Irkhin Yuri

The article proposes analytical and methodological analysis of the global universities rankings as factor of soft power. The author researches essence, character, achievements, advantages, problems, contradictions and limits formal indexes Russian and foreign universities, rankings QS WUR and THE WUR Universities by Reputation (Times Higher Education Reputation Rankings). The author views and shows basic tendencies in developing of the global universities rankings. First – leading role of Anglo-Saxon universities in its rankings. Second – expansion of Far Eastern universities and Asian universities as a hole in rankings QS WUR and THE WUR Universities by Reputation. Third – very slowly and waves widening expansion of Russian universities in global rankings. Forth – advantages in rankings QS WUR have first of all the universities with power and prominent scientific theoretical and applied international centers and laboratories, outstanding scientists, recognized in the world scientific scholars and high level of scientific citing, international cooperation in science, interaction with state, business and civil society, training numerous students and postgraduates from and for other countries.

The author conducts a historical and political analysis of the formation and development of the first educational establishment for public officials in Russia, the Imperial Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, providing a study of the system of teaching and mentoring as well as the customs and traditions created by its graduates.