HOW A YOUNG WOMAN FROM PALE EARNED HER DOCTORATE IN MOSCOW

Milica Popović, originally from Pale, has built an academic career in Moscow, where she earned a PhD in Law and now works as a university teaching assistant. Her journey has been shaped by sporting achievements, discipline and a passion for knowledge. Today, she hopes to share her experience with young people and contribute to strengthening educational and cultural ties between the Republic of Srpska, Serbia and Russia.

PHOTO: SRNA

Since October 2023, Popović has been working as a teaching assistant at the Department of International Law at the Law Institute of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in Moscow, where she also earned her doctoral degree.

Although she is now focused on academia, her first major achievements came through karate, a sport in which she won world titles and developed the discipline and perseverance that would later prove essential to her academic success.

KARATE DISCIPLINE AS THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS

Even during her school years in Pale, Popović demonstrated that outstanding results could be achieved in different fields. She was named student of the generation while simultaneously pursuing karate at a high level, training two to three times a day and frequently spending weekends competing.

Balancing schoolwork and sporting commitments required considerable dedication, but karate was much more than a sport to her. It became a way of life that helped her develop discipline, perseverance and strength of character.

Her father, who was also her coach, played an important role in her sporting development. While preparing for a black belt examination, he advised her to work towards her goal from the very first training session, rather than only focusing on the final months before the exam.

When she earned her black belt, he reminded her that they were only at the beginning of the journey.

She carried that philosophy into her education and academic career. Even after earning her doctorate, Popović believes there is still much work ahead and many professional challenges to overcome.

FROM PALE TO MOSCOW: A NEW ACADEMIC JOURNEY

Popović moved to Moscow on a scholarship from the Government of the Russian Federation, where she continued her education and faced a number of challenges. One of the most demanding was mastering the Russian language to the level required for advanced academic and legal work.

As she explains, a lawyer needs much more than everyday language skills. A thorough understanding of complex legal terminology is essential for participating in professional discussions and conducting academic research.

Another challenge was establishing herself among highly capable colleagues, most of whom were Russian students, at a university that brings together more than 50,000 students from around the world.

Doctoral studies and writing a dissertation required knowledge, determination and the ability to persevere despite difficulties. Nevertheless, she says she genuinely enjoyed the process because pursuing a doctorate was a decision she made independently.

She particularly emphasises the importance of her family's support, describing it as her greatest source of strength throughout her education and professional development.

"I am most proud of my family and their love. Their support means more to me than academic titles," Popović says.

DOCTORAL RESEARCH FOCUSED ON COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Popović defended her doctoral dissertation on the implementation of the Republic of Serbia's international legal obligations aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking, particularly trafficking in women and children.

She chose this subject because it brings together her interests in international criminal law, humanitarian law and public international law, fields she has been exploring since her master's studies.

Particular attention was given to women and children as the most vulnerable groups, examining the scale of human trafficking, its causes and the need for more effective victim protection.

Serbia was selected as the focus of her research, among other reasons because of human trafficking-related challenges in Kosovo and Metohija.

As the author of numerous academic papers, Popović aims to contribute to a better understanding of this issue while also representing the Serbian people in the international academic community.

Her ambitions extend beyond academic research. She would also like to apply her knowledge in practice, particularly by helping develop concrete measures to protect victims.

"I would like to be directly involved in developing and implementing practical measures to prevent and combat human trafficking in the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, as well as helping victims through rehabilitation and their return to normal life," she says.

SHARING HER KNOWLEDGE WITH STUDENTS IN MOSCOW

Alongside her teaching and research responsibilities at her home university, Popović also teaches students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), which operates under the authority of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cooperation between the two universities provides opportunities to participate in various educational and academic activities, including the implementation of United Nations projects.

This year, she was among the lecturers accompanying the Moscow team at the All-Russian Law Olympiad. She highlights the importance of the competition, whose winners may have the opportunity to study at any university in Russia with state funding.

She is also active at international academic conferences, where she participates as a speaker and moderator. Her work includes contributions to numerous monographs, academic papers and practical legal publications.

Popović expresses gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation for providing her with the opportunity to study free of charge, emphasising the importance of the support offered to students pursuing education and professional development.

Building a professional reputation is challenging even in one's home country, and particularly so abroad. However, she says she has always been guided by her love of law and teaching, dedication to working with students and the desire to represent her people in the best possible light.

PALE REMAINS HOME, WHILE HER FUTURE ALSO LIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Although she is building her professional career in Moscow, Popović says Pale will always hold a special place in her life and that she proudly speaks about her roots.

"My hometown, Pale, is also featured on my university's official website. It is important to me that people from my region are recognised within the international academic community," she says.

Her message to young people in the Republic of Srpska is to believe in themselves, never allow fear of failure to hold them back and remain dedicated to what they love.

"They should take things easy, because a mind burdened with worries cannot produce good ideas. They should believe in themselves and let their love for what they do guide them," she advises.

She believes the Republic of Srpska has many talented and capable young people who need support, opportunities and encouragement to fulfil their potential.

Popović sees her professional future in the Republic of Srpska, Serbia and Russia. In particular, she hopes to contribute to the development of science and education in the Republic of Srpska and to strengthening cooperation between the Serbian and Russian peoples.

"I would love to have more opportunities to speak with students in the Republic of Srpska and share my experiences in education, sport and academic life abroad," Popović says.