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

Russo-centric Institutional Governance Architecture - EEU, CSTO, CIS and Beyond

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_068
Branch of Science
-
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Elīna Vrobļevska
Structure Unit Manager
Karina Palkova
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

To provide knowledge of the key elements, strategies and ideas used by Russia within international organisations in Eurasia and beyond; to enhance students’ analytical skills in relation to the analysis of the role of leading states within international organisations.

Preliminary Knowledge

General knowledge of theories and methods of international relations, as well as basic knowledge of Russia, international organisations and their activities, and global governance.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Using the in-depth knowledge gained in the study course of Russia-centred international organisations, in particular the EEU, CSTO, CIS, students will describe and compare the role of these organisations in pursuing the country’s foreign and domestic policy interests. Students will contrast the current processes in these international organisations with theoretical insights on regional integration concepts and theories, including functionalism, neofunctionalism, transactionalism and also federalism.

Skills

1.Working in groups, students will select, read and critically evaluate academic literature on the institutional architecture of Russia’s approach to the international environment and its characteristic factors. 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 development perspectives and challenges of external institutional architectures not only in Russia, but also in other countries.

Competences

1.Students will write a report based on interdisciplinary scientific literature, analysing issues related to the course content. Students will evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of complex problems and combine research results and methods from different fields to analyse complex problems. Students will evaluate and explain in a reasoned manner the influence of different factors in Russia-centred organisations and cooperation formats. Based on them, students will provide recommendations and new ideas for further development scenarios not only for the institutional architecture of Russia, but also for similarly designed architectures in professional, academic and business environments in other countries.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Individual work
-
-
Within the module, students will prepare for seminars, read recommended readings, write a report and prepare a 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. 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
-
-
The student must present and submit a paper on the chosen topic, which has been approved by the course lecturer. The report presentations will take place during the last two classes of the course. Reports must be submitted on the day of presentation. Technical requirements for the paper: 2000-3000 words with line spacing 1, Times New Roman 12 or equivalent. References in footnotes, layout according to the Chicago Manual of Style. Title page is not needed.
2.
Examination
-
-
Activity and preparedness during classes – 30%; Presentation and report – 40%; Final examination (essay) – 30%.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. History of the Formation of International Organisations and Russia’s Role in It

Annotation: In order to promote a deeper understanding of the functioning of international organisations and Russia’s role therein, it is important to look back at the history of the development of the modern system of international organisations – from the Peace of Westphalia treaties to the United Nations and the Eurasian Economic Union, Russia has always been an active participant in shaping global governance policies. Literature: Mingst, Karen, and Margaret Karns. The United Nations in the 21st Century. 4th ed. Westview Press, 2011, 19-62. Herren, Madeleine. “International Organizations, 1865-1945.” In The Oxford Handbook of International Organizations, edited by Ian Hurd and Jacob Hogan, 91-112. Oxford University Press, 2018. Chimni, B.S. “International Organizations, 1945-Present.” In The Oxford Handbook of International Organizations, edited by Ian Hurd and Jacob Hogan, 113-132. Oxford University Press, 2018.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Structures and Typology of International Organisations. Norms in the Governance of International Organisations

Annotation: The way international organisations operate has both similarities and stark differences with the way countries operate. Each organisation has its own decision-making procedures, objectives and representation. At the same time, there are similarities in the structures and norms of international organisations, which determine the opportunities and constraints of member states in setting the agenda of the organisation. This lecture offers an insight into the different approaches and structures that make up international organisations and the norms that guide the behaviour of member states. Literature: Pevehouse, Jon, and Inken von Bozyskowski. “International Organizations in World Politics.” In The Oxford Handbook of International Organizations, edited by Ian Hurd and Jacob Hogan, 3-32. Oxford University Press, 2018. Klabbers, Jan. “Formal Intergovernmental Organizations.” In The Oxford Handbook of International Organizations, edited by Ian Hurd and Jacob Hogan, 133-151. Oxford University Press, 2018. Lindseth, Peter. “Supranational Organizations.” In The Oxford Handbook of International Organizations, edited by Ian Hurd and Jacob Hogan, 152-170. Oxford University Press, 2018. Mattli, Walter. “Private Transnational Governance.” In The Oxford Handbook of International Organizations, edited by Ian Hurd and Jacob Hogan, 171-190. Oxford University Press, 2018.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. International Organisations and Global Governance From the Russian Perspective

Annotation: Russia stands out among major global actors as a violator of norms and rules within international organisations. In parallel, Russia has been determined to shape its own global agenda, taking the initiative to build international cooperation centred on norms, values and guidelines that are friendly and acceptable to the country. This lecture will offer an overview of Russian narratives and perspectives on global governance in order to enhance the understanding of the country’s objectives in the organisations that will be discussed in the following lectures. Literature: Radin, Andrew, and Clint Reach. Russian Views of the International Order: Rand Corporation, 2017. 31-74. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1826.html Bond, I. “Russia in International Organizations: The Shift from Defense to Offence.” In Russia’s Foreign Policy: Ideas, Domestic Politics and External Relations, edited by David Cadier and Margot Light, 189-203. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Echo of the Past: Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

Annotation: The lecture will focus on the challenges and opportunities for Russia in setting the CIS agenda. The CIS region has traditionally been a high priority for Russia since the collapse of the USSR. Over the past decade, the integration process among CIS member states has intensified, with Russia prioritising bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Commonwealth countries, which would also strengthen the organisation itself, given that these countries share not only a common history, but also the potential for integration in various fields. Literature: Willerton, J.P., and G. Cockerham. “Russia, the CIS and Eurasian Interconnections.” In Limiting Institutions? The Challenge of Eurasian Security Governance, edited by James Sperling, Sean Kay and S. Victor Papacosma, 185-207. Manchester University Press, 2018. Kurylev, K., and D. Stanis. “Russia’s Foreign Policy in the Commonwealth of Independent States.” Paper presented at the 4th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts SGEM2017, 2017. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322812515_RUSSIAS_FOREIGN_POLICY_IN_THE_COMMONWEALTH_OF_INDEPENDENT_STATES Strategic Course of Russia with the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Committee on International Affairs of the State Duma. Accessed September 8th, 2020. http://interkomitet.com/foreign-policy/basic-documents/strategic-course-of-russia-with-the-member-states-of-the-commonwealth-of-independent-states/
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. CSTO as an Instrument of Russia-Centered Security Construction

Annotation: The Collective Security Treaty Organisation, established at Russia’s initiative, has become one of the most obvious instruments for strengthening the status of hegemony in the region, as well as for restoring military power in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The organisation’s work now includes issues and challenges in the areas of cyber security, illegal trade, crime and terrorism. Russia is the dominant member in the organisation, but has been unable to reach agreement on many issues, including united action in Syria. Just as the EEU is compared to the EU, the CSTO is often referred to as the Russian-led counterpart of NATO. The lecture will focus on the specificities of Russia-centred security organisation, the similarities and differences with NATO, and Russia’s ambitions and objectives within the organisation. Literature: Deyermond, R. “The Collective Security Treaty Organization.” In Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy, edited by Andrei P. Tsygankov, 421-429. London and New York: Routledge, 2018. Klein, M. “Russia’s Military Policy in the Post-Soviet Space: Aims, Instruments and Perspectives.” German Institute for International and Security Affairs, January, 2019, https://www.swp-berlin.org/fileadmin/contents/products/research_papers/2019RP01_kle.pdf Weitz, R. “Assessing the Collective Security Treaty Organization: Capabilities and Vulnerabilities.” U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, October, 2018, https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/3661.pdf.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. An Idea of Competition With the EU? EEU

Annotation: As illusions about Russia’s possible accession to the EU fade, the role of the EEU has only grown for Russia and its partners. It’s no secret that, like the EU, the EEU aims to achieve economic integration and create an open market system between member states. But the idea of EEU of this kind has been around for a long time, with sceptics expressing doubts about the viability of this organisation. The main issues to be addressed in the lecture will be the future prospects of the EEU, assessing what has already been achieved and how Russia’s leadership role in the organisation affects its operations, given Russia’s underprivileged position in the international system. Literature: Molchanov, M. A. “The Eurasian Economic Union.” In Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy, edited by Andrei P. Tsygankov, 410-420. London and New York: Routledge, 2018. Sergi, B. “Putin’s and Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union: A Hybrid Hal-economics and Hal-political “Janus Bifrons”.” Journal of Eurasian Studies 9 (2018): 52-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euras.2017.12.005 Busygina, I. “Russia in the Eurasian Economic Union.” Ponars Eurasia Policy Memo 571 (2019): 1-6. http://www.ponarseurasia.org/sites/default/files/policy-memos-pdf/Pepm571_Busygina_Feb2019_2.pdf Busygina, I., and M. Filippov. “Russia and the EAEU: Conflicting Incentives for Institutional Compromise.” Analytical Media “Eurasian Studies”, August 4th, 2019, http://greater-europe.org/archives/7210.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s Policy in Organisations in Asia

Annotation: A more decisive turn towards the East by Russia followed shortly after the crisis in Ukraine, when the US and EU sanctions against the country came into force. In addition to strengthening relations with China, Russia’s presence in the space of international organisations in the region, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and ASEAN, gives Russia the opportunity to strengthen relations with countries other than China, as well as to balance US policy in the region. The lecture addresses the need to understand the role of Russian influence in regional organisations that are much less determined by Western values and norms than, for example, in the UN, thus giving Russia the opportunity to shape its own, albeit secondary, agenda. Literature: Lukin, A. “Asian Organizations.” In Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy. Edited by Andrei P. Tsygankov, 388-399. London and New York: Routledge, 2018. Freire, M.R. “The Shanghai Cooperation Organization.” In Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy, edited by Andrei P. Tsygankov, 400-409. London and New York: Routledge, 2018.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia and Organisations in Europe

Annotation: Russia’s presence in European organisations such as the OSCE is best characterised by a clash of values and interests. The fact that Russia is not a convenient cooperation partner is demonstrated by its disregard for international norms. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that it is Russia’s financial support that ensures its presence and, in other cases, the functioning of the organisation itself. In this lecture it is important to explore and understand Russia’s ambiguous presence in European organisations and how it influences the agenda, specifically through its controversial actions, in organisations such as the OSCE, the NATO-Russia Council and the Council of Europe. Literature: Smith, H. “European Organizations.” In Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy, edited by Andrei P. Tsygankov, 377-387. London and New York: Routledge, 2018. Schmitt, O. “How to Challenge an International Order: Russian Diplomatic Practices in Multilateral Security Organizations.” European Journal of International Relations 26, no. 3 (2020): 922-946. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354066119886024
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. ‘International Elite’: Russia as an Independent Member of the UN Security Council

Annotation: With the crises in Syria, Libya and Ukraine, the United Nations Security Council has had to discuss challenging decisions and issues. While critics highlight the Security Council’s inability to reach a united decision and act, calling for reform, the organisation remains the dominant and most visible platform for the expression of national interests, ambitions and alliances. With the UN, and the Security Council, providing the largest representative platform for global governance, it is important to see Russia’s policies in the Security Council as an example for Russia’s global goals and agenda. Literature: Sergunin, A. “The United Nations.” In Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy, edited by Andrei P. Tsygankov, 355-366. London and New York: Routledge, 2018. Nikitin, A. “Russia as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.” Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. International Policy Analysis, November, 2012, https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/iez/09461.pdf Remler, P. “Russia at the United Nations: Law, Sovereignty and Legitimacy.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, January, 2020, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/Remler_UN_final.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s Activities in BRICS and Other Limited Membership Organisations

Annotation: Although Russia is included in the ‘club’ of the world’s most important countries, in many respects it is still seen as an inferior player, forced to push its own agenda and delay decisions that are not in its interests. At the same time, its regional capacity and image are more significant. The lecture will address the following questions: what is Russia’s role and position as one of the BRICS countries; what is Russia’s position vis-à-vis the bigger players in the G20, especially in the light of its exclusion from the G8 club; does the country aspire to a leadership position among the BRICS countries? Literature: Krickovic, A. “The G20.” In Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy, edited by Andrei P. Tsygankov, 367-376. London and New York: Routledge, 2018. Korobkov, A., S. Kingah, and J. Jovic. “Global Security and Economic Leadership of Russia.” In Global and Regional Leadership of BRICS Countries, edited by Stephen Kingah and Cintia Quiliconi, 93-112. Springer, 2016. Molchanov, M.A. “Russia’s Leadership of Regional Integration in Eurasia.” In Global and Regional Leadership of BRICS Countries, edited by Stephen Kingah and Cintia Quiliconi, 113-134. Springer, 2016.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Values, Ideologies and Politics: What Is Russia-Centred Approach in International Organisations? Discussion

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings and various aspects of the topics covered during the lectures. Students are encouraged to do in-depth research on the topic in preparation for each class.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s Political Strategy on Cooperation Within Organisations. Discussion

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings and various aspects of the topics covered during the lectures. Students are encouraged to do in-depth research on the topic in preparation for each class.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Guidelines for a Russia-Centred International Approach. Discussion

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings and various aspects of the topics covered during the lectures. Students are encouraged to do in-depth research on the topic in preparation for each class.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Challenges in Russia’s Cooperation With the West. Discussion

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings and various aspects of the topics covered during the lectures. Students are encouraged to do in-depth research on the topic in preparation for each class.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Simulation of Negotiations: Russia in the CSTO

Annotation: Students will be offered a central topic of negotiations within the framework of the CSTO. Each student group has to play the role of a member state in the organisation, formulating its position during the negotiations and defending it during the mock debate.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Simulation of Negotiations: Russia on the UN Security Council

Annotation: Students will be offered a central topic of negotiations within the framework of the UN Security Council. Each student group has to play the role of a member state in the organisation, formulating its position during the negotiations and defending it during the mock debate.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Objectives, Ambitions and Russia’s Place Within International Organisations. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Each student presents an independently developed report on an individually chosen topic that corresponds to the thematic framework of the course.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

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

2.

Busygina, I. “Russia in the Eurasian Economic Union.” Ponars Eurasia Policy Memo 571 (2019): 1-6.

3.

Busygina, I., and M. Filippov. “Russia and the EAEU: Conflicting Incentives for Institutional Compromise.” Analytical Media “Eurasian Studies”, August 4th, 2019.

4.

Cadier, David and Margot Light, eds. Russia’s Foreign Policy: Ideas, Domestic Politics and External Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015.

5.

Hurd, Ian and Jacob Hogan, eds. The Oxford Handbook of International Organizations. Oxford University Press, 2018.

6.

Kingah, Stephen and Cintia Quiliconi, eds. Global and Regional Leadership of BRICS Countries. Springer, 2016.

7.

Klein, M. “Russia’s Military Policy in the Post-Soviet Space: Aims, Instruments and Perspectives.” German Institute for International and Security Affairs, January, 2019.

8.

Kurylev, K., and D. Stanis. “Russia’s Foreign Policy in the Commonwealth of Independent States.” Paper presented at the 4th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts SGEM2017, 2017.

9.

Mingst, Karen, and Margaret Karns. The United Nations in the 21st Century. 6th ed. Westview Press, 2022.

10.

Nikitin, A. “Russia as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.” Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. International Policy Analysis, November, 2012.

11.

Radin, Andrew, and Clint Reach. Russian Views of the International Order: Rand Corporation, 2017. 31-74.

12.

Remler, P. “Russia at the United Nations: Law, Sovereignty and Legitimacy.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, January, 2020.

13.

Schmitt, O. “How to Challenge an International Order: Russian Diplomatic Practices in Multilateral Security Organizations.” European Journal of International Relations 26, no. 3 (2020): 922-946.

14.

Sergi, B. “Putin’s and Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union: A Hybrid Hal-economics and Hal-political “Janus Bifrons”.” Journal of Eurasian Studies 9 (2018): 52-60.

15.

Sperling, James, Sean Kay and S. Victor Papacosma, eds. Limiting Institutions? The Challenge of Eurasian Security Governance. Manchester University Press, 2018.

16.

Strategic Course of Russia with the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Committee on International Affairs of the State Duma. Accessed September 8th, 2020.

17.

Tsygankov, Andrei, ed. Routledge Handbook of Russian Foreign Policy. London and New York: Routledge, 2018.

18.

Weitz, R. “Assessing the Collective Security Treaty Organization: Capabilities and Vulnerabilities.” U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, October, 2018.

Additional Reading

1.

Cadier, D. “Policies Towards the Post-Soviet Space: The Eurasian Economic Union as an Attempt to Develop Russia’s Structural Power?” In Russia’s Foreign Policy: Ideas, Domestic Politics and External Relations. edited by David Cadier and Margot Light, 156-174. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015.

2.

Dal, E.P. and Ersen, E. Russia in the Changing International System. Palgrave Macmillan, 2020.

3.

Douhan, A.F., and A.V. Rusakovich. Collective Security Treaty Organization and Contingency Planning After 2014. Geneva-Minsk: Procon Ltd., 2016.

4.

Kansikas, S. “The Eurasian Economic Union, Russia’s Integration Policy and the EU Challenge.” Journal on Baltic Security 1, no. 1 (2015): 108-116.

5.

“The Eurasian Economic Union: Power, Politics and Trade.” Europe and Central Asia Report, 2016.

Other Information Sources

1.

The official website of United Nations Security Council.

2.

The official website of CSTO.

3.

The official website of CIS.

4.

The official website of EEU.

5.

The official website of ASEAN.

6.

The official website of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

7.

The official website of OSCE.

8.

The official website of NATO.

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