Delivered at:: Department of Political Science and International Affairs

Course type:: Elective course

When:: 1 year, 3, 4 module

Instructor

Issaev, Leonid

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

‘Russia and the Middle East’ is an elective course for students of ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’ master's program, and is aimed at acquiring students with the basic practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for further comprehensive study of Russian policy towards the Middle East region. In practical terms, the objective of the course is to familiarize students with the process of formation and development of relations between Russia and the countries of the Middle East in the 20th and 21st centuries. In theoretical terms, it is assumed that students will become familiar with the main historical, political and economic processes taking place in the studied regions. Lectures can be delivered both online and offline. The format of each specific lecture will be indicated in the schedule.

Learning Objectives

To form in students a comprehensive understanding of the main stages of the formation and development of relations between Russia and the countries of MENA region and stable knowledge of the history of relations between Russia and MENA countries.
To instill in students the skills of analyzing social, political, religious and economic relations between Russia and MEAN countries based on sources and research literature.
To acquaint students with the main sources and research on the history of the formation and development of relations between Russia and MENA countries.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Able to conduct research activities, including analyzing problems, setting goals and objectives, identifying the object and subject of research, choosing the method and methods of research, as well as assessing its quality.
Knows how to distinguish between general and specific in the formation and political development of relations between Russia and MENA countries.
Knows the general principles and patterns of development of relations between Russia and MENA countries.

Course Contents

Section 1. USSR and Russia in the Middle East: from messianism to pragmatism
Section 2. The policy of Russia and the USSR on the settlement of conflicts in the Middle East
Section 3. Russia and Arab countries: old 'friends' and new partners
Section 4. Russia and Iran: ‘marriage of convenience’
Section 5. Russia and Turkey: results and years of real pragmatism

Assessment Elements

Report
Reviewer Grade
Exam
Exam is realized in the written form, composed of 20-25 test questions of different type (open questions, questions with choice of variant etc). Time limit for exam – 30 minutes. Examination test might be set both at LMS and in a written form at offline classes.

Interim Assessment

2021/2022 4th module
0.3 * Reviewer Grade + 0.4 * Exam + 0.3 * Report

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Nikolay Kozhanov. (2021). Russia’s Relations with the GCC and Iran. Palgrave Macmillan.
Vasil, ev, A. M. V. aut. (2018). Russia’s Middle East policy from Lenin to Putin Alexey Vasiliev.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Political Narratives in the Middle East and North Africa Conceptions of Order and Perceptions of Instability edited by Wolfgang Mühlberger, Toni Alaranta. (2020).
Robert H. Donaldson, & Vidya Nadkarni. (2019). The Foreign Policy of Russia : Changing Systems, Enduring Interests: Vol. Sixth edition. Routledge.
Rumer, E. B. (2017). Russian Foreign Policy Beyond Putin. Routledge.
Trenin, D. V. . V. (DE-588)114738327, (DE-627)543648303, (DE-576)175880190, aut. (2018). What is Russia up to in the Middle East? Dmitri Trenin.

Authors

ISAEV LEONID MARKOVICH

Master’s Programme 'Comparative Politics of Eurasia'

Study Office Venue

VK

International Accreditation

Russia and the Middle East