Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Russia and International Organisations
Course Code
SZF_064
Branch of Science
Political science
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Gunda Reire
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the course is to synthesise Russian domestic and foreign policy trends and search for internal and external identity and challenges therein to gain an accurate and in-depth understanding of contemporary Russian policy and activities in international organisations; its objectives, challenges and working methods. We will focus on three variables. First, Russia’s internal resources and capabilities. Second, the environment – regional and global. Third, leadership ambitions. The course will examine Russia’s policy towards the US, Europe, China and the so-called post-Soviet space in the context of international organisations. This study course offers a contextually rich and historically informed understanding of the key concepts that continue to shape Russian foreign policy. Rather than being structured chronologically, the course is divided into conceptual clusters that address the most enduring, contentious and ambiguous aspects that together form the core of Russian foreign policy discourse and are reflected in Russia’s policies and activities in various international organisations. Russia’s role in and relations with the UN, NATO, the EU, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Arctic Council, the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation will be examined, covering a wide range of areas. The course will be permeated with an assessment of the political, economic and security interests that shape Russia’s foreign policy, Russia’s approach to multilateralism and its activities within multilateral institutions.
Preliminary Knowledge
General knowledge of the theories and methods of international relations and basic historical knowledge of the period after World War II.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Using the in-depth knowledge of Russia’s role and activities in international organisations acquired in the study course, students will compare and contrast Russia’s approaches both within the organisations it has established and Russia-centred organisations (e.g. CIS, CSCE, EEU) and in wider regional and international organisations (e.g. UN, OSCE, EP). Based on a literature analysis of historical and current experiences of transitional processes, students will explain Russia’s approaches, challenges and opportunities within different international organisations.
Skills
1.Students will select and critically evaluate the scientific literature relevant to the topic of the independent work on Russia’s participation and role in international organisations and the factors characterising it, combining theoretical and empirical sources, as well as sources from Russia itself, international organisations and other countries, along with analytical materials from researchers and the results of journalists’ work. Students will critically evaluate ideas expressed in the scientific literature and discuss the interpretation of these ideas in peer presentations. When preparing their independent work, students will compare and contrast different methods of Russia’s operation in different international organisations.
Competences
1.By contrasting Russia’s activities in different organisations, students will demonstrate in practice their understanding of Russia’s role, activities and future development scenarios within the framework of international organisations in professional, academic and business environments. Analytical competences will be developed as students base their conclusions on the identification, correlation and interrelation of causal links. Using their competences in different fields and their knowledge of the factors influencing Russia’s actions, students will forecast Russia’s actions in different international formats and develop the ability to generalise and apply these skills to other countries in these and other international organisations, as well as to other issues where the national and international environment closely interact.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Individual work |
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-
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Within the module, students will prepare for seminars, read recommended readings, prepare a report and presentation.
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.
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Examination |
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-
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The student is required to present and submit a paper according to the topics listed below (2 to 3 presenters per topic, depending on the size of the group). Presentations of draft reports will take place in the class section of the course, drafts must be supplemented according to what was discussed during class and the revised version submitted for assessment.
Technical requirements for the paper: 4 pages with line spacing 1, Times New Roman 12 or equivalent. References in footnotes, layout according to the Chicago Manual of Style.
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2.
Examination |
-
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Attendance – 10%
Activity and preparedness during classes – 30%
Presentation and report – 40%
Final examination (essay) – 20%
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Study Course Theme Plan
PART-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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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introduction. Russia’s Foreign Policy as a Continuation of Domestic Policy by Other Means
Description
Annotation: Russia’s foreign policy and security policy have a very clear objective. It is to consolidate the existing domestic political order and to strengthen Russia’s position internationally beyond its borders. These two ambitions are very much interlinked. Russia’s foreign policy is topic- and area-oriented rather than principle-oriented, which is in stark contrast to the old ideology-driven foreign policy of the USSR. Russia’s current foreign policy is dictated by the notion of national interests. National interests are a product of a nation’s interaction with the world, and Russia’s strategic choices can be seen as a reaction to the behaviour of Western powers. This lecture will analyse Russia’s seven visions of the post-1991 world and national interests, and combine them with the country’s policy towards institutionalised multilateralism.
Literature: Domanska, M. State of Russian Economy and its Influence on Putin’s Politics at the 4th Term. In: The Russian Economy: Prospects for Putin 4.0, Kudors, A., Hermanis, J. (eds.) Riga, Centre for East European Policy Studies University of Latvia Press, 2020, pp. 15-27. http://appc.lv/eng/wpcontent/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/Research_Russian_Economy_2020.pdf.
Tsygankov, A. Understanding Change and Continuity in Russia’s Foreign Policy. In: Russia's Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers 4th edition, 2019, pp.1-31.
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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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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Russia’s Foreign and Security Policy Doctrine
Description
Annotation: Despite the perception that Russia is unpredictable in international relations and that its soul is incomprehensible, an analysis of the strategic documents of the Russian Federation shows that the country acts in a highly rational manner. However, this rationality differs from Western rationality: the two sides have fundamentally different understandings not only of what constitutes acceptable international behaviour (values and norms), but also of the objectives and natural drives that permeate them. Russia’s objectives and interests are clearly listed in the country’s national security and defence documents and reveal a wide range of information. This lecture will analyse the leading topics of Russian foreign and security policies, their continuity and changes in official documents and speeches.
Literature: Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation. 1 December 2016. See The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/official_documents/-/asset_publisher/CptICkB6BZ29/content/id/2542248
Lavrov, S. Russia’s Foreign Policy in a Historical Perspective. Russia in global affairs 14.2 (2016). https://eng.globalaffairs.ru/articles/russias-foreign-policy-in-a-historical-perspective-2/
Putin, V. Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy. 10 February 2007. President of Russia web page http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24034.
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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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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Instrumentalisation of International Organisations: The Role of Multilateralism in
Description
Annotation: Russia is a member of a wide range of global and regional institutions, and this membership is part of the country’s overall foreign policy. However, Russia has a specific view of multilateralism – it sees international organisations as instruments for achieving its foreign and security policy objectives. Russia’s changing role in international organisations is closely linked to fluctuations in the country’s domestic and foreign policies. Since 1991, Russia’s place and role in international organisations has gone through different phases. They have been connected to the country’s domestic political situation and its global environment. In this lecture, we will touch upon one of the key features of Russia’s foreign policy – the sense of superiority, or the view that Russia has a unique status and deserves a leading role in the world. Among other case studies, we will also look at the issues related to Russia’s accession to the WTO, as well as Russia’s activities during the OPEC Covid-19 crisis.
Literature: Lukyuanov, F. Putin’s Foreign Policy: The Quest to Restore Russia’s Rightful Place. Foreign Affairs 95 (2016), pp. 30-37.
Locatelli, C., Sylvain, R. Russia’s Gas and Oil Policy: the Emerging Organizational and Institutional Framework for Regulating Access to Hydrocarbon Resources. In: States and Markets in Hydrocarbon Sectors. Belyi, A.V., Talus, K. (eds.) London, Palgrave Macmillan, 2015, pp, 103-121.
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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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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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The Central Role of the United Nations in Russia’s Foreign Policy
Description
Annotation: One of the main elements of Russia’s early post-Soviet foreign policy was the desire and need to restore its great power status and reverse its insignificance and decline in prestige in the post-Cold War period. During this period, this was only possible through its status as a strong permanent member of the UN Security Council. Russia is one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and this is one of the country’s most important international privileges, which it uses extensively and strategically. The issue of intervention in the Syrian civil war is a good example. The changing global balance in recent years, characterised by the emergence of a multipolar global configuration, suggests that Russia will no longer rely solely on its Security Council membership as a guarantee of its great power status.
Literature: Remler, P. Russia at the United Nations: Law, Sovereignty, and Legitimacy. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, January 22, 2020, https://carnegieendowment.org/2020/01/22/russia-at-united-nations-law-sovereignty-and-legitimacy-pub-80753
Reykers, Y., Smeets, N. Losing control: a principal‐agent analysis of Russia in the United Nations Security Council's decision‐making towards the Libya crisis. East European Politics, 31(4), 2015, pp. 369-387.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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The Russian Perspective on the Concept of Multilateralism. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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External Threats in Russian National Security and Defence Documents. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Russia’s Involvement in the Syrian Civil War: The Example of the UN Security Council. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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From ‘Agents’ to ‘Undesirables’: Perspectives for International Organisations Registered Outside Russia. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
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.
Azerbaijan: Government Repression Tarnishes Chairmanship Council of Europe's Leadership Should Take Action. Human Rights Watch, 2014.
3.
Ben-Ari, R. International Nongovernmental Organizations: “Global Conscience” or Powerful Political.
4.
Casier, T. A Classic Dilemma: Russia's Threat to Withdraw from the Council of Europe. Heinrich Böll Stiftung European Union, 2018.
5.
Copelovitch M. Master or Servant? Common Agency and the Political Economy of IMF Lending. International Studies Quarterly 54(1), 2010, pp. 49-77.
6.
Donno D. Who is Punished? Regional Intergovernmental Organizations and the Enforcement of Democratic Norms. International Organization 64(4), 2010, pp. 593-625.
7.
Hyde S. Catch Us if You Can: Election Monitoring and International Norm Diffusion. American Journal of Political Science 55(2), 2011, pp. 356-369.
8.
Kahn R., Tananbaum S. The IMF and the Next Global Crisis. Global Economics Monthly March 2016.
9.
Karns M., Mingst K., Stiles K. International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance. Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2015, pp. 1-40.
10.
Komisar L. Interview with Joseph Stiglitz. 2011. Global Policy Forum.
11.
Langhorne R. New Directions of Multilateral Diplomacy. The Changing Roles of State and Nonstate Actors in Diplomatic Practice. In: Muldoon Jr. J. P., Aviel J. P., Reitano R., Sullivan E. (Eds.) Multilateral Diplomacy and the United Nations Today. Westview Press, 2018, pp. 298-308.
12.
NATO at 70 - The bedrock of European and transatlantic security. Speech by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Körber Global Leaders Dialogue, Berlin, 2019.
13.
Pallas C. L., Urpelainen J. NGO monitoring and the legitimacy of international cooperation: A strategic analysis. Review of International Organizations 7(1), 2012, pp. 1âA¸S32.
14.
Pelc K. Seeking Escape: the Use of Escape Clauses in International Trade Agreements. International Studies Quarterly 53(2), 2009, pp. 349-368.
15.
Rose A. Do We Really Know that the WTO Increases Trade? American Economic Review 94 (1), 2004, pp. 98-114.
16.
Schroeder W. NATO at seventy: Filling NATO’s critical defense-capability gaps. Atlantic Council, 2019.
17.
Schwab S. C. After Doha. Foreign Affairs, May/June 2011.
18.
Sirkku K. H. Multilateralism and economic justice. In: Newman E., Thakur R., Tirman J. (Eds.) Multilateralism Under Challenge? Power, International Order and Structural Change. United Nations University Press, 2006, pp.422-440.
19.
Stone R. The Scope of IMF Conditionality. International Organization 62(4), 2008, pp. 489-620.
20.
Sullivan E. Multilateral Diplomacy in the Twenty-first Century. In: Muldoon Jr. J. P., Aviel J. P., Reitano R., Sullivan E. (Eds.) Multilateral Diplomacy and the United Nations Today. Westview Press, 2018, pp. 273-284.
21.
Thakur R. Pacific settlement, collective security and international peacekeeping. In: Thakur R. The United Nations, Peace and Security. Cambridge University Press, 2006, pp. 27-47.
22.
Tomz M., Goldstein J. L., Rivers D. Do We Really Know That the WTO Increases Trade? Comment. American Economic Review 97(5), 2007, pp.2005-2018.
Additional Reading
1.
Werker E., Ahmed F. What Do Non-Governmental Organizations Do? 2007.
2.
Barnett M., Finnemore M. The Politics, Power, and Pathologies of International Organizations. International Organization 53(4), 1999. pp. 699-732.
3.
Heiskanen V. The rationality of the use of force and the evolution of international organization. In: Coicaud J. M., Heiskanen V. (Eds.) The Legitimacy of International Organizations. The United Nations University Press, 2001, pp. 155-185.
4.
Kelley J. D-Minus Elections: The Politics and Norms of International Election Observation. International Organization 63(4), 2009, pp. 765-787.
5.
Pevehouse J. Democracy from the Outside In? International Organizations and Democratization. International Organization 56(3), 2002, pp. 519-549.
6.
Wallander C. Institutional Assets and Adaptability: NATO after the Cold War. International Organization 54(4), 2000, pp. 705-735.
7.
Wallensteen P., Johansson P. Security Council Decisions in Perspective. In: Malone D. M. (Ed.) The UN Security Council. From the Cold War to the 21st Century. Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2004, pp. 17-33.
8.
Martin, L., Simmons, B. Theories and Empirical Studies of International Institutions. International Organization 52(4), 1998, pp. 729-757.
9.
Voeten E.The Political Origins of the UN Security Council’s Ability to Legitimize the Use of Force. International Organization 59(3), 2005, pp. 527-557.
Other Information Sources
1.
The European Convention on Human Rights.
2.
The United Nations System – Organizational Chart.
3.
TOP 100 NGOs.
4.
Election Observation Handbook. OSCE/ODHIR, 2010.
5.
Charter of the United Nations.