Ukraine has prominently featured in the international news since February 24, 2022, when it became the target of the most massive military assault since WWII. But it has been a victim of the Russian aggression ever since 2014. Even before that it has gone through two so-called Maidans – massive popular protest movements. All this has led to Ukraine being placed in the center of a whirlpool of international tension, which has dragged a number of international players into its orbit. This security predicament has many facets: military, socio-economic, political, ideological and more. It has become a comprehensive case of both hard and soft security challenges being in play. Ukraine’s 31 years of existence has included periods of political turmoil, uneven stretches in economic development, deliberations and changes in course of foreign, security and defense policies. Ukraine’s identity has been evolving over years. In more than one way this country is still very much in transformation, transitory phase being shaped by internal events and debates and, also, by the impact of numerous external factors, the ongoing Russian war is being a major determinant here, coupled with other factors. What makes Ukraine tick and what threatens it from within and from outside? This country is enjoying a wave of consolidation and showing amazing resilience as it resists the most dire, existential onslaught. It is assisted by a great many international players, in coalition of which the United States is playing the major role. Ukraine now plays a crucial role in various regions, ranging from wider Black Sea area, greater Eastern Europe and more. Can Ukraine’s security be thought through and established in a viable, durable way? What would this entice? What could the format be? These and many other questions to be addressed in this course.

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Basic Enrollment Requirements: Unofficial Transcript - Bachelor's or progress towards a Bachelor’s Degree + 3.0 GPA.

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Remission Eligible: Yes; first day of term; all university policies apply.