Mirbek Sydygaliev (2022-23)
Student spotlight details
Mirbek’s time at Oxford (2022–23) was marked by innovation and impact. Drawing on his dissertation research from the Diplomatic Studies Programme, he developed the State Succession Index, a pioneering tool designed to track state succession events. This was just one of the many fascinating insights Mirbek shared with us about his academic journey and experiences at Oxford.
‘I decided to pursue the Diplomatic Studies Programme (DSP) at Oxford University to better prepare myself for a diplomatic career, particularly in representing Kyrgyzstan abroad and contributing to the strengthening of the rule of international law. With a background in law, I recognized gaps in my knowledge of international politics, international finance, and diplomacy. I also sought to deepen my understanding of public international law as well as gain insights to contribute in establishing the International Law Society as a professional union for discussing international legal issues and promoting the development of international law in Kyrgyzstan.
‘The most valuable aspect of my time at Oxford was the quality of education and the inspirational DSP professors, which encouraged deep thinking and critical analysis of complex topics. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to explore my professional interests through weekly discussions both in classes and in various other meetings, featuring expert speakers. These sessions, along with the networking opportunities and exposure to diverse perspectives, were enriching both academically and personally.
‘Currently, I am based in Bishkek – capital city of Kyrgyzstan – where I serve as Acting Associate Professor of International Law and teach courses as Public International Law, Diplomatic Law, International Humanitarian Law as well as doing research within the sphere of the Law of State Succession.
‘Alongside my academic role, I am managing two significant projects. The first is the International Law Platform, an initiative I proposed during my tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. Launched in March 2022 by the Ministry’s International Legal Department in collaboration with the Diplomatic Academy, the platform serves as a forum for discussing contemporary issues of international law as they relate to Kyrgyzstan. Even during my time at Oxford, in April 2023, with the involvement of DSP professors, I organized a public hearing in Bishkek. One of the key objectives of the platform is to lay the groundwork for establishing the Kyrgyz Association of International Law. On 10 January 2025, we organized a roundtable with key stakeholders who expressed their support for this initiative, marking a major step toward achieving my aspiration towards institutionalization of international law in Kyrgyzstan.
‘The second project is related to my Master’s dissertation at Oxford, which focused on the practice of state succession in Kyrgyzstan. Drawing from this research, I developed the State Succession Index, a tool designed to track state succession events and assess their potential consequences to international rights and obligations. The initial edition was published in 2024, followed by a further version in 2025, alongside the State Succession Watchlist, which highlights potential state succession-related events that the international community should monitor. In a globalized world, any state succession event has significant implications for political, economic, legal, and diplomatic relations.
‘Studying at Oxford University was a truly transformative and life-changing experience. I cherished every single day spent there, especially within the DSP programme, and I wish that everyone who dreams of studying at Oxford could experience such a wonderful feeling throughout the year!’
