IR3101 Russian Politics and Foreign Policy after Communism

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Mon 9am

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof J P Anderson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof J Anderson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module explores the evolution of the Soviet and then Russian political system since 1985. After an introduction to the communist system, we briefly explore Gorbachev’s attempts to reform the USSR which eventually led to its demise. Following that our emphasis is on developments after 1991, though for reasons of time we shall concentrate on the Russian Federation. Here we shall explore some of the factors influencing transition in Russia, concentrating on the problematic nature of democratisation, the resolution of regional and ethnic differences, political economy and foreign policy under Yeltsin, Putin (and Medvedev). In particular we will focus on the nature of the ‘Putinist’ political system, on the realm of society and the ‘squeezing’ of civil society, foreign policy, and the increasingly difficult nature of its relations with the ‘Western’ world, with a special focus on the events leading up to, and the consequences of, the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture and 1 tutorial.

Scheduled learning hours

46

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

254

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • acquire a good grasp of the key political developments in Russia since 1985
  • ask questions about why authoritarian regimes reform
  • become aware of the particular dilemmas facing would-be reformers, especially in multi-national states occupying substantial territories
  • isolate the foreign policy and security dilemmas facing a state emerging out of political collapse, unsure of its national identity and foreign policy priorities
  • assess the type of regime that has emerged in Russia over the last two decades
  • articulate this understanding in written and oral form, as demonstrated in the essays, examination, and class discussion