Russia after Communism

4 credits · Undergraduate

This course presents a broad introduction to contemporary politics and society in Russia. The social movements and political transformations of the Gorbachev period will be explored. Most of the course is devoted to the post-communist period and current problems of political change and upheaval. Topics to be investigated include the movement from a command economy to capitalism, struggles among emerging social interests, the changing role of the military in society, crime and social disintegration, the rise of nationalism and the search for national identity, civil war, and the transformation of political institutions. The course is recommended for juniors and seniors but is open to all students.