Russian Foreign And Security Policy
This module examines Russian foreign policy since the end of the Cold War up to the present day, and invites students to explore the following questions: How does Russia view the world? What does Russia want and how will it achieve these aims? What is Russias perception of itself in the world and does this match reality? Does the West remain a reference point in Russias foreign policy thinking? The module begins by introducing students to the different ways Russian foreign policy has been theorised in International Relations. It then outlines the formation of several foreign policy perspectives across Russias political spectrum and examines the roles of domestic actors in foreign policy decision-making. Following this, the course interrogates Russias interaction with its external environment, including its relationship with the EU, NATO, the OSCE, the US, the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, China and the non-West, and several international organisations. The module then examines Russias approach to a number of policy areas and global security issues, including information and hybrid warfare, regional conflicts, emerging non-traditional security challenges, energy security, and intervention and human rights. Finally, students will be expected to consider the future of Russias foreign policy direction.
Module code: HIPO70457