CSPO 21A02 - Nations, States and Geopolitics in the Caucasus and Black Sea Region

The aim of this seminar, which draws on several humanities disciplines: History,

Political science, Sociology and International Relations, is to explore the processes

involved in the formation of states and nations in this little-known region, located at the

crossroads of empires.

It also aims to understand the origins of current armed conflicts (Karabagh, Chechnya,

Georgia, Ukraine), and to analyze national trajectories towards democracy or

authoritarianism. The class will also examine the Caucasus/Black Sea strategies of

regional players such as Russia, Turkey and Iran, and those of global players such as

the EU, USA and China.