Decolonization & War in Post-Soviet Space: Eastern Europe, Transcaucasia, Central Asia

The subject of this course is the formation of statehood and foreign policy of countries that seceded from the Soviet/Russian empire in 1991. What are their current geopolitical priorities? What determines the balance of power in Eastern Europe, Transcaucasia, and Central Asia? Regardless of their political systems (democracy or dictatorship), all post-Soviet states are involved in the processes of decolonization, breaking free from Russia’s control (some more quickly, others more slowly). These processes began over thirty years ago, so why are they still unfinished? What has changed since the beginning of the war in Ukraine? This is our only online graduate offering this summer. Class meetings and instructor office hours will be conducted via Zoom. Counts as a course in culture and civilization.