| CODE | IRL2012 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Foreign Policy of Russia | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | International Relations | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit will examine the foreign policy of the Russian Federation in the wake of its past as a super power, considering its attempts to revive its former status at an international level. In order to understand the way Russia conducts its foreign policy, the way in which it is formulated will be discussed and assessed, examining the domestic institutional and political factors. The evolution of Russia’s Foreign Policy will be examined, tracing developments from the Imperial Era, through the 1917 Revolution and the subsequent Soviet Era. Particular attention will be given to the Cold War period, as well as to the role and influence of the Soviet leaders in foreign policy decision making and the outcome of events. The collapse of the Soviet Union undoubtedly had a tremendous impact not only on domestic affairs for its successor, the Russian Federation, but also impacted its international role and foreign policy. This will be discussed together with the developments made under the leadership of Yeltsin. The beginning of Putin’s Presidency will be taken as a starting point in the examination of Russia’s contemporary foreign policy, evaluating the way he has allowed Russia’s foreign relations to develop and evolve. As a country that spans two continents, attention will be given to Russia’s policies and relations with the countries that made up the former Soviet Union, as well as its relations with its counterparts in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Also, Russia’s involvement in the War on Terror, both at a national and international level, will be discussed. Finally, in the shadow of their Cold-War relations, the contemporary relationship between the Russian Federation and the United States of America will be examined, discussing the way these former adversaries influence one another’s foreign policy decisions and actions within the international arena. Study-unit Aims: The objective of this study-unit is to provide students with a broad overview and understanding of contemporary issues in Russia's Foreign Policy. Studying the history of Russian foreign policy and the mechanisms used to formulate and implement these policies provides the means for deeper analysis and understanding of contemporary themes and those to come. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify and discuss the actors, structures and institutions involved in the both the making and implementation of Russia’s foreign policy and be able to identify the geopolitical, economic, and security factors that influence the development of the Russia’s foreign policy. - Discuss the history of Russia's foreign policy and analyse the impact of such historical events on contemporary policies and priorities. - Identify and discuss the role of domestic developments and issues and their impact on Russia's foreign policy. - Discuss the role of Russia in regional and international institutions. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Discuss long term trends and patterns in Russia's foreign policy. - Analyse the impact of Russia’s foreign policy decisions on regional and international political developments. - Discuss the role of international and multilateral economic, political and security issues that shape its Foreign Policy. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Donalsdon, R.H. & Nogee, J.L. The Foreign Policy of Russia: Changing Systems, Enduring Interests 4th Edition (M.E. Sharpe Inc, 2009). - Mankoff, J. Russian Foreign Policy: The Return of Great Power Politics 2nd Edition (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc, 2012). |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Valentina Cassar |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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