Russians and Ukrainians share a long and sometimes violent history that has both united and divided them. They share common historical roots in Eastern Slavic civilization and common historical experiences rooted in the fact that they have been inhabitants of the same states for much of the past four centuries. But they also have distinct histories and identities and have also endured periods of intense conflict. Russia today is engaged in a ruthless invasion of Ukraine aimed at destroying the basis for Ukrainian nationhood—a war that, within a short period of time, has altered global politics. This seminar examines the roots and consequences of this conflict. It traces the divergent paths of politics in Russia and Ukraine since the collapse of communism, focusing in particular on the rise of Putinism, the causes of two revolutions in Ukraine within a decade, the 2014 invasion of Crimea and war in the Donbas, and the broader war and invasion unleashed by Russia in 2022. Through the lens of the Russian-Ukrainian relationship, the course will seek to understand the dilemmas of post-communist development, the roots of “the new Cold War,” the broader impact of the Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine, and the challenges that an expansionist Russia presents for Europe, the United States, and the world.

[co-taught with Mykola Riabchuk]