🎓The internship defence, State Examination, and thesis defence are now behind me. With a little distance, I have come to see that my years at MGIMO were never measured simply by grades or the completion of a degree. They were shaped by an academic environment that expected us to question our assumptions, defend our arguments with sound evidence, and recognise that every piece of research could be strengthened. Much of the work happened away from the classroom. Revising chapters, responding to my opponent’s comments, acknowledging the limitations of my research, preparing for examinations, and refining my arguments became part of the routine. It was an exacting process, one that demanded patience, discipline, and the willingness to rethink my own conclusions.

Standing before the examination commission, I realised that the defence extended well beyond the thesis itself. The discussion was not confined to the findings of my research; it drew upon the wider knowledge acquired throughout the programme, the ability to think critically, and the capacity to engage with questions in a reasoned and coherent manner. In many respects, the defence reflected the intellectual journey as much as the final manuscript.

I am deeply grateful to my professors, supervisor, and reviewer for their guidance, to my family for their encouragement, and to the Cambodian Community at MGIMO for making these years both rewarding and memorable. To those who will one day undertake the same journey, I wish you resilience and curiosity in equal measure. The standards are high, but so too are the opportunities for growth. As this stage of the journey comes to an end, I carry forward a far greater appreciation of what academic enquiry truly requires, together with gratitude for all those who have been part of it.

Reflection by Preap Chantarith, Master’s Graduate, MGIMO University