Russian Politics

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

As a major global powers, Russia is an important country in world politics. With a history of multiple revolutions in one century, contemporary Russia is also a fascinating site to study political change. This course introduces students to Russian politics and fosters their understanding of the country's contemporary social, economic and political transformation and its recent history. Among other questions, we will discuss the challenges of the post-Soviet economic transformation (privatization, liberalization, energy-related issues, the rule of law, for example), the nature of the post-Soviet regimes (the type of democracy, authoritarian backsliding, for example) and Russia's changing relationship vis-a-vis the US, Europe and other CIS countries. While the class focuses on contemporary Russia, it will also engage with the post-Soviet transformation of other CIS countries, including Ukraine and Central Asia. In addition to the empirical developments, this course will engage students with theoretical debates in comparative politics and political economy, including theories on the role of institutions, interests and ideas in social and political change. No prior classes in comparative politics are necessary. Students who have taken Professor Javeline's or Professor Lyanders classes on Russia are encouraged to enroll; this class will follow up, not duplicate their content.