Informations du cours

Course Description

This course examines how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has reshaped the liberal international order, challenged existing global rules, and compelled a reassessment of strategic priorities in the West. To understand the resurgence of great power rivalry, we will analyze arguments informed by major theories of international relations: (neo)realism, liberalism, constructivism, and imperialism. We will explore the following interrelated questions: How do existing theories of international relations explain the Russian invasion of Ukraine? How did Ukraine mobilize and resist the invasion? Why did the United States respond to the war the way it did? How has the war transformed the security landscape in Ukraine, the European Union, and NATO? How and why do wars end? Why have diplomacy and mediation efforts failed thus far? How can durable peace be achieved in Ukraine?

To answer these questions, this course adopts a structured approach. First, we will situate the Russian invasion within the broader debates surrounding America’s global role. Some policymakers and scholars advocate for reduced American involvement abroad, while others argue for a more active US role in global affairs. Consequently, we will consider whether the United States can maintain its global influence by continuing to champion a liberal international order or whether, after Donald Trump’s victory, it will adopt a more realist and isolationist stance. This power alternation has significant implications for Ukraine. So far, the United States has consistently expressed its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, even though Ukraine is neither a NATO member nor a formal US ally. Despite Washington’s efforts to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine, deterrence ultimately was unsuccessful. We will examine why deterrence failed and why throughout the war US has pursued the escalation management strategy. 

Second, the Russo-Ukrainian war encompasses multiple topics that are actively being studied by international relations (IR). For example, the conflict has triggered distinct alliances supporting each side. Beyond analyzing the composition of these alliances, we will explore other war-related issues, such as the shifting balance of power in East Asia, the role of ideology, the political economy of war, the influence of leadership, and the notion of genocide. The humanitarian crisis will be analyzed s well. As of January 2025, there were nearly 4 million internally displaced people in Ukraine, 6.8 million Ukrainian refugees, and 14.6 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Hence, we will discuss the impact of violence on children, human rights and civilians. One session will be devoted to the character of military technology, with particular attention to drone warfare, the use of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and nuclear coercion. Another session will address the issue of de facto states in Ukraine and in global politics. We will also undertake a critical examination of the role played by non-state actors, including transnational corporations, international NGOs, private military companies (Wagner group), and global organizations such as the United Nations.

In all this course will provide a deeper understanding of the multiple dimensions of the Russo-Ukrainian war as well as the forces shaping state behavior, the dynamics of great power rivalries, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and the pressing challenges facing the world in the 21st century.