POLI 346 Russia after Communism

This course examines Russian political development since 1985. Particular emphasis is on post-communist politics. Students will learn that a comprehensive study of contemporary Russian politics requires combining an examination of economic development and political culture with an understanding of how Russia's political institutions have evolved, how they are intended to function, and how they actually relate to one another. Thus, by the end of the semester, students should appreciate how difficult it is to compartmentalize political, economic, social, cultural, and historical factors. Another important theme is Russia's interaction with the Western world.