Politics in Russia and Eastern Europe

Catalog description

How do Putin and other leaders in Eastern Europe maintain political power? Why did some states democratize after communism’s collapse, and why are successful democratizers (Hungary, Poland) now moving toward semi-authoritarian populism? Why has Ukraine become a battleground between Russia and the West? We will study how international economic integration, the European Union, and the migrant crisis have affected the region’s domestic politics. Focus will be on the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Poland. Background in social sciences recommended.