Syllabus
IRE361 Russia in Global Affairs
Suleyman Sah University
Department of International Relations
Fall 2015
_____________________________________________________________________
Dr. Gumer Isaev
Phone: +90 539 670 7644 (in emergency case)
Email: gisaev@gmail.com
COURSE OBEJECTIVE:
This course explores the vital international relations of Russia and its role in modern Global Affairs.
Beginning with a short historical survey it examines various geopolitical, economical, and other
factors in analyzing the nature and reasons of the Russian foreign politics. The main part of the
course is dedicated to analysis of post-Soviet foreign policy and Russian relations with US, Europe,
Asia and the Middle East.
COURSE GRADING AND REQUIREMENTS:
The course requirements and your grading for this course will be based on performance on the
following components, shown with respective weights:
a) Mid-term Exam (25 %)
b) Final Exam (40 %)
c) Attendance and class reflections (10 %)
d) Research paper and presentation (25 %)
Mid-term and Final exams: Exams will cover class readings, lectures and discussions. Exams are
comprehensive.
Attendance and class reflections: Your learning comes in the shared experience. So, regular
attendance is required and it will be part of your total grade; but if you have to miss class, you are
responsible for finding out from a classmate what you missed and for getting copies of any class
handouts. Please note that attendance is not the same as participation. You are expected to be not
only physically present, but mentally. You will be expected to demonstrate your understanding of
class concepts by reflecting at the end of each class and by the comments and criticisms you make
during class. So, speak thoughtfully and often.
You are expected to read each of the assigned readings carefully before class, and to participate
attentively to discussion for that week and the previous week. Please note that those who read
regularly will be able to participate and enjoy class discussions.
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Research paper and presentation: You will be expected to produce an essay of between 5-8 pages
dedicated to Russian role in Global affairs. You have to confirm your semester paper topic with your
instructor before starting to write the paper. More details about the semester papertopics and
instructions will be provided in a separate handout. You also will be required to present their research
findings in the scheduled class dates. Together, research paper (15%) and presentation (10%)
constitute 25% of your overall grade. More information about this assignment (criteria, due date, and
etc.) will be explained in advance.
TEXTBOOKS:
The followings are main textbooks for this course:
Andrei P. Tsygankov. Russia's Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity. Third
Edition, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2013
Russian Foreign Policy in Transition. Concepts and realities. Edited by Andrei Melville and Tatiana
Shakleina. Central European University Press, 2005
Russia Between East and West: Russian Foreign Policy on the Threshold of the Twenty-First
Century. Edited by G.Gorodetski, Routledge; 1 edition, 2003
Marcel De Haas, Russia's Foreign Security Policy in the 21st Century: Putin, Medvedev and Beyond
(Contemporary Security Studies) Routledge, 2011
Jeffrey Mankoff, Russian Foreign Policy: The Return of Great Power Politics, Rowman & Littlefield,
2009
Olga Oliker, Russian Foreign Policy: Sources and Implications. RAND Corporation, 2009
See also the websites of: http://russiancouncil.ru/en/
COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance policy: Students will be expected to attend class regularly and asked to sign up for each
scheduled class dates. Each unexcused absence will result in the lowering of your attendance mark
from your final score.
Late work policy: Please note that excused absences do not make one exempt from class obligations.
Work must be made up in a timely fashion, at the discretion of the instructor, typically in the week
follow the student’s return to class.
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COURSE OUTLINE:
Week 1: Introduction [September, 28]
Course introduction, course structure, syllabus review.
Week 2: Introduction in Russian political system. [October, 5]
Reading: Olga Oliker, Russian Foreign Policy: Sources and Implications. P.9-16
Week 3: Russian Foreign Policy in 1985-1992: transition from USSR to Russia. [October, 12]
Reading: Andrei P. Tsygankov. Russia's Foreign Policy, p. 33-57
Recommended: Russian Foreign Policy in Transition. Concepts and realities. Edited by Andrei
Melville and Tatiana Shakleina. p. 3-27
Week 4: Boris Eltsin and new Russia in Global Affairs. 1992-1996 [October, 19]
Reading: Andrei P. Tsygankov. Russia's Foreign Policy, p. 57-92
Recommended: Russian Foreign Policy in Transition. Concepts and realities. Edited by Andrei
Melville and Tatiana Shakleina. p. 27-65
Week 5: Changes in Russian Foreign Politics. 1996-2000. [October, 26]
Reading: Andrei P. Tsygankov. Russia's Foreign Policy, p. 95-135
Week 6: Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Policy. [November, 2]
Reading: Marcel De Haas, Russia's Foreign Security Policy in the 21st Century, p.156-174
Recommended: Russian Foreign Policy in Transition. Concepts and realities. Edited by Andrei
Melville and Tatiana Shakleina. p. 89-105, 221-235
Week 7: Russia and USA relationship. [November, 9]
Reading: Jeffrey Mankoff, Russian Foreign Policy, p. 97-145
Week 8: Russia and EU relationship. [November, 16]
Reading: Jeffrey Mankoff, Russian Foreign Policy, p. 145-193
Recommended: Russian Foreign Policy in Transition. Concepts and realities. Edited by Andrei
Melville and Tatiana Shakleina. p. 165-181
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Week 9: MIDTERM EXAM WEEK
Week 10: Russia and China relationship. [November, 30]
Reading: Jeffrey Mankoff, Russian Foreign Policy, p.193-241
Week 11: Russia in the Middle East: 2000-2015. [December, 7]
Reading: Russia Between East and West: Russian Foreign Policy on the Threshold of the TwentyFirst Century. Edited by G.Gorodetski, P.152-163
Week 12: Russia and the Commonwealth States (CIS). [December, 14]
Reading: Russia Between East and West: Russian Foreign Policy on the Threshold of the TwentyFirst Century. Edited by G.Gorodetski, P.117-124
RESEARCH PAPER DATE! [December,14]
Week 13: Russia in the face of Global Challenges. [December, 21]
Reading: Andrei P. Tsygankov. Russia's Foreign Policy, p. 207-231
Week 14: Review Session
Week 15 & 16: FINAL EXAM WEEK
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