From winning world karate titles to earning a doctorate in law in Moscow, Milica Popović from Pale has built an impressive career through discipline, determination and a passion for education. Today, as a university teaching assistant in Russia, she is dedicated to advancing legal research, inspiring young people and strengthening academic cooperation between the Serb and Russian peoples.
Since October 2023, Popović has worked as a teaching assistant at the Department of International Law of the Law Institute at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in Moscow, where she also earned her doctoral degree.
For Popović, teaching and scientific research represent opportunities to transform academic knowledge into meaningful contributions to society.
From karate championships to academic success
Growing up in Pale, Popović demonstrated an exceptional ability to balance academic excellence with sporting achievements.
While graduating as the top student of her generation, she was also pursuing a demanding karate career, training two or three times a day and frequently spending weekends competing in tournaments.
Her greatest challenge was ensuring that neither her education nor her sporting commitments suffered.
For Popović, karate was more than a sport. It became a way of life that taught her discipline, strengthened her character and helped her develop the determination to overcome obstacles.
Her father, who also served as her karate coach, played a particularly important role in her development.
When she was preparing for her black belt examination, he advised her that preparation should begin with the very first training session rather than just a few months before the test.
After she earned her black belt, her father reminded her that the journey was only beginning.
“I have earned my doctorate, and only now do I have my hands full,” Popović said, drawing a parallel between her sporting achievements and the challenges of building an academic career.
Studying in Russia opened new opportunities
Popović moved to Moscow after receiving a scholarship from the Government of the Russian Federation.
Studying abroad presented numerous challenges, particularly mastering Russian at the level required for advanced legal studies and academic research.
She explained that lawyers must understand far more than everyday language, as professional legal discussions require extensive knowledge of specialized terminology.
Another challenge was distinguishing herself among highly qualified colleagues, most of whom were Russian students.
The university where she now works brings together more than 50,000 students from around the world.
According to Popović, doctoral studies require not only academic knowledge but also perseverance, strength of character and the determination to continue despite difficulties.
Although the process included emotionally demanding periods, she genuinely enjoyed her doctoral studies because pursuing the degree had been her own decision.
Throughout her academic journey, family support remained particularly important.
“I am most proud of my family and their love. That support means more to me than doctoral titles,” Popović emphasized.
Doctoral research focused on combating human trafficking
Popović defended her doctoral dissertation on the topic “Implementation of the International Legal Obligations of the Republic of Serbia in Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Particularly Women and Children.”
She selected the subject because it combines her academic interests in international criminal law, international humanitarian law and public international law, fields she has studied since her master’s degree.
Her research places particular emphasis on women and children as especially vulnerable groups.
Through her work, she sought to highlight the scale and causes of human trafficking, as well as the importance of strengthening protection mechanisms for victims.
Popović chose Serbia as the focus of her research partly because of the issue of human trafficking in Kosovo and Metohija.
As the author of numerous academic publications, she aims to contribute to a better understanding of human trafficking while representing the Serb people within the international academic community.
However, her ambitions extend beyond theoretical research.
“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 rehabilitation and their return to normal life,” Popović stated.
Teaching international law in Russian and English
In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Popović also teaches students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), which operates under the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Her academic work includes teaching in both Russian and English.
Cooperation between the two universities allows her to participate in various educational and scientific activities, including projects associated with the United Nations.
This year, she was among the lecturers preparing the Moscow team for the All-Russian Law Olympiad.
Popović described participation in the project as a particular honor, noting that winners of the competition may receive opportunities to study at Russian universities with state-funded tuition.
She is also active at scientific conferences, where she participates as a speaker and moderator.
Her academic contributions include monographs, scientific papers and practical teaching materials.
Popović expressed gratitude to the Russian Government for providing her with the opportunity to study free of charge, emphasizing the importance of educational and professional development programs.
She acknowledged that establishing a professional reputation is challenging even in one’s home country, and particularly demanding abroad.
Nevertheless, she said that her love of law, dedication to teaching and desire to represent her people positively have guided her throughout her career.
Pale remains an important part of her identity
Although Popović is developing her professional career in Moscow, she maintains a strong emotional connection to her hometown of Pale.
She proudly emphasizes her origins and considers it important that her hometown receives recognition within the international academic community.
“Pale, my hometown, is also presented on the official pages of my university. That is why it matters to me that people from my region are recognized in the international academic community,” Popović said.
Her experiences abroad have strengthened her desire to promote the achievements and potential of young people from Republika Srpska.
A message to young people: Believe in yourselves
Popović encourages young people from Republika Srpska to pursue their ambitions without allowing fear of failure to discourage them.
She believes that dedication, self-confidence and genuine enthusiasm are essential for achieving personal and professional goals.
“They should relax because an overburdened mind cannot produce good thoughts. They should believe in themselves and allow their love for what they do to guide them,” she advised.
Popović expressed confidence in the abilities of young people from Republika Srpska, emphasizing that the region has many talented and capable individuals.
She said she would be delighted if her personal journey encouraged even one young person to pursue their ambitions.
Building stronger ties between Republika Srpska, Serbia and Russia
Looking ahead, Popović envisions her professional future across Republika Srpska, Serbia and Russia.
She hopes to contribute to the development of science and education in Republika Srpska while strengthening cooperation between the Serb and Russian peoples.
One of her particular ambitions is to share her international academic experiences with students in her homeland.
“I would love to have more opportunities to speak with students in Republika Srpska and share my experiences from education, sports and academic life abroad,” Popović said.
Despite her international achievements, Pale remains an inseparable part of her identity, connecting her professional ambitions with the community where her journey began.
Source: Glas Srpske
