Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 24/25.P.1.00

Description Period: 2024./25 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Russia, East Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia and Baltics - Domestic and Foreign Politics Between Past and Present

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_056
Branch of Science
Political science
ECTS
7.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Artūrs Bikovs
Structure Unit Manager
Karina Palkova
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

To study, analyse and describe the history, current situation, domestic and foreign policy of Russia, Eastern European, Baltic, Central Asian, and Caucasus’ states; to provide students with information and guidelines, i.e. skillset, methods, and sources for further research on these regions.

Preliminary Knowledge

Basic knowledge about methods and theories of international relations, as well as general knowledge on regionalism, Russia, Eastern Europe, Baltics, Central Asia and Caucasus, as well as their foreign and domestic policy.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Using in-depth knowledge gained in the study course on the interaction of four different regions and also Russia and their internal dynamics, students will describe the main internal and external political, economic and social processes of these regions in the interaction sectors in which it takes place. Students will analyse current domestic political events in the region in the context of the interaction between these regions, as well as the role of external centres of power, especially the People’s Republic of China.

Skills

1.Working in a group, students will select, read and critically evaluate scientific literature, justify their choice, interpretation and analysis of literature to group members. Through individual and group work, students will identify in oral and written form, compare and evaluate alternative arguments and points of view, formulate, explain and justify their opinion on the interaction and internal dynamics of the four different regions and also Russia.

Competences

1.Students will develop a report based on interdisciplinary scientific literature, analysing the domestic and foreign policy of Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, and the dynamics of relations  between these regions and, therefore, will be able to explain the influence of key actors on the dynamics of regional relations. Students will evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of complex problems and combine research results and methods from different fields to analyse complex problems. Students will model possible future scenarios for inter-regional cooperation and future development scenarios, as well as contrast the problems of completely different regions, such as the Baltics and Central Asia, being able to identify unified and different links to other contemporary political, economic and social processes.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Individual work
-
-
Within the module, students will prepare for seminars, write essays and a report. • The aim of essays is to write one’s opinion in a structured, reasoned, and consistent manner, emphasising the essentials by researching and analysing the acquired information; to develop policy analysis skills and the ability to develop recommendations for the development of policies. • The objective of the seminars is to develop students’ ability to justify their point of view; to stimulate activity; to test their knowledge of the topic and the material. • The objective of the report is to develop the ability to identify the main problem of the topic; to identify and evaluate alternative arguments and points of view; to present one’s own point of view, explaining and arguing why this point of view is more acceptable and superior to any other. The report must compare all possible alternatives, considering all their weaknesses and strengths. Another objective is to develop the skills to independently research situations and problems, evaluate them and develop solutions. To assess the overall quality of the study course, the student must complete the course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Examination
-
-
Essays – 25%. Active participation in seminars – 25%. Report and its presentation – 25%. Final examination (exam) – 25%.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. History of Russia: how it became the largest state in the world

Annotation: A better understanding of Russia’s domestic and foreign policies, especially its relations with its neighbours, requires an analysis of the country’s history. The main purpose of this lecture is to look into Russian history, find and explore the factors and actors that influenced the country’s development, and answer the question of how Russia became the largest country in the world. Literature: Bushkovitch, P. A Concise History Of Russia. (New York: Cambridge University Press). 2012. Pp. 38-154.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern Russia: a quest for past influence between the West and East

Annotation: From the sidelines, Russia’s current behaviour may seem completely unpredictable, but actions rather irrational. To learn the reasons, this lecture will focus on the main factors influencing decision-making in domestic and foreign policies as well as socio-economic and political situation. In addition, Russia’s efforts to reach the former level of influence and attempts to find space between the West and East will also be analysed. Literature: Bushkovitch, P. A Concise History Of Russia. (New York: Cambridge University Press). 2012. Pp. 426-460.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s foreign policy towards its neighbours: not a backyard anymore

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s future: no more than regional power?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. History of Central Asia: at the junction of many cultures

Annotation: Various cultures influenced the Central Asian region throughout history. To know how this affected the domestic and foreign policies of the countries of the region, their relations with other regions and social, political and cultural life, it is important to delve into the history of Central Asia. Literature: Hiro, D. Inside Central Asia. (New York: Overlook Duckworth). 2011. Pp. 125-358.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern Central Asia: how to remain independent, sovereign, and secure

Annotation: Matters of independence, sovereignty and security are particularly important, bearing in mind that the region is among great, powerful powers such as Russia, China and Iran. This lecture will focus on how Central Asian countries avoid and resolve conflicts by finding a balance between larger actors. In addition, common problems and challenges will be discussed. Literature: Peimani, H. Conflict And Security In Central Asia And The Caucasus. (Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO). 2009. Pp. 23-40, 85-100.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Central Asian foreign policy towards its neighbours: unequal partnership

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Central Asia’s future: survival of the fittest?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. History of Caucasus: a quest for survival

Annotation: The region’s high geopolitical importance did not play in favour of the Caucasus nations – many great powers fought for control of those areas. The main purpose of the lecture is to analyse the history of the region, how people fought for independence, and how it affects the domestic and foreign policies of the Caucasus states. Literature: King, C. The Ghost Of Freedom. (New York: Oxford University Press). 2012. Pp. 165-266.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern Caucasus: important geostrategic region

Annotation: The Caucus has not lost its strategic value over time. That is why conflicts still arise and continue here, with great powers playing a major role. Is the modern Caucasus really a “powder keg” of Eurasia? To answer this question, the current situation in the region, why countries conflict with each other and how they seek support from outside will be described. Literature: Saparov, A. From Conflict To Autonomy In The Caucasus. (London: Routledge). 2015. Pp. 140-170.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Caucasus’s foreign policy towards its neighbours: a constant search for protection

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Caucasus’s future: incessant conflicts?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. History of Eastern Europe: finding and preserving own identity

Annotation: Eastern European history is rich in events. However, for many centuries people living in these areas tried to find and maintain their identity. This lecture will cover how this affected relations with other regions and neighbouring countries, as well as political, cultural and social life. Literature: Bideleux, R. and Ian Jeffries. A History Of Eastern Europe. (London: Routledge). 2007. Pp. 176-351
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern Eastern Europe: at the crossroads between West and East

Annotation: The issue of the development vector remains an issue for many Eastern European countries. As part of this lecture, both directions will be considered, i.e. why Eastern Europe should take the western or eastern path. Literature: Fagan, A., and Peter Kopecký. Routledge Handbook Of East European Politics. (Routledge). 2017. Pp. 265-358.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Eastern Europe’s policy towards its neighbours: mixed feelings

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Eastern Europe’s future: prosperity or oblivion?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. History of Baltics: a long way for independence

Annotation: The Baltics States that became independent at the beginning of the 20th century, did not remain independent for a long time – the Soviet occupation deprived the Baltic peoples of the possibility to control their destiny independently for 50 years. This lecture will cover how this factor and the long road to independence influenced the foreign and domestic policy of the Baltic States. Literature: Kasekamp, A. A History Of The Baltic States. (Palgrave). 2010. Pp. 68-172.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern Baltics: chasing “old Europe”

Annotation: After joining NATO and EU in 2004, Baltic States began rapidly chasing “old Europe” economically, socially and politically. However, 15 years later, the gap still exists. The main purpose of this lecture is to analyse the factors and reasons that led to joining NATO and EU, explaining how the Baltics became a “tiger,” how they shaped relations with other regions, and why they were unable to completely close the gap with “old Europe”. Literature: Kasekamp, A. A History Of The Baltic States. (Palgrave). 2010. Pp. 172-198.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Baltics’ foreign policy towards its neighbours: always pragmatic?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Baltics’ future: multi-speed Europe?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
7.00
Contact hours:
52 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. History of Russia: how it became the largest state in the world

Annotation: A better understanding of Russia’s domestic and foreign policies, especially its relations with its neighbours, requires an analysis of the country’s history. The main purpose of this lecture is to look into Russian history, find and explore the factors and actors that influenced the country’s development, and answer the question of how Russia became the largest country in the world. Literature: Bushkovitch, P. A Concise History Of Russia. (New York: Cambridge University Press). 2012. Pp. 38-154.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern Russia: a quest for past influence between the West and East

Annotation: From the sidelines, Russia’s current behaviour may seem completely unpredictable, but actions rather irrational. To learn the reasons, this lecture will focus on the main factors influencing decision-making in domestic and foreign policies as well as socio-economic and political situation. In addition, Russia’s efforts to reach the former level of influence and attempts to find space between the West and East will also be analysed. Literature: Bushkovitch, P. A Concise History Of Russia. (New York: Cambridge University Press). 2012. Pp. 426-460.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s foreign policy towards its neighbours: not a backyard anymore

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s future: no more than regional power?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. History of Central Asia: at the junction of many cultures

Annotation: Various cultures influenced the Central Asian region throughout history. To know how this affected the domestic and foreign policies of the countries of the region, their relations with other regions and social, political and cultural life, it is important to delve into the history of Central Asia. Literature: Hiro, D. Inside Central Asia. (New York: Overlook Duckworth). 2011. Pp. 125-358.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern Central Asia: how to remain independent, sovereign, and secure

Annotation: Matters of independence, sovereignty and security are particularly important, bearing in mind that the region is among great, powerful powers such as Russia, China and Iran. This lecture will focus on how Central Asian countries avoid and resolve conflicts by finding a balance between larger actors. In addition, common problems and challenges will be discussed. Literature: Peimani, H. Conflict And Security In Central Asia And The Caucasus. (Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO). 2009. Pp. 23-40, 85-100.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Central Asian foreign policy towards its neighbours: unequal partnership

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Central Asia’s future: survival of the fittest?

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
7.00
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Visa literatūra ir angļu valodā un piemērota gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmas studentiem

2.

Bideleux, R. and Ian Jeffries. A History Of Eastern Europe. (London: Routledge). 2007. Pp. 176-351

3.

Bushkovitch, P. A Concise History Of Russia. (New York: Cambridge University Press). 2012. Pp. 38-154, 426-460.

4.

Fagan, A., and Peter Kopecký. Routledge Handbook Of East European Politics. (Routledge). 2020. Pp. 265-358.

5.

Hiro, D. Inside Central Asia. (New York: Overlook Duckworth). 2011. Pp. 125-358.

6.

Kasekamp, A. A History Of The Baltic States. (Palgrave). 2011. Pp. 68-172, 172-198.

7.

King, C. The Ghost Of Freedom. (New York: Oxford University Press). 2012. Pp. 165-266.

8.

Lo, B. Russia and The New World Disorder. (Brookings Inst. Press). 2015. Pp. 71-203.

9.

Peimani, H. Conflict and Security In Central Asia And The Caucasus. (Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO). 2009. Pp. 23-40, 85-100.

10.

Plakans, A. A Concise History Of The Baltic States. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press). 2012. 402-449.

11.

Saparov, A. From Conflict To Autonomy In The Caucasus. (London: Routledge). 2017. Pp. 140-170.

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