Master 2025/2026

Asia in World Geopolitics

Type: Compulsory course (Modern Asian and MENA studies)

Delivered by: School of Asian Studies

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Open to: students of one campus

Language: English

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The proposed course belongs to the block of disciplines providing both theoretical and practical knowledge in the sphere of geopolitics. The course is based on the following disciplines: International Relations and Conflict Management, Political Science, etc. The main academic aim of the course is to acquaint students with the geopolitics of Asia (including the Middle East) in the global context both in theoretical and practical aspects. The theoretical aspect presupposes the acquaintance with the concepts of major theoreticians of both geopolitical schools (tellurocratic and thalassocratic). The practical aspect comprises the forming of adequate knowledge and understanding of the reasons, dynamics and trends of geopolitical struggle in Asia. Students are to learn to analyse current geopolitical situation on the basis of the national interests of Russia and other states genuinely interested in Asia’s stability, security and prosperity. To succeed students are required to listen to the lectures, read the materials, prepare and give talks in the prescribed order and listen to others’ talks attentively, as well as to memorise the factological minimum (the lists of some personalia, terms, etc.) to pass it as a pre-exam. The examination itself presupposes questions on the lectures and talks given during the units of study.