This article focuses on the latest developments in higher educational policy in the Russian Federation and the influence of international organizations such as the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on these policies and education reforms. This article's primary purpose is to explore how the newly adopted policies reflect the changes in Russia's political discourse. The focus is on the connection between the current higher education policies and the policies of the international organizations that are providing financial and expert support in education and therefore possibly influencing political and educational discourse. (Contains 1 note.)