Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Russia in International Relations: Politics, Security and the Economy
Course Code
SZF_191
Branch of Science
Political science
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Communication Science; Juridical Science; Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Elīna Vrobļevska
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The purpose of this course is to provide students of the Master’s study programme International Relations and diplomacy with an in-depth knowledge of the role of the Russian Federation in international relations, its foreign policy strategies, internal political processes and economic dynamics. The course will analyze Russia’s relationship with key international players, regional security challenges and the pattern of economic development, and its impact on the global order.
Students will be asked to critically analyze Russia’s policymaking mechanisms, its relations with neighboring countries and the West, and its role in international institutions. The course will use theoretical approaches, empirical data and case studies techniques to help students understand Russia’s international actions and its strategic goals.
Preliminary Knowledge
- Basic knowledge of international relations theories and global policy processes.
- Introduction to international security and economic principles.
- Prerequisites about Russia’s political system and history would be desirable but optional.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Knowledge (understanding) of Russian foreign policy principles, strategies and decision-making process.
2.Knowledge of Russia’s domestic political system, its influence on foreign policy and relations with international players.
3.An analysis of Russia’s economic model and its ties to national security and foreign policy issues.
Skills
1.Ability to critically analyze and interpret Russia’s political and economic processes using theoretical approaches to international relations.
2.Skills to assess Russia’s foreign policy strategies and their impact on global and regional security.
3.Ability to use empirical data and case studies to reassess Russia’s conduct on the international stage.
Competences
1.Ability to develop and present analytical reports on Russian foreign and economic policy.
2.Effective reasoning and conducting discussions on Russia’s international relations based on academic sources and empirical data.
3.Ability to identify and analyse developments in Russian international policy by providing policy recommendations and scenario analysis.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Case analysis presentation |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
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A group presentation (15 minutes) in which 3-4 students analyze a specific case related to Russia’s foreign policy, economy or security strategy. Analytical approach, presentation quality and reasoning are evaluated. |
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|
2.
Seminar activity and participation in discussions |
30.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Regular involvement in seminars, reasoned discussion and ability to critically analyse learning materials. Preparedness, quality of arguments and participation in discussions are assessed. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Final test |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
A written test (face-to-face) with open and closed questions examining knowledge of Russia’s foreign policy, security and economy acquired in the study course. The test involves both factual issues and analytical tasks. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to the course and analysis of Russia’s international position
Description
Course structure, requirements and rating system. Russia’s role in international relations: the geopolitical context. The historical roots of Russian foreign policy formation. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russia’s political system and foreign policy decision-making.
Description
Structure of public administration and political institutions. Russian presidential power and foreign policy decision-making process. The influence of elites and oligarchs on politics. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russia’s foreign policy doctrines and strategies
Description
Principles and doctrines of Russian foreign policy. Theoretical approaches of international relations to Russian analysis. Soft and hard power tools in Russian politics. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russian security policy and military strategy.
Description
The structure of Russia’s military strength and its development. Russia’s role in regional and global conflicts (Ukraine, Syria, etc.). Nuclear weapons policy and strategic deterrence. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russian economic policy and the role of resources.
Description
The role of the energy sector in Russia’s economy and foreign policy. Trade and economic relations with other powers. Consequences of sanctions and economic isolation. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russia’s future scenarios in international relations.
Description
Potential changes in Russia’s foreign policy and economy. Domestic political challenges and potential power changes. Global and regional scenarios for Russia’s development in the near future. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russia and the West: relationship dynamics.
Description
Russia’s relationship with NATO and EU. The sanctions regime and its impact on Russia’s economy and politics. Russian information and hybrid warfare strategies. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russia and its neighbours: the concept of “near extraterrestrial land.”
Description
Russian policy in post-Soviet space (Belarus, Ukraine, Caucasus, Central Asia). Military and economic levers in relations with neighbouring countries. Russian influence on the Baltic States. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Russia in the global southern and Asian region.
Description
Relations with China: cooperation and competition. Russia’s role in the BRICS-Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Political and economic relations with African and Latin American countries. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
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Russian society and domestic political developments.
Description
The attitude of the Russian people towards government and foreign policy. Opposition, civil society and protest movements. Media space and propaganda mechanisms. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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The conclusion of the course and discussion of Russia’s international role.
Description
Summary of the course and discussion of the main conclusions. The open discussion about Russia’s place in the international system of the future. Final test and feedback on the course. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Tsygankov, A. (2022). Russia’s Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity (6th ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.Suitable for English stream
2.
Lo, B. (2015). Russia and the New World Disorder. Brookings Institution Press.Suitable for English stream
3.
Sakwa, R. (2020). The Putin Paradox. I.B. Tauris.Suitable for English stream
4.
Connolly, R. (2018). Russia’s Response to Sanctions: How Western Economic Statecraft is Reshaping Political Economy in Russia. Cambridge University Press.Suitable for English stream
5.
Renz, B. (2018). Russia’s Military Revival. Polity Press.Suitable for English stream
6.
Giles, K. (2019). Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West. Brookings Institution Press.Suitable for English stream