The Valdai International Discussion Club is an international framework for the leading experts from around the world to debate on Russia and its role in the world. It was setup in 2004 by the Russian news and Information Agency “RIA Novosti”, Council on Foreign and Defense Policy and Russia Profile magazine.The club’s mission is to create an international framework, where representatives for the Russian elite could debate on the development of the country and its role in the world with leading foreign experts.