FROM PALE TO MOSCOW - MILICA POPOVIĆ COMBINES HER LOVE OF KARATE AND LAW

Milica Popović's journey from Pale to Moscow has been marked by sporting achievements, perseverance, and dedication to academia. Today, as a Doctor of Law and university teaching assistant, she passes on her knowledge to young people and builds bridges of cooperation between the Serb and Russian peoples. Her message to young people in Republika Srpska is to stay relaxed, because an overburdened mind cannot produce good ideas. By Maja BRČKALO

PALE, OCTOBER 31 /SRNA/ - Milica Popović's perseverance, forged through world karate titles, as well as her knowledge and desire for further professional development, took her from Pale to Moscow, where she earned a doctorate in law and built an academic career.

Today, she strives to use her work to contribute to the advancement of science and education, as well as to strengthening ties between Serbs and Russians.

Employed as a teaching assistant at the Department of International Law of the Law Institute of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia in Moscow, where she also earned her doctorate, Milica combines teaching and research with a desire to pass on her knowledge to young people and help address important social issues.


FROM CLASSROOM TO WORLD KARATE MEDALS

Even during her school years in Pale, Milica showed that outstanding results could be achieved in several fields at the same time. A top student in her graduating class, she also devoted herself seriously to karate, training two to three times a day, while weekends were often reserved for competitions.

Popović told SRNA that the biggest challenge during her school days was balancing her academic and sporting commitments without allowing either to suffer.

She says she has always viewed karate as a way of life, rather than just a sport, as it helped her grow stronger as a person, develop discipline and learn not to give up in the face of obstacles.

Her father, who was also her coach, played a particularly important role in her sporting development. When she was preparing to take her master-level examination, he advised her to work toward that goal from her very first training session, rather than focusing on it only in the few months immediately before the examination.

After she earned her first-degree black belt, her father told her that they were only at the beginning of the journey.

“I have earned my doctorate, and only now do I have my hands full,” Popović said, drawing a parallel between her sporting experience and the building of her academic career.

DECISION THAT CHANGED HER CAREER PATH

She went to Moscow on a scholarship from the Government of the Russian Federation and has been employed since October 2023 as a teaching assistant at the Department of International Law at the Law Institute of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

She said that one of the biggest challenges during her studies in Russia was mastering the language to the level required for serious academic and legal work, given that language is a lawyer's primary working tool.

“It was therefore not enough to master everyday communication; I also had to master a complex legal terminology required for academic and professional discussions. An additional challenge was standing out among many highly qualified colleagues, most of whom were Russian students, and demonstrating my potential,” Popović said, adding that the university brings together more than 50,000 students from around the world.

Popović stressed that doctoral studies and dissertation preparation require not only professional knowledge but also strength of character, perseverance and a willingness not to give up in the face of challenges.

She said she genuinely enjoyed the entire process because the decision to pursue doctoral studies was entirely her own, although there were also emotionally difficult moments when her family's support was invaluable.

“I am most proud of my family and their love. Their support means more to me than my doctoral degrees,” Popović stressed.


COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AT THE HEART OF HER RESEARCH

Milica defended her doctoral dissertation on the topic of “Implementation of the International Legal Obligations of the Republic of Serbia to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking, Particularly in Women and Children.”

She explained that she chose this field because it brings together her interests in international criminal law, humanitarian law and international law, which she has been pursuing since her master's studies.

According to her, she devoted particular attention to women and children as the most vulnerable groups, seeking to highlight the scale of human trafficking, its causes and the need for more effective mechanisms to protect victims.

She chose Serbia as the case study for her research, among other reasons, because of the problem of human trafficking in Kosovo and Metohija, where the practice is particularly widespread.

Popović believes that academic research can help raise awareness of this problem and improve understanding of its consequences. As the author of numerous academic papers, she also seeks through her work to contribute to the reputation of the Serb people in the international academic community.

However, she stressed that she also wants to put her knowledge into practice through direct involvement in developing and implementing protection measures.

“I would like to be directly involved in developing and implementing practical measures to prevent and combat human trafficking in Republika Srpska and Serbia, and to help victims through the process of rehabilitation and returning to normal life,” Popović said.


SHARING HER KNOWLEDGE WITH STUDENTS IN RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH

Academic life in Moscow has provided her with numerous opportunities for academic development and professional advancement. In addition to teaching at her home university, Milica also teaches students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations /MGIMO/, a university under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

Cooperation between the two universities enables her to take part in various educational and research activities, including the implementation of UN projects.

This year, she was also one of the instructors preparing the Moscow team for the All-Russian Law Olympiad. She said it was a great honor to be part of the project, particularly given that the Olympiad winners may be offered the opportunity to study at any university in Russia at the state's expense.

In addition to teaching, Milica actively participates in academic conferences as a speaker and moderator, and is the author and co-author of numerous monographs, research papers and practical manuals.

Popović expresses her gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation for the opportunity to study free of charge, stressing that the support provided by the Russian state to students is of great importance for their education and professional development.

Although she acknowledges that building a professional reputation is challenging even in one's own country, and particularly abroad, Popović says that her path has been guided from the very beginning by her love of teaching, law, the pedagogical approach and the desire to represent her people in the best possible light.


PALE IS HER HOMETOWN, BUT SHE ALSO SEES HER FUTURE IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

Regardless of her professional achievements and life in Moscow, Popović points out that Pale holds a special place in her life and that she always speaks proudly of her roots.

“Pale, my hometown, is also featured on my university's official website. That is why it is important to me that people from my home region are also recognized in the international academic community,” Popović said.

She urged young people from Republika Srpska to believe in themselves, not let fear of failure hold them back, and devote themselves to what they love.

“They should relax, because an overburdened mind cannot produce good ideas; they should believe in themselves and let their love for what they do guide them,” Popović stressed.

Popović believes in young people, noting that Republika Srpska is home to exceptionally talented and capable minds. As she points out, if her example encourages even one person to dare to take a chance, she will be more than happy.

Speaking about her plans, Popović said she sees her professional future in Republika Srpska, Serbia and Russia, and would particularly like to contribute to the development of science and education in Republika Srpska and to strengthening cooperation between the Serb and Russian peoples.

“I would like to have more opportunities to speak with students in Republika Srpska and share my experiences in education, sports and academic life abroad,” Popović said.