Post-Soviet Conflicts and Political Transformations: A Comprehensive Study

About

The course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the political, social, and military conflicts in post-Soviet states, exploring their historical roots, geopolitical implications, and the role of international actors. We will focus on the last variety episodes: Russian-Ukrainian war, Azerbaijan-Armenia war with a special attention to the situation in Moldova and Georgia. Through critical analyses, students will gain insights into the mechanisms of conflict, postcolonial theory, and propaganda in the digital age, and assess the impact of these dynamics on global stability. Students will study the nature, consequences and narratives of armed conflicts and centres of military and political tension in the states that emerged from the collapse of the USSR.

Course leader

Dr. Oleksandr Khyzhniak

Target group

Advanced Bachelors in arts and humanities, social sciences, policy studies, social and cultural anthropology, international relations, journalism and information, business, administration and law. Students should have an interest to study current insights from East European, Caucasus and Central Asia countries. The course is assessed at advanced bachelor's level.

Course aim

By the end of this course students will:

1. Apply theoretical frameworks: utilize key theoretical frameworks such as postcolonial theory, neo-imperialism, and waves of democratization to understand the transformation and conflict dynamics in the region.

2. Critique information warfare: Evaluate the role of digital propaganda and information warfare in shaping political outcomes and provoking conflicts within post-Soviet and post-colonial societies.

3. Develop critical and soft skills: Enhance critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills through group discussions, and blog assignments, applying these to real-world case studies and conflict scenarios.

Fee info

Students, PhD candidates and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner €545 Students and PhD candidates at partner universities of VU Amsterdam €705 Students and PhD candidates at non-partner universities of VU Amsterdam €815 Professionals €1035