PSC 374, 375 - Government & Politics of Russia

Course unit(s): 1
Meets GAR: Meets general academic requirement SL (and W when offered as 375).
Prerequisite or corequisite: PSC 103 Introduction to Comparative Politics & International Relations or IST 101 Introduction to International Studies

The course evaluates in-depth the contemporary political, economic, and social changes in post-Soviet Russia. Students will analyze the challenges facing Russia’s transition to markets and democracy. We will look at how the legacy of the Soviet experience impacts the democratization and marketization processes in Russia today. Students will also study and evaluate the efficacy and viability of the new institutions regulating political and economic life in post-Soviet Russia. The course will focus on the political struggles surrounding institutional choice and policy making in contemporary Russia, and it will pay particular attention to reforms undertaken by President Vladimir Putin since 2000.