POL229 Russian Foreign Policy 1991-2003

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2004
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Larissa Kouzmitcheva, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Jan Holzer, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Lucie Pospíšilová
Timetable
Tue 16:00–17:40 G24
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
An introduction part of this module provides an orientation in basic concepts and theories in the study of Russian foreign policy. The module is divided into several parts, the first addressing evolution of Russian relations with the European Union since the early 1990s. This covers institutional, diplomatic and strategic aspects as well as security issues. The second part addresses multilateral relations in the Commonwealth of Independent States, the geopolitical interests of Russia, and potential conflicts and contradictions within the CIS. Particular emphasis will be put on analysing relations in Slavic triangle (Ukraine, Belarus and Russia). After discussing Russian involvement in Balkan crises and its interests in this region, the next block analyses Russian-American relations after the Cold War. They should be addressed in two ways: bilateral relations, and Russian-American interactions in the context of world politics (if they affect and influence the system of international order and in what way). The concluding part of the course covers "south dimension" of foreign policy of Russia, and its participation in the work of international organisations and institutions.
Syllabus
  • The module will be delivered by weekly lectures. From the second week the last 30-40 minutes of the class will be reserved for discussions. You are expected to attend all lectures and to participate in the discussions on the proposed topics. In preparation for them you should do the following: 1. Read the discussion articles offered for the class; 2. Draw up a plan in answer to the questions offered for discussing. You may also, if you wish, to deliver an individual presentation concerned with the topic of the seminar (max. 15 minutes). Lectures Week/Subject 1. Introduction 2. Russian Foreign Policy as a Subject: Concepts, Theories and Debates 3. Russia and the European Union: Treaties, Strategies, Institutions and Actions 4. Russia in the System of the Common European Security: Conflict or Co-operation? 5. Russia and the CIS: Success or Failure? 6. Ukraine and Belarus in Russian Foreign Policy 7. Balkan Crises and the Priorities of Russian Foreign Policy 8. Russia and the USA after the Cold War 9. Russia, the USA and International Security 10. Russia and its South Neighbours (Russian Foreign Policy in Central Asia and the East) 11. Russia and the International Organisations: WTO, G8, the UN 12. Revision
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Seminar paper You are required to submit one seminar paper; it is to be handed in no later than 1 May 2004. It should be approx. 7 pages long and in English. Your written work should conform to the formal demands of writing seminar paper (See: a sample on web page of the Department of Political Science). Papers submitted later than the end of semester will not be accepted; therefore a student will not be assessed. Assessment of seminar paper The paper mark will be ranged between 0-10 points (it is necessary to gain at least 6 points for acceptance) according to following criteria: 1. Content of text - maintaining and meeting the theme, extent of factual and logical mistakes, originality (5 points). 2. Literature used for work (2 points) 3. Meeting formal requirements (2 points) 4. Language culture (1 point) Themes for seminar paper: 1. Kaliningrad oblast' as a special issue in Russian-European Relations 2. Russia and Countries of Central and Eastern Europe (the bilateral relations between Russia and one of the countries can be analysed) 3. Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States 4. European Policy of Russia 5. Russia's Integration in World Economy 6. Slavic triangle: Russia, Ukraine and Belarus 7. Russian Balkan Policy of the 1990s 8. Foreign Policy and Russian Society 9. Russian-American Relations after Cold War 10. Russia in the System of European and International Security The themes are specially formulated in general. You can write on a definite aspects and issues within these topics. You are also welcome to suggest your own theme in accordance with your research interests and the content of the module. The issues suggested for the discussions can also be themes for seminar paper. Final assessment The successful completion of the course will give you 6 credits. In order to participate in discussions you should study all texts recommended for compulsory reading (3 credits). Seminar paper will give 3 credits.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught only once.
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