Bachelor
2021/2022
Central Asian Countries in International Organizations
Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'
Type:
Elective course (Political Science and World Politics)
Area of studies:
Political Science
When:
4 year, 3 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Oleg Korneev
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course locates countries of contemporary post-Soviet Central Asia in regional and wider international organizational frameworks. It analyzes relevant integration dynamics and interactions of Central Asian countries with international organizations (IOs). IOs have been a major focus of academic research and controversy in various subfields of International Studies for already several decades. The course, thus, provides a brief overview of theory and practice of IOs. Through lenses of different theoretical approaches, this part of the course discusses roles and functions of IOs, resources that they have at their disposal, as well as issues of their actorness and legitimacy in the conditions of increasing regime complexity in international politics. Then, the course focuses on two broadly defined formats of regional/international cooperation drawing attention to issues of membership, commitments, (inter)dependencies, internal and external conditionality. The first format encompasses regional integration projects and regional organizations such as the CIS, the CSTO, the SCO, the EAEU, or more issue-specific and often informal settings. Here, the course aims to understand how Central Asian countries reconcile seemingly incompatible pressures for sovereignty and regional cooperation/integration. The second format includes interactions with numerous IOs: with universal, region-focused or issue-specific intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) from the UN system and beyond, including such key actors as the IFIs, the OSCE and the EU, and influential international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) that are present and active in the region. In this part, the course focuses on (dis)engagements of Central Asian countries emerging in their relations with IOs in the fields of development aid, security, human rights, migration, health and other governance areas.
Learning Objectives
- To understand how Central Asian states reconcile seemingly incompatible pressures for sovereignty and regional cooperation/integration.
- To explore (dis)engagements of Central Asian countries emerging in their relations with IOs in the fields of development aid, security, human rights, migration, health and other governance areas.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- analyses interactions of Central Asian countries with universal international organizations in various governance areas
- compares regional integration projects / regional organizations and more informal regional or trans-regional settings
- identifies the place and role of Central Asian countries in regional and wider international frameworks
- knows the concepts of membership, commitments, (inter)dependencies, internal and external conditionality as related to international organizations
- understands how Central Asian states deal with multi-vectored pressures for sovereignty and regional cooperation/integration
Course Contents
- Course Overview and Introduction: Sovereignty, Regionalism and International Actors. Historical and Practical Aspects of Regions’ Formation
- Regional Absence, International Presence and Multiple Overlaps. Theories of IR on International Organizations and Asian Integration
- Functional Cooperation and Security Arrangements: CIS and CSTO
- Security Cooperation beyond the Region: SCO and CICA
- Regional Economic Integration: EAEU and Greater Eurasia Concept
- Problematic (Trans)Regional Membership: OSCE
- The European Union in Central Asia: Ambiguous Involvement (I)
- The European Union in Central Asia: Ambiguous Involvement (II)
- The UN System and the IFIs: Contested Development Efforts
- Hybrid Actors: Fields, Roles, Perceptions
Assessment Elements
- In-class participation (Gclass)Assessment will be based on attendance, preparation of the readings assigned to each tutorial, participation in class discussion with the focus on qualitative contribution to the discussion, ability to answer questions based on the readings, come up with own interpretations and react to comments made by other students. Students are expected to be actively involved in tutorial discussions and in-class group assignments, read the mandatory literature assigned to each of the seminars and be ready to apply the information to their own research.
- Presentation (Gpresentation)Each tutorial (starting from the week 2) will commence by a presentation prepared by a small group of students (up to 4 students per group). During the first tutorial, students should propose for approval by the instructor: 1) composition of their groups; 2) topics for their presentations based on the topics/readings for the tutorials; 3) outlines of their presentations. These presentations will function as basis for further class discussion. Therefore, presenters are supposed to cover mandatory and optional readings and, preferably, use other non-assigned sources for their analysis on the chosen topic in order to make a genuinely original contribution.
- Response paper (Gresponse)Each student will write one brief (700-1000 words) response paper on the assigned optional readings for one tutorial session of their choice. The paper should NOT summarize the readings. It should link the readings with broader themes addressed in the course. It should evaluate, compare and contrast (where relevant) the arguments in the readings. Response paper is due BY the tutorial session that it is related to (i.e. if student decides to write a response paper on the readings assigned for the tutorial 2, they need to submit their paper via email before this tutorial).
- Final paper (2000-2500 words, including references) (Gfinalpaper)The final paper should relate to any aspect of the course. It can be a critical review of the existing literature on a specific topic, or an original piece of research (students should propose the topic and format of the paper for approval by the instructor no later than at the tutorial 4). The final paper should focus on one or several aspects of the course and analyse this as applied to a case study of interactions of a Central Asian country (or several countries) with a particular regional/international organization. The final paper is due by the tutorial 9. Specific requirements for the final paper: - The final paper should clearly state a research question relevant to theoretical, conceptual and empirical debates within the course and related academic literature; - The final paper should present coherent analysis with a clear argument embedded in relevant theoretical discussions and supported by empirical evidence; - The final paper should include at least 7 items in the list of references (both academic literature and primary sources).
- In-class participation (Gclass)Assessment will be based on attendance, preparation of the readings assigned to each tutorial, participation in class discussion with the focus on qualitative contribution to the discussion, ability to answer questions based on the readings, come up with own interpretations and react to comments made by other students. Students are expected to be actively involved in tutorial discussions and in-class group assignments, read the mandatory literature assigned to each of the seminars and be ready to apply the information to their own research.
- Presentation (Gpresentation)Each tutorial (starting from the week 2) will commence by a presentation prepared by a small group of students (up to 4 students per group). During the first tutorial, students should propose for approval by the instructor: 1) composition of their groups; 2) topics for their presentations based on the topics/readings for the tutorials; 3) outlines of their presentations. These presentations will function as basis for further class discussion. Therefore, presenters are supposed to cover mandatory and optional readings and, preferably, use other non-assigned sources for their analysis on the chosen topic in order to make a genuinely original contribution.
- Response papers (2 papers) (Gresponse)Each student will write brief (700-1000 words) response papers on the assigned optional readings for two tutorial sessions of their choice. The papers should not summarize the readings. They should link the readings with broader themes addressed in the course. Each paper should evaluate the main argument(s) in the readings. Papers should also compare and contrast the arguments in the readings. Response papers are due by the tutorial sessions that they are related to (i.e. if a student decides to write a response paper on the readings assigned for the tutorial 2, she needs to submit her paper via email before this tutorial).
- Final paper (2000-2500 words, including references) (Gfinalpaper)The final paper should relate to any aspect of the course. It can be a critical review of the existing literature on a specific topic, or an original piece of research (students should propose the topic and format of the paper for approval by the instructor no later than at the tutorial 4). The final paper should focus on one or several aspects of the course and analyse this as applied to a case study of interactions of a Central Asian country (or several countries) with a particular regional/international organization. The final paper is due by the tutorial 9. Specific requirements for the final paper: - The final paper should clearly state a research question relevant to theoretical, conceptual and empirical debates within the course and related academic literature; - The final paper should present coherent analysis with a clear argument embedded in relevant theoretical discussions and supported by empirical evidence; - The final paper should include at least 7 items in the list of references (both academic literature and primary sources).
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 3rd module0.25 * Response papers (2 papers) (Gresponse) + 0.25 * Presentation (Gpresentation) + 0.25 * In-class participation (Gclass) + 0.25 * Final paper (2000-2500 words, including references) (Gfinalpaper)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Allison, R. (2008). Virtual regionalism, regional structures and regime security in Central Asia. Central Asian Survey, 27(2), 185–202. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634930802355121
- Allison, R. (DE-588)12981248X, (DE-576)160058775. (2013). Russia, the West, and military intervention / Roy Allison. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.407177272
- Babajanian, B. (2015). Promoting empowerment? The World Bank’s Village Investment Project in Kyrgyzstan. Central Asian Survey, 34(4), 499–515. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2015.1095967
- Collins, K. (2009). Economic and Security Regionalism among Patrimonial Authoritarian Regimes: The Case of Central Asia. Europe-Asia Studies, 61(2), 249–281. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668130802630854
- Crawford, G. (2008). EU human rights and democracy promotion in Central Asia: From Lofty principles to Lowly self-interests. Perspectives on European Politics & Society, 9(2), 172–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/15705850801999669
- Dadabaev, T. (2014). Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Regional Identity Formation from the Perspective of the Central Asia States. Journal of Contemporary China, 23(85), 102–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/10670564.2013.809982
- De Danieli, F. (2011). Counter-narcotics policies in Tajikistan and their impact on state building. Central Asian Survey, 30(1), 129–145. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2011.554067
- KACZMARSKI, M. (2017). Non-western visions of regionalism: China’s New Silk Road and Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union. International Affairs, 93(6), 1357–1376. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iix182
- Katharina Hoffmann. (2010). The EU in Central Asia: successful good governance promotion? Third World Quarterly, (1), 87. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436590903557397
- Kavalski, E. (2010). New Central Asia, The: The Regional Impact Of International Actors. Singapore: World Scientific. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=340695
- Kembayev, Z. (2009). Legal Aspects of the Regional Integration Processes in the Post-Soviet Area. Berlin: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=276397
- Kluczewska, K. (2017). Benefactor, industry or intruder? Perceptions of international organizations in Central Asia – the case of the OSCE in Tajikistan. Central Asian Survey, 36(3), 353–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2017.1281220
- Lewis, D. (2012). Who’s Socialising Whom? Regional Organisations and Contested Norms in Central Asia. Europe-Asia Studies, 64(7), 1219–1237. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668136.2012.701391
- Luca Anceschi. (2014). The Tyranny of Pragmatism: EU–Kazakhstani Relations. Europe-Asia Studies, (1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668136.2013.864101
- Nicole J. Jackson. (2014). Trans-Regional Security Organisations and Statist Multilateralism in Eurasia. Europe-Asia Studies, (2), 181. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668136.2013.866757
- Pétric, B. (2005). Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan or the birth of a globalized protectorate. Central Asian Survey, 24(3), 319–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634930500310402
- Russo, A., & Gawrich, A. (2017). Overlap with contestation? Comparing norms and policies of regional organizations in the post-Soviet space. Central Asian Survey, 36(3), 331–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2017.1281222
- Stephen Aris. (2009). The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: ‘Tackling the Three Evils’. A Regional Response to Non-traditional Security Challenges or an Anti-Western Bloc? Europe-Asia Studies, (3), 457. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668130902753309
- The micro-politics of norm contestation between the OSCE and Kazakhstan: square pegs in round holes. (2017). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.4F7B92B4
- The Oxford handbook of comparative regionalism / edited by Tanja A. Börzel and Thomas Risse. (2016). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.45324369X
- Thomas Ambrosio. (2008). Catching the ‘Shanghai Spirit’: How the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Promotes Authoritarian Norms in Central Asia. Europe-Asia Studies, (8), 1321. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668130802292143
- Vinokurov, E. (2018). Introduction to the Eurasian Economic Union. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1856439
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Allison, R., Utrikespolitiska institutet (Sweden), Jonson, L., & Royal Institute of International Affairs. (2001). Central Asian Security : The New International Context. London: Brookings Inst. Press/Chatham House. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=91893
- Angeli, A., & Di Gregorio, A. (2017). The Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union - Moving Toward a Greater Understanding. [Place of publication not identified]: Eleven International Publishing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=nlebk&AN=1479874
- Bohr, A. (2004). Regionalism in Central Asia: New Geopolitics, Old Regional Order. International Affairs, 80(3), 485–502. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2004.00394.x
- Féaux de la Croix, J. (2013). How to build a better future? Kyrgyzstani development workers and the ‘knowledge transfer’ strategy. Central Asian Survey, 32(4), 448–461. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2013.862964
- Foroughi, P., & Mukhtorova, U. (2017). Helsinki’s counterintuitive effect? OSCE/ODIHR’s election observation missions and solidification of virtual democracy in post-communist Central Asia: the case of Tajikistan, 2000–2013. Central Asian Survey, 36(3), 373–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2017.1288082
- Korneev, O. (2013). EU Migration Governance in Central Asia: Everybody’ Business —— Nobody’s Business? European Journal of Migration & Law, 15(3), 301–318. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718166-00002038
- Ortmann, S. (2018). Beyond Spheres of Influence: The Myth of the State and Russia’s Seductive Power in Kyrgyzstan. Geopolitics, 23(2), 404–435. https://doi.org/10.1080/14650045.2018.1451843
- Russo, A. (2018). Regions in Transition in the Former Soviet Area Ideas and Institutions in the Making by Alessandra Russo. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.49599278X
- Sharshenova, A., & Crawford, G. (2017). Undermining Western democracy promotion in Central Asia: China’s countervailing influences, powers and impact. Central Asian Survey, 36(4), 453–472. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2017.1372364