MVZ231 The Foreign Policy Process and Russian Foreign Policy-Making

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2014
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Assoc. Prof. Natalya Kozykina, PhD. (lecturer), PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Timetable
Mon 7. 4. 8:00–9:30 P21, Tue 8. 4. 8:00–9:30 P21, 17:00–18:30 P51 Posluchárna V. Čermáka, Wed 9. 4. 8:00–9:30 P21, Thu 10. 4. 8:00–9:30 U41, 17:00–18:30 U36, Fri 11. 4. 8:00–9:30 U41, 17:00–18:30 U41, Mon 14. 4. 8:00–9:30 U42, Tue 15. 4. 8:00–9:30 U42, 17:00–18:30 P51 Posluchárna V. Čermáka, Wed 16. 4. 8:00–9:30 U41, Thu 17. 4. 8:00–9:30 U41, 17:00–18:30 U36, Fri 18. 4. 8:00–9:30 U41, 15:15–18:30 U41
Prerequisites (in Czech)
Recommended background. While there are no prerequisites towards enrollment, this course is primarily intended for individuals with some academic background or preparation in political science or the social sciences. Knowledge of the Russian language is desirable.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 17 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives (in Czech)
Course description. The course explores the past twenty years of Russia’s foreign policy formation under Gorbachev, Yeltsin, Putin, and Medvedev. It examines the key concepts and schools of thought in foreign policy-making process through systemic approach to the study of Russia’s (or Russian) foreign policy. It particularly concentrates on the internal and external factors which influence Russian foreign policy-making, the instruments available to foreign policy decision makers and the effect of changes in the international system on Russian foreign policy-formation. The class will utilize the Russian foreign policy-making experience as an introduction to various concepts, models, and tools of foreign policy-making process. Considerable attention is given to analyzing different paradigm’s vision of Russian national interests, national identity and security in regard to the formation of foreign policy doctrines.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • Course objectives. The aims of this course are to: • introduce students to the systematic study of global politics and foreign policy-process at a state level; • examine change and continuity in Russia’s foreign policy since the fall of the Soviet Union through studying Russian schools of foreign policy thinking and original contexts of Foreign Policy Concepts of the Russian Federation (1993, 2000, 2008, 2013); • provide students with the tools to analyze interpret and understand the foreign policy-making process in Russia. Learning outcomes. By the end of this course, and having completed the required readings and activities, students will be able to: • appreciate the complex interaction of factors, contexts, pressures and constraints that shape the foreign policy-making process; • understand the evolution of modern Russia’s foreign policy and its prospects in the context of the country’s historical experience; • identify and evaluate the role of Russia in the new world order and her relations with contemporary major powers. Teaching and learning are organized in a series of six lectures and twelve tutorials (related to the lecture topics) with normally 2 or 3 meetings each week, enhanced by independent reading and research. The course uses several complementary methods to accommodate different learning styles and provide a well-rounded education. Lectures are intended to provide key conceptual and analytical frameworks essential for meeting the course objectives. Tutorials will focus on the assignments prepared by students. Collaborative teaching and individual exercises are meant to enable students to apply the concepts and their own ideas towards the analysis of foreign policy-making process. Student-led discussion, argument and individual contribution is encouraged, expected, and counted toward final evaluation. There will be one or two seminars per week. Written individual and group assignments in cooperative learning (Jigsaw Technique, Structured Academic Controversy), team project works (Case-study), and communication via electronic media are meant to aid students obtain an in-depth understanding of foreign policy-making issues and enhance students’ analytical and communication skills. Assignments. In order to effectively participate in classroom discussion, one should be able to demonstrate his/her understanding of the class materials or case study by showing how to analyze and evaluate the problems assigned as homework; present original solutions or alternatives during class discussion; present additional material not contained in the case or class material; and assist in clarifying the concepts covered in discussion. There will be pre-lecture (pre-seminar) activities and several assignments spread out over the course. All of them are important, as they will serve as a basis for in-class discussions. The tutor will regularly advise students about relevant and stimulating reading (in addition to the formal reading list) arising from contemporary sources. Each student is expected to complete: - five shorter papers (essays, summaries) one page in length (each will be worth 2 points toward your final grade, 10 points total); - two longer papers, up to 3 pages in length. The former will be written as an academic essay and the latter will revolve around a case-study (each will be worth 15 points toward your final grade, 30 points total); - one group project at the end of the semester, worth 30 points total toward your final grade. The project will require more sources of information and more critical thinking on your part than the weekly homework assignments. Each project is to consist of a group presentation (you can earn up to 15 points) and a 3-page paper in which everyone plays the role of a diplomat in the foreign policy making process (15 points). Detailed instructions for the assignments will be given in due (short) time. The deadline for the homework is one week from the day the lecture on that topic was given. Agenda (lectures, with subsequent tutorials) Week 1. Lecture 1. Course Introduction. Understanding foreign policy process: the systems approach. (2 hours) Seminar 1: Russia in the crisis of Westphalia and the Yalta system of international relations. (2 hours) Week 2. Seminar 2: The Russian schools of foreign policy thinking. The strengths and weaknesses of traditional approaches. From New Thinking to Great Power Pragmatism. (2 hours) Week 3. Lecture 2. The establishment of Russia's foreign policy as a sovereign state (1991-1994). Russia’s liberal Westernizm worldview, national interest and national identity. (2 hours) Seminar 3: The worldview of Russia’s Westernizers: integration with the West. (2 hours) Week 4. Seminar 4: The worldview of Russia’s Westernizers: foreign policy in the Near Abroad. (2 hours) Week 5. Lecture 3. The new security challenges and great-power balancing policy against the West (1994 – 2000). (2 hours) Seminar 5: Great-power balancing policy against the West: Statists attempts to restrain western influences in Russia. Russia's adamant resistance to NATO and EU enlargement and outreach. Attempts to push the CIS states toward integration. (2 hours) Week 6. Seminar 6: Presentation of Assignment 3: Evaluate the general principles of the great-power containment policy of Russia in the 2000s. Within the concept of multi-speed and multi-level integration in the post-Soviet space assess political, security, economic and cultural aspects of integration. (2 hours) Week 7. Lecture 4. Great power pragmatism after September 11 (2001 – 2004). (2 hours) Seminar 7: Great power pragmatism: Presentation of Assignment 4. (2 hours) Week 8. Lecture 5. Great power assertiveness (2004-2008). (2 hours) Seminar 8: Great power assertiveness: President Vladimir Putin's speech and the following discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy (February 10, 2007). Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov on the competition of development models as a mandatory condition for world progress (June, 2008). (2 hours) Week 9. Seminar 9: "Situational (selective) pragmatism" - "to be with the West and against the West". U.S. strategy for regime change in the post-Soviet area. Destabilization of Central Asia. The Russia – Georgia War of 2008 (also known as the Five-Day War, 2008 South Ossetia Conflict or August War). (2 hours) Week 10. Lecture 6. Foreign policy “resource” in the course of Russia’s modernization (2008-2013). (2 hours) Seminar 10: Obama global strategy and interest in Russia. The "reset" in US-Russian relations. European vector in Russian foreign policy. Missile defense and Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Weapons of Mass Destruction control (WMD) and disarmament. Russia's strategic interest in the post-Soviet space. (2 hours) Week 11. Seminar 11: Russian foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific region. The formation of a new foreign policy “in all directions”: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). Countering unconventional threats. Effects of Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization. (2 hours) Week 12. Seminar 12: Scenarios 2020. Lonely Power to global and regional security challenges. Project Work: Foreign policy: Scenarios to 2020. (2 hours) Required reading: 1) Bogaturov, A. Essays on the Theory and Political Analysis of International Relations / A. Bogaturov, N. Kosolapov, and M. Khrustalev (Moscow: AEFIR, in Russian) http://www.obraforum.ru/pubs_e.htm 2) Melville, A. Russian foreign policy in transition: concepts and realities [edited by] A. Melville and T. Shakleina. New York : CEU Press, 2005 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=138014 3) “Systemic History of International Relations. 1918-2003” (in Russian) http://www.obraforum.ru/pubs_e.htm 4) Tsygankov, A. “Russia’s Foreign Policy: Change and Continuity in National Identity”, 3d edition (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013) https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781442220010. A book is available in Russian: А.П. Цыганков. Внешняя политика России от Горбачева до Путина: Формирование национального интереса: Монография /Цыганков А.П. Издательство: Науч. книга, ООО Издательство Научная книга, ИТК Науч.книга, 2008 г. ISBN: 5-91393-028-2 ISBN13: 978-5-91393-028-6. And there is also a scanned version which can be emailed if necessary. 5) Shevtsova, L. Lonely power: Why Russia has failed to become the West and the West is weary of Russia. Washington, DC: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2010 http://imrussia.org/en/bookshelf/46-politics/94-lilia-shevtsova-lonely-power And there is also a scanned version which can be emailed if necessary. Students should make a habit of regularly consulting back and current editions of appropriate journals and world press freely accessible on the web-sites: • Center for strategic & international studies (http://csis.org/publication/twq-russian-foreign-policy-continuity-change) – conducts research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look into the future and anticipate change • Foreign Affairs (http: http://www.foreignaffairs.com/ ) – covers a broad range of topics related to American foreign policy and international affairs • Foreign Policy Magazine (http://www.foreignpolicy.com/) – a leading quarterly of international affairs • International trends (http://www.intertrends.ru/index_e.htm) – journal of international relations theory and world politics. •International Affairs (http://interaffairs.ru/) – an academic journal of international relations • JSTOR (http://www.jstor.org) – an enormous collection of scholarly journals • KIOSKO.NET (http://en.kiosko.net) – daily newspapers from around the Globe • Le Monde Diplomatique (http://mondediplo.com/) –offers analysis and opinion on politics, culture, and current affairs (English Edition) • President of Russia (http://eng.kremlin.ru/) – official site of the President of Russia • Russia in global affairs (http://www.globalaffairs.ru) –expert resources • Russian International Affairs Council (http://russiancouncil.ru/en/) – RIAC facilitates the prospering of Russia through its integration in the global world. RIAC is a link between the state, expert community, business and civil society in an effort to find foreign policy solutions • Russia Today (http://rt.com/politics/) – an international multilingual Russian-based television network • The Economist (http://www.economist.com/) – an English-language weekly news and international affairs publication • Academic Educational Forum on International Relations (http://www.obraforum.ru/pubs_e.htm) • Levada Center (http://www.levada.ru/) – conducts sociological research • Pro et Contra (http://www.carnegie.ru/proetcontra/) •The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (http://www.mid.ru/bdomp/brp_4.nsf/main_eng) – official site of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation • The Moscow Carnegie Center (http://www.carnegie.ru/publications/?lang=ru) – produces expert research and nonpartisan analysis independent of government or commercial interests • The Security Council of the Russian Federation (http://www.scrf.gov.ru/) • The WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources (http://www2.etown.edu/vl/) – the Internet directory of over 2000 annotated links to high-quality (English-language) sources of information and analysis in a wide range of international affairs, international relations, international studies, global studies, and global education topics • WorldPress.org (http://www.worldpress.org/) – news and views from around the Globe • World Newspapers.com (http://www.world-newspapers.com/) – world newspapers, magazines, and news sites in English, sorted by country and region • World Policy Institute (http://www.worldpolicy.org/) – A non-partisan source of global policy analysis and thought leadership • World Policy Journal (http://www.worldpolicy.org/journal/) – comprehensive source for the understanding of current international affairs published by the World Policy Institute. • «Аналитические записки» (http://analyticsmz.ru/?p=60) – Appendix to International Affairs, an academic journal of international relations
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Class participation. Participation is mandatory; you are expected to not only attend all classes, but to actively contribute in class discussions. Class participation is worth 10 points toward your final grade. Poor attendance will result in a significant lowering of the participation component of your grade. Final exam. In addition to attendance and participation, required readings, home assignments and the final project, students will be evaluated through a final examination. The final exam is cumulative, covering all the material discussed in class throughout the semester. It is required to answer 3 questions in two hours from an examination paper. The examination will bring out the student’s insight into the course material and his/her ability to analyze, interpret and understand Russia’s foreign policy process. The final exam is worth 20 points toward your final grade. Grading. The course grade is comprised of the following components: Homework Assignments (7)*: 40% Projects (1)*: 30% Class Participation: 10% Final exam: 20% Total: 100% All weekly assignments and the final exam will be graded with scores ranging from 40 to 100. The points will be converted into the final grade according to the following rule: Points US Equivalent Russian Grade 100-90 A 5 89-80 B 4 79-70 C 3 69-59 D 2 Below 58 F (Fail) 1 (Fail) Academic ethics. The use of laptops, iPads, smartphones, or any other electronic device and its software should be only to take class notes or to support class discussion. Therefore, it is strictly prohibited to use such equipment for any use other than the above stated. If a student is to arrive late to class, she or he should advise the professor in advance. All of the homework and project assignments are expected to be your own. Avoid plagiarism at all cost! You must write papers in your own words, referring to all the used sources of information. Plagiarism is nothing other than the attribution of authorship. More specifically, plagiarism is: a) the inclusion of excerpts from other authors’ works without any reference or accreditation through proper citation; b) rewording or paraphrasing someone else's work without reference to it; c) the usage of other people's ideas without giving the source. For detailed explanation of academic essay writing, case study and project work see Appendix 1, Appendix 2, and Appendix 3 correspondingly.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
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