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Russian Foreign Policy

Module description

The resurgence of Russia as a major actor in international relations represents one of the most significant challenges both for students of International Relations and for policy-makers. However, Russian foreign policy is still poorly understood in the West - analysis often descends into polemics about the role of Russia in international affairs and in domestic politics in the West. This module will introduce you to a more informed, research-led debate on the current state of Russian foreign policy behaviour globally.

The module will explore the most significant drivers of Russian foreign policy behaviour, and explore the complexities of Russian foreign policy decision-making. The module will explore the expansion of Russian influence as a global actor beyond its immediate Eurasian neighbourhood, into the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and in East Asia, particularly Russia’s relationship with China. The module will also address Russia’s more recent re-engagement with Africa and Latin America.

Alongside study of the latest research and analysis of current developments, the module will also contribute to your professional development, through a focus on practical analytical and writing skills. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to provide you with a good understanding of the latest trends in Russian foreign policy thinking, in decision-making processes in Russian government, and recent developments in Russia’s involvement in different regions of the world. You will become familiar with the latest research and analysis of Russian foreign policy, and will be able to use your knowledge to engage in an informed debate among different points of view on Russian foreign policy. Your assessment for this module will encourage analytical thinking and help develop skills in report-writing for a non-academic audience.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the drivers and variables of Russian foreign policy behaviour
• 2. Explain the significance of Russian foreign policy for other international actors, including the UK.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Demonstrate understanding of the role of Russia within wider shifts and trends in international affairs
• 4. Analyse different patterns of foreign policy behaviour and trends in international politics through evidence-based research.
• 5. Explain different worldviews and theories of international relations from your own.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Engage in respectful conversation with others with different viewpoints
• 7. Present your own views on a topic with support from arguments and evidence
• 8. Study independently and manage time and assessment deadlines effectively.
• 9. Communicate effectively in speech and writing, including to a non-academic audience.
• 10. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills through tutorial discussions and module assessments.
• 11. Demonstrate proficiency in selecting credible media sources to inform analysis and for tutorial and assessment preparation.
• 12. Demonstrate effective applied writing.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

• Introduction to the history of Russian and Soviet foreign policy
• Different theoretical approaches to Russian foreign policy
• Drivers of Russian foreign policy
• Key actors in Russian foreign policy
• Russia and the West
• Sino-Russian relations, and Russia’s role in Asia
• Russia’s resurgent role in the Middle East
• Russia in Africa and Latin America
• Russian views of world order

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Allison, R. (2013a), Russia, the West, and Military Intervention, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Lo, B. (2015), Russia and the New World Disorder, London: Royal Institute of International Affairs.

Mankoff, J. (2011), Russian Foreign Policy: The Return of Great Power Politics, Plymouth: Rowman & Littlefield.

Stronski, P. and R. Sokolsky, ‘The Return of Global Russia: An Analytical Framework’, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, December 2017.

Sakwa, R. (2017) Russia Against the Rest: The Post-Cold War Crisis of World Order, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Key words search

Russia, Foreign Policy, International Relations, International Order, War, Peace