Political Economy of Eurasia

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course is concerned with an empirical understanding of postcommunist economic transformations, especially in the former republics of the Soviet Union, Central and Eastern Europe. A theoretical framework of the transition policy will be reflected in the context of globalization. The objectives of the course are 1) to understand goals, ways, and forms of transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy and 2) to understand the main drivers, successes, and failures of reforms, challenges, and achievements of the transition process. It offers a broad empirical and thematic overview of post-soviet economic transformation. It will discuss why and how communism collapsed, alternative reform programs, the development of output, liberalization, financial stabilization, privatization, corruption and governance, social developments and policy, and the role of the outside world. The course is designed for graduate students in various social sciences with a regional focus on Eurasia. An understanding of economic reasoning is required. Knowledge of Russian language is welcome but not necessary. After this course, a student should understand what post-Soviet economic transformation was about, which were the main issues and disputes, and what the main differences between the transition countries were. This knowledge should facilitate perception and evaluation of the on-going economic and political development across the region.