Course Detail
Course Description
| Course | Code | Semester | T+P (Hour) | Credit | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAUCASUS and CENTRAL ASIAN POLITICS | INT4111132 | Fall Semester | 3+0 | 3 | 6 |
| Course Program | Çarşamba 16:30-17:15 Çarşamba 17:30-18:15 Çarşamba 18:30-19:15 |
| Prerequisites Courses | |
| Recommended Elective Courses |
| Language of Course | English |
| Course Level | First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree) |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Course Coordinator | Assoc.Prof. Halil Kürşad ASLAN |
| Name of Lecturer(s) | Assoc.Prof. Halil Kürşad ASLAN |
| Assistant(s) | |
| Aim | This course introduces students to the political transformation of Post-Soviet geography with a specific concentration on Caucasus and Central Asian countries. How do ordinary people experience political and economic transition after the Soviet Union? What kind of political system do ordinary people want from their governments? How do culture, historical and current experiences, and political and economic performance play into how satisfied citizens of these countries are with their current political systems? It is doubtless that the political transformation in these relatively new republics is a complex undertaking because political change is inextricably linked with economic, social, and cultural changes. To guide our investigation, we will pay particular attention to the changing nature of mass-elite relations and how history and political culture in this region shape the choices that elites and ordinary people make about politics. Because the states of the former Soviet Union did not launch their processes of political development with a blank slate, this course begins with a brief discussion of the politics and society of the Soviet state. |
| Course Content | This course contains; Introduction to Course,History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia I,History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia II,Legacy of the Soviet Union’s Political Structure,Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Central Asia,Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Caucasus,State of Economic and Political Transition,Caucasus Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors,Central Asian Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors,Central Asia/Caucasus: Search for A Regional Order,Big Powers and Regional Interests,Student Presentations Week-1,Student Presentations Week-2,Student Presentations Week-3. |
| Dersin Öğrenme Kazanımları | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods |
| to provide in depth understanding of politics in Caucasus/Central Asia region. | 10, 13, 6, 9 | A, E, G |
| to explore the issues of global governance, international relations, political economy, energy, security and several other issues related to the Caucasus/Central Asia region. | 10, 13, 16, 6, 9 | A, E, G |
| to focus on societal dynamics, historical trajectories, political processes, economic challenges, security affairs specific to the regional countries. | 10, 13, 14, 16, 19, 9 | A, E, G |
| to understand the sources and dynamics of regional and international interest to the region. | 10, 13, 16, 19, 9 | A, E, G |
| to obtain in-depth knowledge on the political processes in the Central Asia and Caucasia, and on foreign policies of the countries in these regions. | 10, 13, 16, 6, 9 | A, E, G |
| Teaching Methods: | 10: Discussion Method, 13: Case Study Method, 14: Self Study Method, 16: Question - Answer Technique, 19: Brainstorming Technique, 6: Experiential Learning, 9: Lecture Method |
| Assessment Methods: | A: Traditional Written Exam, E: Homework, G: Quiz |
Course Outline
| Order | Subjects | Preliminary Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Course | |
| 2 | History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia I | Required: • Francine Hirsch, "Toward an Empire of Nations: Border-Making and the Formation of Soviet National Identities" Russian Review, Vol. 59, No. 2 (April 2000), pp. 201-226. • Paulo Duarte, “Central Asia: The Bends of History and Geography,” pp. 21-35. • Yuri Slezkine, “The USSR as a Communal Apartment, or How a Socialist State Promoted Ethnic Particularism,” Slavic Review, 53:2, 414-452. Optional • Ronald G. Suny, "Constructing Primordialism: Old Histories for New Nations" Journal of Modern History, Vol.73, No.4 (December 2001), pp. 862-896. • Shoshana Keller, “The Central Asian Bureau, an essential tool in governing Soviet Turkestan,” Central Asian Survey, 22(2/3), 281-297. |
| 3 | History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia II | Required: Shannon O'Lear (2011) Borders in the South Caucasus, Defense & Security Analysis, 27:3, 267-276. Thomas M. Barrett, “Lines of Uncertainty: The Frontiers of the North Caucasus” Slavic Review, Vol. 54, No. 3 (Autumn 1995), pp.578-601. Thomas De Waal, A Broken Region: The Persistent Failure of Integration Projects in the South Caucasus, Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.64, No.9, (2012), pp.1709-1723 Andrew Foxall, “Defining Regions: Introducing the Caucasus,” Central Asian Survey, Vol. 30 No. 2 (June 2011), pp.291-295 |
| 4 | Legacy of the Soviet Union’s Political Structure | Required: • Documentary: Moscow's empire - rise and fall (1/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgzGLYpykEA Moscow's empire - rise and fall (2/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes • Pauline Jones-Luong, 2004, Institutional Change and Political Continuity in Post-Soviet Central Asia, Cambridge University Press. • Stephen F. Cohen, “Was the Soviet System Reformable?,” Slavic Review, Vol. 63, No. 3 (Autumn 2004), pp. 459-488. • Archie Brown, ?The Soviet Union: Reform of the System or Systemic Transformation?,? Slavic Review, Vol. 63, No. 3 (Autumn 2004), pp. 489-504. Optional: • Steven Sabol, ?The Creation of Soviet Central Asia: the 1924 National Delimitation,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 14, No.2 (1995), pp.225-241. • M.Nazif Shahrani, "Central Asia and the Challenge of the Soviet Legacy," Central Asia Survey, Vol.12, No.2, (1993), pp. 123-135 • Douglas Northrop. ―Languages of Loyalty: Gender, Politics, and Party Supervision in Uzbekistan, 1927-41. Russian Review 59, no. 2 (April 2000): 179-200. • Kate Mallinson, “The politics of transition in Central Asia and the Caucasus: enduring legacies and emerging challenges,“ Central Asian Survey, Vol. 31 No. 1 (2012), pp.109-111. |
| 5 | Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Central Asia | Required: Moscow's empire - rise and fall (3/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgzGLYpykEA Moscow's empire - rise and fall (4/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes • Michael McFaul. ―The Fourth Wave of Democracy and Dictatorship: Noncooperative Transitions in the Postcommunist World. World Politics 54 (2002): 212-244. • Markowitz, Lawrence P. ―How Master Frames Mislead: the Division and Eclipse of Nationalist Movements in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Ethnic & Racial Studies 32, no. 4. (May 2009): 716-738. • Erica Marat, “Nation Branding in Central Asia: A New Campaign to Present Ideas about the State and the Nation,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 61, No. 7, (September 2009), pp.1123-1136. Optional: • Joel Hellman, “Winners Take All: The Politics of Partial Reform in Postcommunist Transitions,” World Politics v. 50, no. 2 (1998), pp. 203-234. • Schatz, Edward. ―The Soft Authoritarian Tool Kit: Agenda-Setting Power in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Comparative Politics 41, no. 2 (January 2009): 203-222. • Eric McGlinchey. "Searching for Kamalot: Political Patronage and Youth Politics in Uzbekistan," Europe-Asia Studies 61, no. 7 (September 2009): 1137-1150. • Mark Kramer, ?The Collapse of the Soviet Union: Introduction,? Journal of Cold War Studies, Vol. 5, No.1 (Winter 2003), pp. 3-16. • Collins, Kathleen, “The Logic of Clan Politics: Evidence from the Central Asian Trajectories,” World Politics, Vol. 56, No. 2 (January 2004), pp. 224-261. • Yaacov R?oi, “Central Asian Riots and Disturbances, 1989-1990: Causes and Context,” Central Asian Survey, Vol.16, No.3, pp.21-54. • Martha Brill Olcott, “Central Asia’s Catapult to Independence,” Foreign Affairs, Vol.71, No. 3, (1992), pp.108-130. • James G. Mellon, “Myth, Legitimacy and Nationalism in Central Asia,” Ethnopolitics: Formerly Global Review of Ethnopolitics, Vol.9, No.2 (2010), pp.137-150 |
| 6 | Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Caucasus | Required: • Nina Caspersen, “The South Caucasus after Kosovo: Renewed Independence Hopes?,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol65, No.55 (2013), 929-945 • Pål Kolstø & Helge Blakkisrud, “Living with Non-recognition: State- and Nationbuilding in South Caucasian Quasi-states,” Europe-Asia Studies, 60:3, pp. 483-509. • Tracey German, “The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia: Security Issues in the Caucasus,” Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 32, No.2, (June 2012), pp.216-229. • Schatz, Edward. ―What Capital Cities Say about State and Nation Building. Nationalism & Ethnic Politics 9, no. 4 (Winter 2003): 111-140. Optional: • Saunders, Robert A. ―Buying into Brand Borat: Kazakhstan's Cautious Embrace of Its Unwanted 'Son'.Slavic Review 67, no. 1 (Spring 2008): 63-80. • Strakes, Jason E. ―Tools of Political Management in the New Central Asian Republics. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs 26, no. 1 (April 2006): 87-99. • Svetlana Akkieva, “The Caucasus: One or Many” A View from the Region,” Nationalities Papers, Vol. 36, No. 2, (May 2008), pp. 253-273. • Ronald Grigor Suny & Vicken Cheterian, “Making states and breaking states: Kosovo and the Caucasus in 2008: Introduction,” Nationalities Papers: The Journal of Nationalism and Ethnicity, Vol.40, No.5 (2012), pp.657-660. |
| 7 | State of Economic and Political Transition | Required: • Paul Kubicek, “Authoritarianism in Central Asia: Curse or Cure?” Third World Quarterly, Vol. 19, No 1 (1998), pp. 29-43. • Anna Matveeva, “Legitimising Central Asian Authoritarianism: Political Manipulation and Symbolic Power,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.61, No.7 (2009), pp. 1095-1121. • Richard Pomfret, “Constructing market-based economies in central Asia: A natural experiment”“ The European Journal of Comparative Economics, Vol.7, No.2, (2010), pp.449-467. • Richard Pomfret, “The Economic Future of Central Asia,” Brown Journal of World Affairs, Vol. 19, No.1, (Fall/Winer2012), pp.59-68 • Susan Stewart, “The interplay of domestic contexts and external democracy promotion: lessons from Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus,” Democratization, Vol.16, No.4 (2009), pp. 804-824 Optional: • Christopher Young, “The Strategy of Political Liberalization: A Comparative View of Gorbachev's Reforms,” World Politics, Vol.45, No.1, (October 1992), pp.47-65. • John Anderson, “Constitutional Development in Central Asia,” Central Asian Survey Vol.16, No.3, (September 1997), pp.301-320. • John Anderson, “Elections and Political Development in Central Asia,” Journal of Communist and Transition Politics, Vol.13, No.4, (December 1997), pp. 28-53. • David Jay Green and Armin Bauer, “The Costs of Transition in Central Asia,” Journal of Asian Economics, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Summer 1998), pp. 345-364. |
| 8 | Caucasus Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors | Required: • David G. Lewis (2018) Geopolitical Imaginaries in Russian Foreign Policy: The Evolution of ‘Greater Eurasia’, Europe-Asia Studies, 70:10, 1612-1637. • Tracey German, “Securing the South Caucasus: Military Aspects of Russian Policy towards the Region since 2008,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.64, No.9 (2012), pp.1650-1666. • Houman A. Sadri, “Iran and the Caucasus States in the 21st Century: A Study of Foreign Policy Goals and Means,? Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, Vol.14, No.3 (2012), pp.383-396. Optional: • Bülent Aras and Pınar Akpınar, “The Relations between Turkey and Caucasus,” Perceptions, Vol.16, No.3, (Autumn 2011), pp.53-68. • Andrei Andreev, “Russians Views on Foreign Policy After the Caucasus Crisis,” Russian Politics and Law, Vol. 48, No. 6 (November?December 2010), pp. 7?18. • Michael B. Bishku, “The South Caucasus Republics and the Muslim Middle East: Political and Economic Imperatives,” Mediterranean Quarterly, Vol. 21, No.3, (Summer 2010), pp.26-46. Igor Torbakov, “Russia and Turkish-Armenian Normalization: Competing Interests in the South Caucasus,” Insight Turkey, Vol. 12, No. 2 (2010), pp. 31-39 |
| 9 | Central Asian Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors | • Is China Fraying? The Riots in Xinjiang. The Economist 392, no. 8639 (July 11, 2009). • Anna Matveeva, “Russia's changing Security Role in Central Asia,” European Security, Vol.22, No.4 (2013), pp.478-499 • Younkyoo Kim & Stephen Blank, ?Same Bed, Different Dreams: China's ?peaceful rise? and Sino?Russian rivalry in Central Asia,? Journal of Contemporary China, Vol.22, No.83 (2013), pp.773-790, • Michael Clarke, China's Strategy in ?Greater Central Asia?: Is Afghanistan the Missing Link?, Asian Affairs: An American Review, Vol.40, No.1, (2013), pp.1-19. • Julie Wilhelmsen and Geir Flikke, ?Chinese?Russian Convergence and Central Asia,? Geopolitics, Vol. 16, No. 4, (2011), pp.865-901. • Mohiaddin Mesbahi, ?Iran and Central Asia: paradigm and Policy,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 23, No. 2, (June 2004), pp.109-139 • Scott Moore, ?Peril and Promise: A Survey of India?s Strategic Relationship with Central Asia,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 26, No.2, (June 2007), pp.279-291 • C. Christine Fair, ?Pakistan's Relations with Central Asia: Is Past Prologue?? Journal of Strategic Studies, Vol.31, No.2, (2008), pp.201-227. |
| 10 | Central Asia/Caucasus: Search for A Regional Order | Timur Dadabaev, ?Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Regional Identity Formation from the Perspective of the Central Asia States,? Journal of Contemporary China, Vol.23, No.85 (2014), pp.102-118, David Lewis, ?Who?s Socialising Whom? Regional Organisations and Contested Norms in Central Asia,? Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.64, No.7 (2012), pp.1219-1237 Kathleen Collins, ?Economic and Security Regionalism among Patrimonial Authoritarian Regimes: The Case of Central Asia,? Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 61 No. 2, (March 2009), pp.249-281 Roy Allison, ?Virtual regionalism, regional structures and regime security in Central Asia,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 27, No. 2, (June 2008), pp.185-202. Edmund Herzig, ?Regionalism, Iran and Central Asia,? International Affairs, Vol. 80 No. 3, (May 2004), pp.503-517 Tracey German, ??Good neighbours or distant relatives?? Regional identity and cooperation in the South Caucasus,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 31, No.2 (June 2012), pp.137-151. • Adeeb Khalid. ―A Secular Islam: Nation, State, and Religion in Uzbekistan. International Journal of Middle East Studies 35, no. 04 (2003): 573-598. • Eric McGlinchey, ―Islamic Revivalism and State Failure in Kyrgyzstan. Problems of Post-Communism 56, no. 3 (May 2009): 16-28. |
| 11 | Big Powers and Regional Interests | • Deyermond, Ruth. ―Matrioshka Hegemony? Multi-Leveled Hegemonic Competition and Security in Post-Soviet Central Asia. Review of International Studies 35, no. 1 (January 2009): 151-173. • Kazantsev, Andrei. ―Russian Policy in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea Region. Europe-Asia Studies 60, no. 6 (August 2008): 1073-1088. • Kramer, Mark. ―Russian Policy Toward the Commonwealth of Independent States: Recent Trends and Future Prospects. Problems of Post-Communism 55, no. 6 (December 2008): 13-19. • Breslin, Shaun. ―Understanding China's Regional Rise: Interpretations, Identities and Implications. International Affairs 85, no. 4 (2009): 817-835. • Aris, Stephen. ―The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Tackling the Three Evils‘. A Regional Response to Non-traditional Security Challenges or an Anti-Western Bloc? Europe-Asia Studies 61, no. 3 (2009): 457-482. • Szadziewski, Henryk. ―How the West was Won: China's Expansion into Central Asia. Caucasian Review of International Affairs 3, no. 2 (Spring 2009): 210-219. • Anand, Dibyesh. “Colonization with Chinese Characteristics: Politics of (in)Security in Xinjiang and Tibet.” Central Asian Survey 38, no. 1 (January 2, 2019): 129–47. • Luca Anceschi, ?Great games, local rules; the new great power context in Central Asia,? Central Asian Survey, Vol.32, No.4 (2013), pp.549-551 • Aijan Sharshenova, ?The European Union and Central Asia,? Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.65, No.10 (2013), pp.2032-2033 • Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo, ?The Crisis in Central Asia, NATO, and the International Community,? Mediterranean Quarterly, Vol. 21, No.4 (Fall2010), pp.19-26 • Katharina Hoffmann, ?The EU in Central Asia: successful good governance promotion?? Third World Quarterly, Vol. 31, No.1 (February 2010), pp.87-103 • Evgeny F. Troitskiy, ?US Policy in Central Asia and Regional Security,? Global Society, Vol.21, No.3 (2007), pp. 415-428. • Licínia Simão, ?Region-building in the eastern neighbourhood: assessing EU regional policies in the South Caucasus,? East European Politics, Vol.29, No.3 (2013), pp.273-288 • George Khelashvili and S. Neil Macfarlane, ?The Evolution of US Policy towards the Southern Caucasus?, Uluslararası İlişkiler, Volume 7, No 26 (Summer 2010), pp. 105-124. • Alberto Priego, “NATO cooperation towards South Caucasus,” Caucasian Review of International Affairs, Vol.2, No.1 (Winter 2008), pp.50-57. |
| 12 | Student Presentations Week-1 | |
| 13 | Student Presentations Week-2 | |
| 14 | Student Presentations Week-3 |
| Resources |
| Each week 3-4 articles. |
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
| Course Contribution to Program Qualifications | |||||||
| No | Program Qualification | Contribution Level | |||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||
| 1 | PC1. Students know the fundamental concepts, theories, research methods and analysis techniques used in the fields and sub-fields of Political Science and International relations. | ||||||
| 2 | PC2. Students understand the political, economic, social, and cultural relations among political systems, international actors, states and non-state actors; analyzes the reasons for the issues and problems in these fields, develop skills for systematic and critical thinking for alternative solutions. | ||||||
| 3 | PC3. Students of the program will be able to work at public and private institutions, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. They will be able to involve in the foreign policy making, analysis, and implementation processes; manage project implementations, and shoulder responsibilities at different positions of decision-making processes. The multi-disciplinary perspective they have developed in the program facilitates following solution-oriented perspective at times of crisis, evaluating existing resolutions and developing new alternatives. | ||||||
| 4 | PC4. Students will be able to conduct scientific research in the fields and sub-fields of political science and international relations, analyze the results and report the findings to stakeholders. | ||||||
| 5 | PC5. Students will be able to conduct scientific research in the fields and sub-fields of political science and international relations, analyze the results and make scientific publications. | ||||||
| 6 | PC6. Students will be able to work as group leader in public and private institutions, plan and administer events and activities. | ||||||
| 7 | PC7. As a result of development of critical thinking, students stay open to change and development; adopt never-ending learning principle to their life. | ||||||
| 8 | PC8. Students use the appropriate oral and written language skills and adopt professional ethics in their communication while sharing results, analyses, and solution suggestions with colleagues and stakeholders | ||||||
| 9 | PC9. Students use English language skills in research and fields of expertise; easily follow international developments and communicates with international stakeholders. | ||||||
| 10 | PC10. Students use fundamental computer skills in communication with colleagues and stakeholders. | ||||||
| 11 | PC11. Students will be able to lead decision-making mechanisms, involve in policy making and analysis processes, and manage negotiation processes in public and private institutions. | ||||||
| 12 | PC12. Students will be able to develop original and scientific solutions and knowledge in their fields of expertise, create projects and act as a consultant to decision-making mechanisms. | ||||||
Assessment Methods
| Contribution Level | Absolute Evaluation | |
| Rate of Midterm Exam to Success | 40 | |
| Rate of Final Exam to Success | 60 | |
| Total | 100 | |
| ECTS / Workload Table | ||||||
| Activities | Number of | Duration(Hour) | Total Workload(Hour) | |||
| Course Hours | 14 | 3 | 42 | |||
| Guided Problem Solving | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Resolution of Homework Problems and Submission as a Report | 1 | 48 | 48 | |||
| Term Project | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Presentation of Project / Seminar | 2 | 10 | 20 | |||
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Midterm Exam | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| General Exam | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Performance Task, Maintenance Plan | 11 | 6 | 66 | |||
| Total Workload(Hour) | 176 | |||||
| Dersin AKTS Kredisi = Toplam İş Yükü (Saat)/30*=(176/30) | 6 | |||||
| ECTS of the course: 30 hours of work is counted as 1 ECTS credit. | ||||||
Detail Informations of the Course
Course Description
| Course | Code | Semester | T+P (Hour) | Credit | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAUCASUS and CENTRAL ASIAN POLITICS | INT4111132 | Fall Semester | 3+0 | 3 | 6 |
| Course Program | Çarşamba 16:30-17:15 Çarşamba 17:30-18:15 Çarşamba 18:30-19:15 |
| Prerequisites Courses | |
| Recommended Elective Courses |
| Language of Course | English |
| Course Level | First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree) |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Course Coordinator | Assoc.Prof. Halil Kürşad ASLAN |
| Name of Lecturer(s) | Assoc.Prof. Halil Kürşad ASLAN |
| Assistant(s) | |
| Aim | This course introduces students to the political transformation of Post-Soviet geography with a specific concentration on Caucasus and Central Asian countries. How do ordinary people experience political and economic transition after the Soviet Union? What kind of political system do ordinary people want from their governments? How do culture, historical and current experiences, and political and economic performance play into how satisfied citizens of these countries are with their current political systems? It is doubtless that the political transformation in these relatively new republics is a complex undertaking because political change is inextricably linked with economic, social, and cultural changes. To guide our investigation, we will pay particular attention to the changing nature of mass-elite relations and how history and political culture in this region shape the choices that elites and ordinary people make about politics. Because the states of the former Soviet Union did not launch their processes of political development with a blank slate, this course begins with a brief discussion of the politics and society of the Soviet state. |
| Course Content | This course contains; Introduction to Course,History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia I,History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia II,Legacy of the Soviet Union’s Political Structure,Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Central Asia,Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Caucasus,State of Economic and Political Transition,Caucasus Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors,Central Asian Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors,Central Asia/Caucasus: Search for A Regional Order,Big Powers and Regional Interests,Student Presentations Week-1,Student Presentations Week-2,Student Presentations Week-3. |
| Dersin Öğrenme Kazanımları | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods |
| to provide in depth understanding of politics in Caucasus/Central Asia region. | 10, 13, 6, 9 | A, E, G |
| to explore the issues of global governance, international relations, political economy, energy, security and several other issues related to the Caucasus/Central Asia region. | 10, 13, 16, 6, 9 | A, E, G |
| to focus on societal dynamics, historical trajectories, political processes, economic challenges, security affairs specific to the regional countries. | 10, 13, 14, 16, 19, 9 | A, E, G |
| to understand the sources and dynamics of regional and international interest to the region. | 10, 13, 16, 19, 9 | A, E, G |
| to obtain in-depth knowledge on the political processes in the Central Asia and Caucasia, and on foreign policies of the countries in these regions. | 10, 13, 16, 6, 9 | A, E, G |
| Teaching Methods: | 10: Discussion Method, 13: Case Study Method, 14: Self Study Method, 16: Question - Answer Technique, 19: Brainstorming Technique, 6: Experiential Learning, 9: Lecture Method |
| Assessment Methods: | A: Traditional Written Exam, E: Homework, G: Quiz |
Course Outline
| Order | Subjects | Preliminary Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Course | |
| 2 | History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia I | Required: • Francine Hirsch, "Toward an Empire of Nations: Border-Making and the Formation of Soviet National Identities" Russian Review, Vol. 59, No. 2 (April 2000), pp. 201-226. • Paulo Duarte, “Central Asia: The Bends of History and Geography,” pp. 21-35. • Yuri Slezkine, “The USSR as a Communal Apartment, or How a Socialist State Promoted Ethnic Particularism,” Slavic Review, 53:2, 414-452. Optional • Ronald G. Suny, "Constructing Primordialism: Old Histories for New Nations" Journal of Modern History, Vol.73, No.4 (December 2001), pp. 862-896. • Shoshana Keller, “The Central Asian Bureau, an essential tool in governing Soviet Turkestan,” Central Asian Survey, 22(2/3), 281-297. |
| 3 | History and Geography of Caucasus and Central Asia II | Required: Shannon O'Lear (2011) Borders in the South Caucasus, Defense & Security Analysis, 27:3, 267-276. Thomas M. Barrett, “Lines of Uncertainty: The Frontiers of the North Caucasus” Slavic Review, Vol. 54, No. 3 (Autumn 1995), pp.578-601. Thomas De Waal, A Broken Region: The Persistent Failure of Integration Projects in the South Caucasus, Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.64, No.9, (2012), pp.1709-1723 Andrew Foxall, “Defining Regions: Introducing the Caucasus,” Central Asian Survey, Vol. 30 No. 2 (June 2011), pp.291-295 |
| 4 | Legacy of the Soviet Union’s Political Structure | Required: • Documentary: Moscow's empire - rise and fall (1/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgzGLYpykEA Moscow's empire - rise and fall (2/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes • Pauline Jones-Luong, 2004, Institutional Change and Political Continuity in Post-Soviet Central Asia, Cambridge University Press. • Stephen F. Cohen, “Was the Soviet System Reformable?,” Slavic Review, Vol. 63, No. 3 (Autumn 2004), pp. 459-488. • Archie Brown, ?The Soviet Union: Reform of the System or Systemic Transformation?,? Slavic Review, Vol. 63, No. 3 (Autumn 2004), pp. 489-504. Optional: • Steven Sabol, ?The Creation of Soviet Central Asia: the 1924 National Delimitation,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 14, No.2 (1995), pp.225-241. • M.Nazif Shahrani, "Central Asia and the Challenge of the Soviet Legacy," Central Asia Survey, Vol.12, No.2, (1993), pp. 123-135 • Douglas Northrop. ―Languages of Loyalty: Gender, Politics, and Party Supervision in Uzbekistan, 1927-41. Russian Review 59, no. 2 (April 2000): 179-200. • Kate Mallinson, “The politics of transition in Central Asia and the Caucasus: enduring legacies and emerging challenges,“ Central Asian Survey, Vol. 31 No. 1 (2012), pp.109-111. |
| 5 | Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Central Asia | Required: Moscow's empire - rise and fall (3/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgzGLYpykEA Moscow's empire - rise and fall (4/4) | DW Documentary: 42 minutes • Michael McFaul. ―The Fourth Wave of Democracy and Dictatorship: Noncooperative Transitions in the Postcommunist World. World Politics 54 (2002): 212-244. • Markowitz, Lawrence P. ―How Master Frames Mislead: the Division and Eclipse of Nationalist Movements in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Ethnic & Racial Studies 32, no. 4. (May 2009): 716-738. • Erica Marat, “Nation Branding in Central Asia: A New Campaign to Present Ideas about the State and the Nation,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 61, No. 7, (September 2009), pp.1123-1136. Optional: • Joel Hellman, “Winners Take All: The Politics of Partial Reform in Postcommunist Transitions,” World Politics v. 50, no. 2 (1998), pp. 203-234. • Schatz, Edward. ―The Soft Authoritarian Tool Kit: Agenda-Setting Power in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Comparative Politics 41, no. 2 (January 2009): 203-222. • Eric McGlinchey. "Searching for Kamalot: Political Patronage and Youth Politics in Uzbekistan," Europe-Asia Studies 61, no. 7 (September 2009): 1137-1150. • Mark Kramer, ?The Collapse of the Soviet Union: Introduction,? Journal of Cold War Studies, Vol. 5, No.1 (Winter 2003), pp. 3-16. • Collins, Kathleen, “The Logic of Clan Politics: Evidence from the Central Asian Trajectories,” World Politics, Vol. 56, No. 2 (January 2004), pp. 224-261. • Yaacov R?oi, “Central Asian Riots and Disturbances, 1989-1990: Causes and Context,” Central Asian Survey, Vol.16, No.3, pp.21-54. • Martha Brill Olcott, “Central Asia’s Catapult to Independence,” Foreign Affairs, Vol.71, No. 3, (1992), pp.108-130. • James G. Mellon, “Myth, Legitimacy and Nationalism in Central Asia,” Ethnopolitics: Formerly Global Review of Ethnopolitics, Vol.9, No.2 (2010), pp.137-150 |
| 6 | Independence, State-Building and Nation-Building: Caucasus | Required: • Nina Caspersen, “The South Caucasus after Kosovo: Renewed Independence Hopes?,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol65, No.55 (2013), 929-945 • Pål Kolstø & Helge Blakkisrud, “Living with Non-recognition: State- and Nationbuilding in South Caucasian Quasi-states,” Europe-Asia Studies, 60:3, pp. 483-509. • Tracey German, “The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia: Security Issues in the Caucasus,” Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 32, No.2, (June 2012), pp.216-229. • Schatz, Edward. ―What Capital Cities Say about State and Nation Building. Nationalism & Ethnic Politics 9, no. 4 (Winter 2003): 111-140. Optional: • Saunders, Robert A. ―Buying into Brand Borat: Kazakhstan's Cautious Embrace of Its Unwanted 'Son'.Slavic Review 67, no. 1 (Spring 2008): 63-80. • Strakes, Jason E. ―Tools of Political Management in the New Central Asian Republics. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs 26, no. 1 (April 2006): 87-99. • Svetlana Akkieva, “The Caucasus: One or Many” A View from the Region,” Nationalities Papers, Vol. 36, No. 2, (May 2008), pp. 253-273. • Ronald Grigor Suny & Vicken Cheterian, “Making states and breaking states: Kosovo and the Caucasus in 2008: Introduction,” Nationalities Papers: The Journal of Nationalism and Ethnicity, Vol.40, No.5 (2012), pp.657-660. |
| 7 | State of Economic and Political Transition | Required: • Paul Kubicek, “Authoritarianism in Central Asia: Curse or Cure?” Third World Quarterly, Vol. 19, No 1 (1998), pp. 29-43. • Anna Matveeva, “Legitimising Central Asian Authoritarianism: Political Manipulation and Symbolic Power,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.61, No.7 (2009), pp. 1095-1121. • Richard Pomfret, “Constructing market-based economies in central Asia: A natural experiment”“ The European Journal of Comparative Economics, Vol.7, No.2, (2010), pp.449-467. • Richard Pomfret, “The Economic Future of Central Asia,” Brown Journal of World Affairs, Vol. 19, No.1, (Fall/Winer2012), pp.59-68 • Susan Stewart, “The interplay of domestic contexts and external democracy promotion: lessons from Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus,” Democratization, Vol.16, No.4 (2009), pp. 804-824 Optional: • Christopher Young, “The Strategy of Political Liberalization: A Comparative View of Gorbachev's Reforms,” World Politics, Vol.45, No.1, (October 1992), pp.47-65. • John Anderson, “Constitutional Development in Central Asia,” Central Asian Survey Vol.16, No.3, (September 1997), pp.301-320. • John Anderson, “Elections and Political Development in Central Asia,” Journal of Communist and Transition Politics, Vol.13, No.4, (December 1997), pp. 28-53. • David Jay Green and Armin Bauer, “The Costs of Transition in Central Asia,” Journal of Asian Economics, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Summer 1998), pp. 345-364. |
| 8 | Caucasus Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors | Required: • David G. Lewis (2018) Geopolitical Imaginaries in Russian Foreign Policy: The Evolution of ‘Greater Eurasia’, Europe-Asia Studies, 70:10, 1612-1637. • Tracey German, “Securing the South Caucasus: Military Aspects of Russian Policy towards the Region since 2008,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.64, No.9 (2012), pp.1650-1666. • Houman A. Sadri, “Iran and the Caucasus States in the 21st Century: A Study of Foreign Policy Goals and Means,? Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, Vol.14, No.3 (2012), pp.383-396. Optional: • Bülent Aras and Pınar Akpınar, “The Relations between Turkey and Caucasus,” Perceptions, Vol.16, No.3, (Autumn 2011), pp.53-68. • Andrei Andreev, “Russians Views on Foreign Policy After the Caucasus Crisis,” Russian Politics and Law, Vol. 48, No. 6 (November?December 2010), pp. 7?18. • Michael B. Bishku, “The South Caucasus Republics and the Muslim Middle East: Political and Economic Imperatives,” Mediterranean Quarterly, Vol. 21, No.3, (Summer 2010), pp.26-46. Igor Torbakov, “Russia and Turkish-Armenian Normalization: Competing Interests in the South Caucasus,” Insight Turkey, Vol. 12, No. 2 (2010), pp. 31-39 |
| 9 | Central Asian Countries and Their Relations with Neighbors | • Is China Fraying? The Riots in Xinjiang. The Economist 392, no. 8639 (July 11, 2009). • Anna Matveeva, “Russia's changing Security Role in Central Asia,” European Security, Vol.22, No.4 (2013), pp.478-499 • Younkyoo Kim & Stephen Blank, ?Same Bed, Different Dreams: China's ?peaceful rise? and Sino?Russian rivalry in Central Asia,? Journal of Contemporary China, Vol.22, No.83 (2013), pp.773-790, • Michael Clarke, China's Strategy in ?Greater Central Asia?: Is Afghanistan the Missing Link?, Asian Affairs: An American Review, Vol.40, No.1, (2013), pp.1-19. • Julie Wilhelmsen and Geir Flikke, ?Chinese?Russian Convergence and Central Asia,? Geopolitics, Vol. 16, No. 4, (2011), pp.865-901. • Mohiaddin Mesbahi, ?Iran and Central Asia: paradigm and Policy,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 23, No. 2, (June 2004), pp.109-139 • Scott Moore, ?Peril and Promise: A Survey of India?s Strategic Relationship with Central Asia,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 26, No.2, (June 2007), pp.279-291 • C. Christine Fair, ?Pakistan's Relations with Central Asia: Is Past Prologue?? Journal of Strategic Studies, Vol.31, No.2, (2008), pp.201-227. |
| 10 | Central Asia/Caucasus: Search for A Regional Order | Timur Dadabaev, ?Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Regional Identity Formation from the Perspective of the Central Asia States,? Journal of Contemporary China, Vol.23, No.85 (2014), pp.102-118, David Lewis, ?Who?s Socialising Whom? Regional Organisations and Contested Norms in Central Asia,? Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.64, No.7 (2012), pp.1219-1237 Kathleen Collins, ?Economic and Security Regionalism among Patrimonial Authoritarian Regimes: The Case of Central Asia,? Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 61 No. 2, (March 2009), pp.249-281 Roy Allison, ?Virtual regionalism, regional structures and regime security in Central Asia,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 27, No. 2, (June 2008), pp.185-202. Edmund Herzig, ?Regionalism, Iran and Central Asia,? International Affairs, Vol. 80 No. 3, (May 2004), pp.503-517 Tracey German, ??Good neighbours or distant relatives?? Regional identity and cooperation in the South Caucasus,? Central Asian Survey, Vol. 31, No.2 (June 2012), pp.137-151. • Adeeb Khalid. ―A Secular Islam: Nation, State, and Religion in Uzbekistan. International Journal of Middle East Studies 35, no. 04 (2003): 573-598. • Eric McGlinchey, ―Islamic Revivalism and State Failure in Kyrgyzstan. Problems of Post-Communism 56, no. 3 (May 2009): 16-28. |
| 11 | Big Powers and Regional Interests | • Deyermond, Ruth. ―Matrioshka Hegemony? Multi-Leveled Hegemonic Competition and Security in Post-Soviet Central Asia. Review of International Studies 35, no. 1 (January 2009): 151-173. • Kazantsev, Andrei. ―Russian Policy in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea Region. Europe-Asia Studies 60, no. 6 (August 2008): 1073-1088. • Kramer, Mark. ―Russian Policy Toward the Commonwealth of Independent States: Recent Trends and Future Prospects. Problems of Post-Communism 55, no. 6 (December 2008): 13-19. • Breslin, Shaun. ―Understanding China's Regional Rise: Interpretations, Identities and Implications. International Affairs 85, no. 4 (2009): 817-835. • Aris, Stephen. ―The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Tackling the Three Evils‘. A Regional Response to Non-traditional Security Challenges or an Anti-Western Bloc? Europe-Asia Studies 61, no. 3 (2009): 457-482. • Szadziewski, Henryk. ―How the West was Won: China's Expansion into Central Asia. Caucasian Review of International Affairs 3, no. 2 (Spring 2009): 210-219. • Anand, Dibyesh. “Colonization with Chinese Characteristics: Politics of (in)Security in Xinjiang and Tibet.” Central Asian Survey 38, no. 1 (January 2, 2019): 129–47. • Luca Anceschi, ?Great games, local rules; the new great power context in Central Asia,? Central Asian Survey, Vol.32, No.4 (2013), pp.549-551 • Aijan Sharshenova, ?The European Union and Central Asia,? Europe-Asia Studies, Vol.65, No.10 (2013), pp.2032-2033 • Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo, ?The Crisis in Central Asia, NATO, and the International Community,? Mediterranean Quarterly, Vol. 21, No.4 (Fall2010), pp.19-26 • Katharina Hoffmann, ?The EU in Central Asia: successful good governance promotion?? Third World Quarterly, Vol. 31, No.1 (February 2010), pp.87-103 • Evgeny F. Troitskiy, ?US Policy in Central Asia and Regional Security,? Global Society, Vol.21, No.3 (2007), pp. 415-428. • Licínia Simão, ?Region-building in the eastern neighbourhood: assessing EU regional policies in the South Caucasus,? East European Politics, Vol.29, No.3 (2013), pp.273-288 • George Khelashvili and S. Neil Macfarlane, ?The Evolution of US Policy towards the Southern Caucasus?, Uluslararası İlişkiler, Volume 7, No 26 (Summer 2010), pp. 105-124. • Alberto Priego, “NATO cooperation towards South Caucasus,” Caucasian Review of International Affairs, Vol.2, No.1 (Winter 2008), pp.50-57. |
| 12 | Student Presentations Week-1 | |
| 13 | Student Presentations Week-2 | |
| 14 | Student Presentations Week-3 |
| Resources |
| Each week 3-4 articles. |
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
| Course Contribution to Program Qualifications | |||||||
| No | Program Qualification | Contribution Level | |||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||
| 1 | PC1. Students know the fundamental concepts, theories, research methods and analysis techniques used in the fields and sub-fields of Political Science and International relations. | ||||||
| 2 | PC2. Students understand the political, economic, social, and cultural relations among political systems, international actors, states and non-state actors; analyzes the reasons for the issues and problems in these fields, develop skills for systematic and critical thinking for alternative solutions. | ||||||
| 3 | PC3. Students of the program will be able to work at public and private institutions, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. They will be able to involve in the foreign policy making, analysis, and implementation processes; manage project implementations, and shoulder responsibilities at different positions of decision-making processes. The multi-disciplinary perspective they have developed in the program facilitates following solution-oriented perspective at times of crisis, evaluating existing resolutions and developing new alternatives. | ||||||
| 4 | PC4. Students will be able to conduct scientific research in the fields and sub-fields of political science and international relations, analyze the results and report the findings to stakeholders. | ||||||
| 5 | PC5. Students will be able to conduct scientific research in the fields and sub-fields of political science and international relations, analyze the results and make scientific publications. | ||||||
| 6 | PC6. Students will be able to work as group leader in public and private institutions, plan and administer events and activities. | ||||||
| 7 | PC7. As a result of development of critical thinking, students stay open to change and development; adopt never-ending learning principle to their life. | ||||||
| 8 | PC8. Students use the appropriate oral and written language skills and adopt professional ethics in their communication while sharing results, analyses, and solution suggestions with colleagues and stakeholders | ||||||
| 9 | PC9. Students use English language skills in research and fields of expertise; easily follow international developments and communicates with international stakeholders. | ||||||
| 10 | PC10. Students use fundamental computer skills in communication with colleagues and stakeholders. | ||||||
| 11 | PC11. Students will be able to lead decision-making mechanisms, involve in policy making and analysis processes, and manage negotiation processes in public and private institutions. | ||||||
| 12 | PC12. Students will be able to develop original and scientific solutions and knowledge in their fields of expertise, create projects and act as a consultant to decision-making mechanisms. | ||||||
Assessment Methods
| Contribution Level | Absolute Evaluation | |
| Rate of Midterm Exam to Success | 40 | |
| Rate of Final Exam to Success | 60 | |
| Total | 100 | |