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RUSSIAN POLITICS AND FOREIGN POLICY PROGRAMME COURSE DESCRIPTION

Code Name of the Course Unit Semester In-Class Hours (T+P) Credit ECTS Credit
POL423 RUSSIAN POLITICS AND FOREIGN POLICY 5 3 3 5

GENERAL INFORMATION

Language of Instruction : English
Level of the Course Unit : BACHELOR'S DEGREE, TYY: + 6.Level, EQF-LLL: 6.Level, QF-EHEA: First Cycle
Type of the Course : Elective
Mode of Delivery of the Course Unit -
Coordinator of the Course Unit Assist.Prof. HABİBE GÜNGÖR
Instructor(s) of the Course Unit
Course Prerequisite No

OBJECTIVES AND CONTENTS

Objectives of the Course Unit: The aim of this course is to make student familiar with the most crucial developments in Russian politics and foreign policy through the analysis of the Russian history, society, political system and relations with the most important foreign actors.
Contents of the Course Unit: This course concentrates on Russian foreign policy after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. For that, we start with the brief overview of the Russian history, analysis of the Russian political system and domestic politics after 1991, as well as examination of the Russian society from the perspective of nationalism, ideology and the role of Church. Then, we proceed with the general discussion of the Russian foreign policy, hard and soft powers, followed by the examination of Russia's relations with the US, China, Turkey, Syria and Ukraine.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE UNIT (On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to)

By the end of this course, the students will be able to 1. summarize and explain the nature of the Russian politics and foreign policy; 2. apply theories of International Relations as well as foreign folicy analysis specific theories to the Kremlin's foreign policy decisions; 3. illustrate the theories with the examples of particular acts of Moscow; 4. predict the development of Russian foreign policies in key regions.

WEEKLY COURSE CONTENTS AND STUDY MATERIALS FOR PRELIMINARY & FURTHER STUDY

Week Preparatory Topics(Subjects) Method
1 Oliver Stone. The Putin Interviews. 4 parts. Access from https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=oliver+stone+putin+interview+ Introduction. How You Are Going to Learn About Russia from the Russian. Intro Q&A Discussion
2 Örmeci & Kısacık, pp.27 – 36; Ülger, pp. 9 – 20. Roskin, pp. 212 – 261. Russia. History, Geography and Culture. Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. Cold War. Lecture Q&A Discussion
3 Örmeci & Kısacık, pp.41 – 50, 75 – 112; Ülger, pp. 21 – 72, 135 – 172. Wegren, pp. Chapters 1, 2, 3 Roskin, pp. 212 – 261. Russia. Political System of the Russian Federation After the Collapse of the USSR. Lecture Q&A Discussion
4 Ülger, pp. 151 – 188. Wegren, Chapter 7&10 Irina Papkova (2011) Russian Orthodox concordat? Church and state under Medvedev, Nationalities Papers, 39:5, 667-683, DOI: 10.1080/00905992.2011.602394 Paul Chaisty & Stephen Whitefield, Putin’s Nationalism Problem, in Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska & Richard Sakwa (eds), Ukraine and Russia: People, Politics, Propaganda and Perspectives. E-International Relations, Bristol, UK, 2015. pp. 165 – 172. Film Matilda (2017); Leviathan (2014). Social Constructivism as a Framework for Discussing Russian Society. Nationalism, Ideology and Role of Church. Lecture Q&A Discussion
5 Örmeci & Kısacık, pp. 113 – 132, 153 – 166, 271 – 286, 355 – 362; Ülger, pp. 73 – 96, 387 - 410. Tsygankov, pp.1 – 33 Main Vectors and Considerations of the Russian Foreign Policy After 1991. Search for the Lost Great Power Status? Lecture Q&A Discussion
6 Ülger, pp. 189 – 204, 281 – 302; Örmeci & Kısacık, pp. 133 – 152, 167 – 174, 309 - 338. Wegren, Chapter 14. Stefan Bouzarovski & Mark Bassin (2011) Energy and Identity: Imagining Russia as a Hydrocarbon Superpower, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 101:4, 783-794 Energy Politics and Energy Security. Energy as a Leverage of Russian Policies in Europe and Near Abroad. Lecture Q&A Discussion
7 Halidov, pp.37 – 75. Nye, pp. 1 – 32 (theory compulsory for all students); 73 – 75; Jeanne L. Wilson (2015) Soft Power: A Comparison of Discourse and Practice in Russia and China, Europe-Asia Studies, 67:8, 1171-1202, DOI: 10.1080/09668136.2015.1078108 Soft Power of the Russian Federation. Education, Science, Culture, Religion. Lecture Q&A Discussion
8 - MID-TERM EXAM -
9 Ülger, pp. 411 – 456, 571 – 611. Blank, pp. 175 – 207. Realism in Russian Foreign Policy. Russian Policies Towards the Former USSR States. Lecture Q&A Discussion
10 Ülger, pp. 611 – 650; Örmeci & Kısacık, pp. 175 – 192. Elizabeth Wishnick (2017) In search of the ‘Other’ in Asia: Russia–China relations revisited, The Pacific Review, 30:1, 114-132, DOI: 10.1080/09512748.2016.1201129 Moscow – Beijing Relations. Lecture Q&A Discussion
11 Ülger, pp. 457 – 570, 347 – 376. Tsygankov, pp. 59 – 208 Wegren, Chapter 11 Russia – the United States. Lecture Q&A Discussion
12 Örmeci & Kısacık, pp. 215 – 252; Ülger, pp. 377 - 386. Paul D’Anieri, Democracy and Geopolitics: Understanding Ukraine’s Threat to Russia, in Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska & Richard Sakwa (eds), Ukraine and Russia: People, Politics, Propaganda and Perspectives. E-International Relations, Bristol, UK, 2015. pp.233 – 241 Allison, Roy. "Russian ‘deniable’ intervention in Ukraine: how and why Russia broke the rules." International Affairs 90.6 (2014): 1255-1297. Ukraine in the Russian Domestic and Foreign Policies. Orange Revolution, Energy Wars and 2014 Interventions. Annexation of Crimea and Conflict in Donbass. Propaganda and Hybrid Warfare. Azov Crisis. Lecture Q&A Discussion
13 Ülger, pp. 189 – 204; 281 – 302; Örmeci & Kısacık, pp.253 – 286. Ben Rich & Dara Conduit (2015) The Impact of Jihadist Foreign Fighters on Indigenous Secular-Nationalist Causes: Contrasting Chechnya and Syria, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 38:2, 113-131, DOI: 10.1080/1057610X.2014.979605 Stent, Angela (2016). Putin's Power Play in Syria: How to Respond to Russia's Intervention. Foreign Affairs, 95, 106. Russia’s Engagement into Syria. Implications for Regional Security and Impact on Domestic Affairs. Predictions as to the Future Developments. Lecture Q&A Discussion
14 Örmeci & Kısacık, pp. 363 – 470. Hossein Aghaie Joobani & Mostafa Mousavipour (2015) Russia, Turkey, and Iran: Moving Towards Strategic Synergy in the Middle East?, Strategic Analysis, 39:2, 141-155, DOI: 10.1080/09700161.2014.1000658 • Ziya Öniş & Şuhnaz Yılmaz (2016) Turkey and Russia in a shifting global order: cooperation, conflict and asymmetric interdependence in a turbulent region, Third World Quarterly, 37:1, 71-95, DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2015.1086638 Russia and Turkey. History of the Ottoman Policies Towards the Russian Empire. Early Soviet Period. Cold War. Post-Independence Political, Economic and Military Relations. Presentations Q&A Discussion
15 Örmeci & Kısacık, pp. 363 – 470. Hossein Aghaie Joobani & Mostafa Mousavipour (2015) Russia, Turkey, and Iran: Moving Towards Strategic Synergy in the Middle East?, Strategic Analysis, 39:2, 141-155, DOI: 10.1080/09700161.2014.1000658 • Ziya Öniş & Şuhnaz Yılmaz (2016) Turkey and Russia in a shifting global order: cooperation, conflict and asymmetric interdependence in a turbulent region, Third World Quarterly, 37:1, 71-95, DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2015.1086638 Russia and Turkey. Post-Independence Political, Economic and Military Relations. Role of Syria and S-400 in Russo – Turkish Relations. Predictions as to the Future Developments. Presentations Q&A Discussion
16 - FINAL EXAM -
17 - FINAL EXAM -

SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING

Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska & Richard Sakwa (eds), Ukraine and Russia: People, Politics, Propaganda and Perspectives. E-International Relations, Bristol, UK, 2015.
Andrei P. Tsygankov, Russia’s Foreign Policy: Continuity and Change in National Identity. Fourth Edition (London, UK: Rowman and Littlefield, 2016).
Blank, S. J. (2013). Politics and Economics in Putin’s Russia. ARMY WAR COLLEGE CARLISLE BARRACKS PA STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE.
Dmitri Trenin, Should we Fear Russia? (Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, 2016)
Nye Jr, J. S. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. Public affairs.
Roskin, M. (2009). Countries and Concepts: Politics. Geography, Culture, 10.
Stephen White, Richard Sakwa, and Henry Hale (eds), Developments in Russian Politics, 8th edition
Wegren, S. K. (Ed.). (2015). Putin's Russia: past imperfect, future uncertain. Rowman & Littlefield.
Jeanne L. Wilson (2015) Soft Power: A Comparison of Discourse and Practice in Russia and China, Europe-Asia Studies, 67:8, 1171-1202, DOI: 10.1080/09668136.2015.1078108
Irina Papkova (2011) Russian Orthodox concordat? Church and state under Medvedev, Nationalities Papers, 39:5, 667-683, DOI: 10.1080/00905992.2011.602394
Stefan Bouzarovski & Mark Bassin (2011) Energy and Identity: Imagining Russia as a Hydrocarbon Superpower, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 101:4, 783-794
Elizabeth Wishnick (2017) In search of the ‘Other’ in Asia: Russia–China relations revisited, The Pacific Review, 30:1, 114-132, DOI: 10.1080/09512748.2016.1201129
Allison, Roy. "Russian ‘deniable’ intervention in Ukraine: how and why Russia broke the rules." International Affairs 90.6 (2014): 1255-1297.
Ben Rich & Dara Conduit (2015) The Impact of Jihadist Foreign Fighters on Indigenous Secular-Nationalist Causes: Contrasting Chechnya and Syria, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 38:2, 113-131, DOI: 10.1080/1057610X.2014.979605
Stent, Angela (2016). Putin's Power Play in Syria: How to Respond to Russia's Intervention. Foreign Affairs, 95, 106.
Hossein Aghaie Joobani & Mostafa Mousavipour (2015) Russia, Turkey, and Iran: Moving Towards Strategic Synergy in the Middle East?, Strategic Analysis, 39:2, 141-155, DOI: 10.1080/09700161.2014.1000658
Ziya Öniş & Şuhnaz Yılmaz (2016) Turkey and Russia in a shifting global order: cooperation, conflict and asymmetric interdependence in a turbulent region, Third World Quarterly, 37:1, 71-95, DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2015.1086638
Caşın, Mesut Hakkı. Novgorod Knezliği'nden XXI. yüzyıla Rus imparatorluk stratejisi. Atlas, 2015.
Dugin, Aleksandr, & İmanov, V. Rus Jeopolitiği: Avrasyacı Yaklaşım. Küre Yayınları. 2010
Girgin, Kemal. Ruslarla Kavgadan Derin Ortaklığa, İlgi Kültür Sanat Yayınları, İstanbul 2014.
Örmeci, Ozan ve Sina Kısacık. Rusya Siyaseti ve Rus Dış Politikası. Teorik Çerçeve – Tarihsel Arka Plan – Örnek Olaylar. Haziran 2018 / 1. Baskı / 480 Syf.
Özdal, Habibe. Sovyetler Birliği’nin Dağılmasından Kırım’ın İlhakına Rus Dış Politikasında Ukrayna. International Strategic Research Organization (USAK). 2016
Riasanovsky, Nicholas V., and Mark D. Steinberg. Rusya Tarihi. İnkılap Yayınları, İstanbul. 2011.
Roskin, Michael G. Çağdaş Devlet Sistemleri: Siyaset, Coğrafya, Kültür. 2014
Ülger, İrfan Kaya. Putin'in Ülkesi - Yeni Yüzyıl Eşiğinde Rusya Federasyonu Analizi. Seçkin Yayıncılık. 2015
Akhundova, Jale. "Rusya’nin Siyasal Partileri ve Milliyetçilik Görüşleri." International Journal Of Eurasia Social Sciences 2013, no. 11 (2013).
Aydın, M. (2004). 19. YÜZYIL ORTALARINDA PANSLAVİZM VE RUSYA. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 15(15), 73-82.
Balta, E., & Demir, S. (2016). Tarih, Kimlik ve Dış Politika: Rusya Federasyonu Güncel Tarih Ders Kitaplarında Osmanlı-Türk İmajı. bilig/Türk Dünyası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, (76), 1-32.
Halidov, İ. (2014). Rusya’nın Yumuşak Güç Araçları. Avrasya İncelemeleri Dergisi, 3(1), 37-75.
Kamalov, İ. Rusya’nın Orta Asya Politikaları. Rapor. Ahmet Yesevi Üniversitesi. Haziran 2011
Sönmez, A. S. (2010). Moskova’nın Kutuplaşma Çabaları: Putin Dönemi Rus Dış Politikası. Avrasya Etüdleri, 37(1), 37-76.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities Number of Activities Degree of Contribution (%) Description
Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5

CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE UNIT TO THE PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

KNOWLEDGE

Theoretical

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Explain the historical development process of Aviation Management.
0
2
Use computer programs related to Aviation Transportation.
0
3
Define basic concepts related with aviation management.
0

KNOWLEDGE

Factual

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Relate the information and facts in the field with other social sciences such as law, sociology, philosophy and history.
5
2
Classify the relationship between the basic functions of the business and the interactions between these functions.
1
3
Apply knowledge and skills related to his / her field by considering the legal aspect of occupational health and safety.
2
4
Explain the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation with the field.
1

SKILLS

Cognitive

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Manage operational activities related to the airline.
0
2
Gain lifelong learning skills and use knowledge of the field in the business life with the awareness of social responsibility.
4

SKILLS

Practical

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Prepare written agreements with relevant institutions in accordance with the legislation.
0
2
Perform the theoretical and practical knowledge related to the field with appropriate analytical methods and modeling techniques in business life.
1
3
Manage all phases from planning to implementation of aviation operations as a member of a team.
0
4
Cooperate with stakeholders related to air transport.
0
5
Develop the modern techniques and tools necessary for applications related to the field.
0

OCCUPATIONAL

Autonomy & Responsibility

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Execute a study in his/her field independently.
5
2
Decide as an individual or a team member to solve the problems encountered in applications related to the field.
5

OCCUPATIONAL

Learning to Learn

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Evaluate advanced knowledge and skills in his/her field with a critical approach.
5
2
Apply activities to improve his/her performance and his / her responsibility in line with the learning objectives by determining the learning needs.
5

OCCUPATIONAL

Communication & Social

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Communicate with people and institutions related to the field in writing and verbally.
5
2
Explain his/her thoughts on the issues related to the field and suggestions for solutions to the problems by the related departments by using supporting quantitative and qualitative data.
4
3
Organize projects and activities for the social environment with social responsibility consciousness and to be able to apply those.
4

OCCUPATIONAL

Occupational and/or Vocational

Programme Learning Outcomes Level of Contribution
0 1 2 3 4 5
1
Manage airports and terminal operations efficiently using aviation and business information.
0

WORKLOAD & ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE UNIT

Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities

Type of the Learning Activites Learning Activities (# of week) Duration (hours, h) Workload (h)
Lecture & In-Class Activities 14 3 42
Preliminary & Further Study 13 6 78
Land Surveying 0 0 0
Group Work 0 0 0
Laboratory 0 0 0
Reading 0 0 0
Assignment (Homework) 0 0 0
Project Work 0 0 0
Seminar 0 0 0
Internship 0 0 0
Technical Visit 0 0 0
Web Based Learning 0 0 0
Implementation/Application/Practice 0 0 0
Practice at a workplace 0 0 0
Occupational Activity 0 0 0
Social Activity 0 0 0
Thesis Work 0 0 0
Field Study 0 0 0
Report Writing 0 0 0
Final Exam 1 1 1
Preparation for the Final Exam 1 3 3
Mid-Term Exam 1 1 1
Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam 1 3 3
Short Exam 0 0 0
Preparation for the Short Exam 0 0 0
TOTAL 31 0 128
Total Workload of the Course Unit 128
Workload (h) / 25.5 5
ECTS Credits allocated for the Course Unit 5,0