International Relations 350CR - Russia's Conflicts w/Neighbrs

The course will begin with an examination of why the USSR broke up, what contributed to the peaceful resolution of most issues among the successor states and why conflict developed in the South Caucasus, Moldova and later Ukraine. Readings on conflict resolution are included for their insights. Specific case studies will include the Nagorno-Karabakh war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the separatist wars of Georgia with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the 2008 Georgian-Russian war, Transnistria and Moldova and the current Ukraine conflict. The course will conclude with a diplomatic simulation exercise in which the class will be given a hypothetical but realistic conflict resolution scenario.

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in politics or international relations.