are offered. These educational initiatives come as Russia adapts to a wartime economy following a significant exodus of international companies. The programs reflect a broader shift within Russia to develop domestic alternatives and train individuals to circumvent sanctions, as Western nations ramp up efforts to combat Russian evasion strategies.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctions Evasion Education | Elite Russian institutions are initiating education programs focused on sanctions evasion tactics. | Shift from traditional education to specialized training programs in response to sanctions. | In 10 years, industries may have more professionals skilled in circumventing international sanctions effectively. | Growing economic isolation of Russia promoting demand for specialized knowledge in sanctions navigation. | 4 |
| Domestic Technology Development | Russia’s corporate exodus is leading to the development of local alternatives to Western technologies. | Transition from reliance on Western tech to self-sufficiency due to international sanctions. | In a decade, Russia could establish a robust tech industry based on domestic innovation. | The necessity to adapt to sanctions and maintain economic functionality drives technology innovation. | 5 |
| Cybersecurity Education for Warfare | Russian universities are developing programs to train cyber professionals for offensive capabilities. | A shift in academic focus towards cyberspace warfare and offensive cybersecurity measures. | There may be a significant increase in sophistication and number of cyber offensive operations by Russia. | The ongoing conflict necessitates an elevated level of cyber warfare capabilities for security and offense. | 4 |
| Financial Crime Networks | Increase in illicit financial networks targeting sanctions compliance and evasion. | Movement from legitimate business operations to more illicit financial transactions due to sanctions. | In 10 years, there may be a more extensive network of financial crime in response to ongoing sanctions. | Sanctions leading to financial innovations that prioritize evasion over compliance. | 4 |
| Shadow Fleet Operations | Europe is noticing an increase in shadow fleet operations to evade sanctions through maritime routes. | A growing trend of utilizing concealed maritime operations for sanction evasion. | In a decade, the sophistication of maritime evasion tactics may increase significantly. | Economic pressures and sanctions are prompting innovative transport solutions for banned goods. | 5 |
| Cyber Exploitation Research Programs | Academic programs focused on exploiting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure are emerging in Russia. | Shift towards training focused on offensive cyber operations against critical systems. | There might be a heightened risk of cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure globally. | Russia’s strategic military focus drives the need for expertise in cyber warfare. | 4 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Training for Sanctions Evasion | The launch of programs training specialists to evade sanctions raises ethical concerns and could legitimize circumvention of international laws. |
| Development of Cyber Offensive Capabilities | Increased focus on training in cyber warfare may enhance Russia’s ability to conduct sophisticated cyber attacks against Ukraine and other nations. |
| Impact on International Trade and Diplomacy | The creation of alternatives to Western technologies may further isolate Russia and lead to new geopolitical tensions. |
| Integrity of Critical Infrastructure | Research on exploiting vulnerabilities in critical energy and telecommunications infrastructure poses a significant threat to national security in multiple countries. |
| Regulatory Penalties and Illicit Financial Networks | Constant efforts to evade sanctions could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and illicit activities impacting global finance. |
| Expansion of the Shadow Fleet | The operation of a shadow fleet to transport banned goods indicates a growing sophistication in smuggling and evasion tactics. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Training in Sanctions Evasion | Universities offer programs focused on navigating and circumventing international sanctions, addressing the need for compliance in a restricted economic environment. |
| Shift to Domestic Alternatives | The corporate exodus from Russia is leading to an emphasis on developing domestic technologies and services as alternatives to Western offerings. |
| Wartime Economic Adaptation | Educational institutions are preparing students for roles directly related to sustaining the economy in a long-term wartime context. |
| Utilization of Cyber Capabilities | Investment in training for offensive cyber capabilities aims to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure across various nations. |
| Focus on Compliance Departments | Increased importance placed on compliance teams within companies to navigate complex sanctions and maintain market access. |
| Shadow Fleet Expansion | Growing international concern over Russia’s use of concealed shipping methods to evade sanctions, highlighting a trend in illicit maritime activity. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Sanctions Evasion Strategies | A focus on training professionals to navigate and circumvent Western sanctions against Russia amid economic isolation. |
| Crypto Assets Compliance | Programs for understanding and managing crypto assets in the context of sanctions, adapting to the new financial environment. |
| Cyber-Offensive Capabilities Training | Academic programs aimed at enhancing skills for launching cyber attacks against infrastructure, highlighting the technological arms race in conflict. |
| Shadow Fleet Operations | Utilization of aging ships under foreign flags to transport banned goods while avoiding detection, indicative of emerging smuggling technologies. |
| Illicit Financial Networks | Development of networks and technologies for transferring sensitive technologies and evading financial sanctions. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Education in Sanctions Evasion | The establishment of academic programs aimed at teaching sanctions evasion techniques highlights a shift in educational focus towards wartime economy skills. |
| Shadow Fleet Concerns | The rise of shadow fleets operating under foreign flags for transporting banned goods poses significant regulatory and enforcement challenges. |
| Illicit Financial Networks | The targeting of illicit financial networks emphasizes the ongoing efforts to combat financial crime associated with sanctions evasion. |
| Cyber Warfare Training | Academic programs focused on cyber-offensive capabilities indicate a trend of increasing investment in cyber warfare expertise amid ongoing conflicts. |
| Corporate Compliance during Economic Isolation | The expansion of compliance training reflects a corporate need for navigating the challenges of economic isolation and sanctions. |
| Domestic Technology Development | The shift towards developing domestic alternatives to Western technologies suggests a long-term strategy to mitigate economic impacts of sanctions. |