International Political Relations

This course provides an in-depth analysis of international political relations in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Students will examine political developments, and contemporary challenges shaping the region's role in global politics. The course will focus on the region's relationships with major powers (e.g., the U.S., Russia, the EU, and China) and its internal dynamics, including democratic backsliding, populism, and security concerns. Students will develop a strong understanding of the region's geopolitical importance and will be able to critically analyze current events.

Week 1: Introduction to Central-East Europe and Its Geopolitical Importance

• Topics:

o Defining Central-Eastern Europe: Geography, History, and Identity

• Readings:

Containment Beyond the Cold War How Washington Lost the Post-Soviet Peace

By M. E. Sarotte

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/2021/100602.pdf

• Discussion:

o How does history influence the region’s international relations today?

Week 2: The Legacy of the Cold War and Post-Communist Transition

• Topics:

o The impact of the Cold War on CEE

o Transition from communism to democracy and market economy

• Readings:

• The Cold War and Its Aftermath, By Zbigniew Brzezinski

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/articles/1992/71403.pdf

• Discussion:

o What challenges did post-communist countries face during their transition?

Week 3: EU Enlargement and Integration in CEE

• Topics:

o The EU’s role in shaping the political and economic landscape of CEE

o The process and impact of EU enlargement on CEE countries

• Readings:

Postimperial Empire, How the War in Ukraine Is Transforming Europe

By Timothy Garton Ash

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/2023/102307.pdf

• Discussion:

o How has EU integration influenced CEE political stability and development?

Week 4: NATO and Security Dynamics in CEE

• Topics:

o The role of NATO in the security architecture of CEE

o The 2004 NATO enlargement and its implications for regional security

• Readings:

Time for NATO to Close Its Door, The Alliance Is Too Big—and Too Provocative—for Its Own Good, By Michael Kimmage, January 17, 2022

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/2023/time-for-nato-to-close-its-door-2023-05-25-15-36.pdf

NATO’s Missing Pillar The Alliance Needs a More Powerful Europe

By Mathieu Droin, Sean Monaghan, and Jim Townsend, June 14, 2024

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/2024/nato’s-missing-pillar-2024-06-14-09-57.pdf

• Discussion:

o How does NATO’s presence shape the region’s security, particularly in relation to Russia?

Week 5: Russia’s Geopolitical Influence in CEE

• Topics:

o Russia’s historical and current influence in CEE

o The Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on CEE security

• Readings:

• America’s New Twilight Struggle With Russia, To Prevail, Washington Must Revive Containment, By Max Bergmann, Michael Kimmage, Jeffrey Mankoff, and Maria Snegovaya, March 6, 2024

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/2024/america’s-new-twilight-struggle-with-russia-2024-03-06-09-16.pdf

• Discussion:

o What are Russia’s geopolitical strategies in CEE?

Week 6: Democratic Backsliding and Populism in CEE

• Topics:

o The rise of populism and nationalism in CEE

o Democratic backsliding in Hungary and Poland

• Readings:

• Poland’s Post-Populist Rehab, How to Unwind an Illiberal Democracy

By Jaroslaw Kuisz and Karolina Wigura, March 12, 2024

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/2024/poland’s-post-populist-rehab-2024-03-12-09-03.pdf

The War Over Ukrainian Identity, Nationalism, Russian Imperialism, and the Quest to Define Ukraine’s History By Georgiy Kasianov, May 4, 2022

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/system/files/pdf/2023/the-war-over-ukrainian-identity--2023-05-26-14-45.pdf

• Discussion:

o What factors have contributed to the democratic backsliding in CEE?

Week 7: The Visegrád Group and Regional Cooperation

• Topics:

o The role of the Visegrád Group in CEE and its influence within the EU

o Cooperation and divergence among

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the geopolitical context of Central-East Europe.

2. Analyze the region's relationship with global powers and international organizations.

3. Discuss key issues such as NATO, EU integration, energy security, populism, and democratic backsliding.

4. Examine the impact of regional conflicts, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, on international relations.

5. Critically engage with contemporary political and economic developments in the region.