After completing the course, the students should have an understanding of the institutional design and practices of Russian politics and their development from the 1990s until today. They should also be able to understand the major differences/similarities in argumentation between the powerholders and different opposition groups (and between the opposition groups). In addition, the students should independently be able to search for relevant research on Russian politics.

This course will seek to strengthen our understanding of what is going on in Russian politics today. We will look at formal political institutions and different actors who contribute to Russian politics. We will also discuss practices which characterize the contemporary situation.

Attending lectures and writing a learning diary and taking an exam on a book on Russian foreign policy (TBA) (students will be informed more extensively about the forms of  assessment during the first lecture). Students will be expected to read research articles and other relevant materials for the lectures.