Tag "ideas & experience"
.png "Why Study Comparative Politics of Eurasia?")
Why Study Comparative Politics of Eurasia?
Eurasia is not just a geographical term. It is a geopolitical space where history has shaped—and continues to shape—the fate of entire continents. From the dissolution of the Soviet Union to the shifting influence of great powers like China, the EU, and the United States, the region offers a rich laboratory for studying how politics works in practice.Today, understanding Eurasia is more relevant than ever. Global energy politics, post-imperial state-building, war and peace, authoritarian resilience, democratic backsliding—these are all phenomena that play out across the vast space from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. At HSE University-St Petersburg, the master’s programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’ equips students with theoretical tools and empirical knowledge to study these dynamics critically and comparatively. To explore why students choose this field—and how they envision using it—we spoke to several students of the programme, as well as a professor whose academic career is rooted in the region.
‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’: International Perspective on Political Processes
The Master’s programme 'Comparative Politics of Eurasia' trains specialists who can choose various professional paths. Students not only master theoretical aspects of international relations and politics but also develop their competencies in applied spheres. In this interview, Andrey Starodubtsev, academic supervisor of the programme, shares some details about the curriculum, student projects, and career opportunities for graduates.
.jpg "From Korea to Russia: Junseo Lee on His Master’s Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg")
From Korea to Russia: Junseo Lee on His Master’s Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg
Every year, HSE University welcomes more than a thousand students from all over the world. In 2024, Junseo Lee, a student from South Korea, came to HSE University-St Petersburg as a master’s student of the programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’. In the article, Junseo shares the story of why he chose St Petersburg and HSE University in particular and his personal experience of living and studying in Russia as a foreign student.
International Relations, Energy, and a Long-Distance Relationship with Russia: A Brazilian Student's Story
Having earned degrees in International Relations and Energy, Tulio Bunder from Brazil wanted to pursue his research in Eurasian Energy Geopolitics, which led him to the Master's programme in Comparative Politics of Eurasia. Though based in another BRICS country, he decided to study in Russia—and despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and his long-distance relationship with Saint Petersburg and HSE University, he seems happy with his choice.