This course is an introduction to Soviet and post-Soviet politics and external policies, with a special
emphasis on domestic developments in Russia and Ukraine, and the impact on Moscow's foreign
behavior. The key paradigm is the close interaction between internal and external factors. Vladimir
Putin's confrontational strategies demonstrate that an autocratic regime is prone to conflict and war.
The Kremlin has not accepted Ukraine's choices -rule of law, independence, and rapprochement with
Europe and NATO-, and has gone to war. It claims a “sphere of influence” in former Soviet republics.
The course will address:
1.The building and unbuilding of an empire: from the Tsarist empire to the USSR; from the fall of the
USSR to the consolidation of new independent republics in Europe.
2.From Gorbachev and Yeltsin's reforms to Putin's authoritarianism. From partnership to confrontation
with Western countries. Russia's wars: Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, Ukraine.
3.The major issues of democracy versus autocracy, Russian post-Soviet identity, European security,
economic challenges, Russia-West relations, the future of Ukraine and Russia.
Marie MENDRAS,Iris LAMBERT
Cours magistral seul
English
Autumn 2022-2023
- Mid-term exam during session 6 (date to be confirmed): 40% of the final grade;
- Final exam during session 12 (date to be confirmed): 60% of the final grade.
Both exams will consist of a MCQ section + one or two essays.