Imperial Nationalism as the Source of Russia’s War Against Ukraine: The 2014 Crisis and 2022 Invasion

(tylko po angielsku) It is important for students to understand the war in Ukraine which is the biggest conflict in Europe since 1945 and is having global ramifications. The course will analyse and explain Russia’s imperial war against Ukraine that took place in 2014, with the annexation of Crimea and invasion of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, and full-scale invasion in 2022. There are a number of incorrect reasons given by scholars as to the sources of the war and invasion, such as blaming NATO and the EU enlargement to Ukraine, which this course will show to be misplaced. Western experts and scholars also wrongly predicted a quick defeat of Ukraine. The course will investigate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-term obsession with Ukraine and how he, and Russian elites and public, came to believe Ukraine and Ukrainians do not exist and why they believe Ukraine is Little Russia and Ukrainians and Russians are “one people”.

(tylko po angielsku) 1) Analysis of Russophilism in Western scholarship, how it has been unable to understand the war and was mistaken about Ukraine’s quick defeat following Russia’s invasion.

2) Provide an understanding of the role of Russian imperial na-tionalism in the 2014 crisis and 2022 invasion.

3) Appreciate NATO and EU policies in support of Ukraine and European security and stability.

(tylko po angielsku) 1) Grades will be awarded in recognition of active participation in class discussions.

2) Recognition of class presentations based on readings.

3) Written exam at the end of the semester.

(tylko po angielsku) 1) Lectures with Powerpoint presentations.

2) Group discussions of key points with the participation of stu-dents.