SS375 explores the fascinating - and often confounding - politics of Russia and the other states that once comprised the Soviet Union. Recognizing the role that historical legacies play in shaping the region's contemporary politics, the course begins with a review of the political, economic, and social history of the Soviet empire and its abrupt collapse in 1991. The course then shifts to an exploration of contemporary post-Soviet politics, utilizing political science theories and methods to explore a wide variety of political phenomena in the region including democratization, authoritarianism, mass mobilization, economic transition and reform, governance and corruption, nationalist conflict, and more. Finally, the course examines the international relations of the post-Soviet states, with particular emphasis on the ends, ways, and means that Russia uses to advance its strategic interests in the region and beyond.
This course surveys the post-Soviet landscape. It explores the political, social, economic, and cultural terrain of Russia and the other states that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The course begins with a review of Russian and Soviet history - the foundation to understanding the dramatic implosion of the Soviet Union and the tumultuous events which followed. The course also employs theories and concepts to help the student assess why democratization and marketization have been so difficult in this part of the world. The course concludes with an examination of US foreign policy toward the region and the prospects for productive, stable ties with Russia and its neighbors.
This course surveys the post-Soviet landscape. It explores the political, social, economic, and cultural terrain of Russia and the other states that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The course begins with a review of Russian and Soviet history - the foundation to understanding the dramatic implosion of the Soviet Union and the tumultuous events which followed. The course also employs theories and concepts to help the student assess why democratization and marketization have been so difficult in this part of the world. The course concludes with an examination of US foreign policy toward the region and the prospects for productive, stable ties with Russia and its neighbors.
This course surveys the post-Soviet landscape. It explores the political, social, economic, and cultural terrain of Russia and the other states that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The course begins with a review of Russian and Soviet history - the foundation to understanding the dramatic implosion of the Soviet Union and the tumultuous events which followed. The course also employs theories and concepts to help the student assess why democratization and marketization have been so difficult in this part of the world. The course concludes with an examination of US foreign policy toward the region and the prospects for productive, stable ties with Russia and its neighbors.
This course is a survey of the post-Soviet landscape. It explores the political, social, economic, and cultural terrain of Russia and the other states that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The course reviews Russian and Soviet history as keys to understanding the Former Soviet Union (FSU). It also uses a number of theoretical and conceptual tools to allow the student to grasp the complexity of the post-Soviet transition. The final block of instruction concerns U.S. relations with the region and the extent to which American policy can shape future developments in the FSU.
