FHSS, Bond UniversityDepartment of International Relations
Subject Outline and Introduction
INTR13-304 (Undergraduate)
EURASIA
(Russia, Central Asia and the Far East)
Semester 1, 2005
Map Courtesy of Perry Castaneda Map Library
1. Introduction
This subject focuses on new relations emerging between Europe and Asia, on affairs in Russia, the Newly Independent States and Central Asia, and the interaction of Russia with China, Japan and Korea. This subject will look in detail at the economic, political, cultural and strategic interests that have transformed the nature of modern Eurasia, trends that have accelerated through 2001-2005 with the transformation of Afghanistan.
Particular topics will include the current Russian effort to strengthen its global role, China-Russia relations, the future of Siberia, new prospects for Central Asian states, ecological and developmental problems, Caspian oil politics, the regional impact of the reconstruction of Afghanistan, the role of Islam, the influence of Turkey and Iran. Major foreign policy and security issues which affect Eurasia, including Russian, Chinese, Japanese and U.S. initiatives will be studied, as will economic interactions between Western Europe and East Asia.
In ancient times the Silk Road once linked these regions through a shared interest in trade. Today convergent economic interests are challenged by different perceptions of how security and political stability might be developed. The subject will look at traditional influences, current events, and diagnose trends and problems that will impact upon the future of Eurasia.
No Pre-requisites required.
2. The Subject Outline
Welcome to Eurasia. This Subject Outline is designed to assist your organisation and learning in this subject. It contains a list of lectures, seminar options, sample essay questions, selected references, and assessment details. The subject has been designed to provide a base of information from which you can branch out to your own interests and areas of expertise. As well as individual assignments, group think-tank and scenario construction exercises will be used to develop student insight. The course will explore alternative ways of conceptualising world affairs in the current era.
3. Lecture Topics
The following list contains the theme of study for each week and the lecture topic.
Lecture Time: 2 hrs (check latest timetable)
Seminar Time: 1 hr (check latest timetable
Lecturers: Dr R. James Ferguson (main lecturer and coordinator)
Ph. 55 952520 Email:
Office: Level 4 of Humanities Building
Dr Rosita Dellios (guest lecturer. Other guest lecturers may be announced.)
Lecture Timetable:
WeekLecture Topic
Week 1: Lecture: Eurasia - Super-Region or Zone of Conflict?
Week 2: Lecture: From Russian Empire to Eurasian Power
Week 3: Lecture: Kazakhstan - From Exploitation to Nationhood in Central Asia
Week 4: Lecture: An Arc of Instability? - Security Dilemmas in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Chechnya
Week 5: Lecture: Russia-China Relations: The Bear and the Dragon
Week 6: Lecture: Siberia, The Russian Far-East, and the ‘Future Land’
Week 7: Lecture: Japan and Hedging Strategies with Eurasia and Central Asia
Week 8: Lecture: Meeting on the Road: Islamic Culture and the Politics of Sufism
Week 9: Lecture: Turkey’s Multi-regional Perspective
Week 10: Lecture: From War to Democracy - the Test Case of Afghanistan
Week 11: Lecture: Tibet: From Buddhist Polity to Invasion and Diaspora
Week 12: Lecture: Emerging Global Relationships – Europe, East Asia, and the Need for a Stable Eurasia
4. Initial Reading
The text book for the subject is: -
FERGUSON, R. James & DELLIOS, Rosita Eurasia, Lecture Bloc, 2004-2005 (lecture notes distributed to students in sections throughout the course)
Voluntary Further Reading could begin with the following books. They are held in Bond University Library. You might like to dip into one or two of them. See the 'General Bibliography' below for a more detailed list that will help your seminar or essay research.
COOLEY, John K. & SAID, Edward W. Unholy Wars: Afghanistan, America and International Terrorism, London, Pluto Press, 2002
CUMMINGS, Sally Understanding Central Asia. London, Routledge, 2003
EAST ASIA ANALYTICAL UNIT Pacific Russia: Risks and Rewards, Canberra, EAAU, 1996
FRANCK, Irene M. & BROWNSTONE, David M. The Silk Road: A History, N.Y., Facts on File, 1986
GILL, Bates & ORESMAN, Matthew China's New Journey to the West: China's Emergence in Central Asia and Implications for US Interests, Washington, CSIS, 2003
HANN, C.M. (ed.) Post-Socialism: Ideals, Ideologies and Practices in Eurasia, London, Routledge, 2002
HUTCHINGS, Raymond Japan’s Economic Involvement in Eastern Europe and Eurasia, N.Y., St. Martin’s Press, 1999
IVANOV, Igor S. The New Russian Diplomacy, Washington, Brookings Press, 2002
JACK, Andrew Inside Putin’s Russia: Can There Be Reform Without Democracy, Oxford, OUP, 2004
JACKSON, Nicole J. Russian Foreign Policy and the CIS, London, Routledge, 2003
KLEVEMAN, Lutz The New Great Game: Blood and Oil in Central Asia, N.Y., Atlantic Monthly Press, September 2003
LAWSON, Stephanie Europe and the Asia Pacific, London, Routledge, 2002
MOTYL, Alexander et al (eds.) Russia’s Engagement with the West, N.Y., M.E., Sharpe, 2004
TRENIN, Dmitri et al. The End of Eurasia: Russia on the Border Between Geopolitics and Globalization, Washington, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2002
UGUR, Mehmet (ed.) Turkey and European Integration: Accession Prospects and Issues, London, Routledge, 2004
WEISBRODE, Kenneth Central Eurasia: Prize or Quicksand?: Contending views of Instability in Karabakh, Ferghana and Afghanistan, Adelphi Paper 338, London, International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2001
Internet and Database Sources
A wide range of material will also be found on the Internet, but these are of variable quality. Some material is excellent, other pages are biased, out-of-date, or misleading. Use Internet material critically, and remember that not all Websites are edited or refereed (unlike journals or books). It is best to double check controversial points, and use a mixture of types of sources. In all cases where you use on-line materials, if possible, cite the author, title, homepage, and date. The following Internet resources may be of particular use: -
A range of databases will be found under the Databases option of the Bond University Library Webpage, e.g. Ebsco, Infotrac SearchBank and APA, as well as Ebrary on-line books. Access through the Bond University homepage at
Eurasianet has a good range of sources on Russia and Central Asia, including Eurasia Insight, a series of good analysis pieces. Access via
Transitions On-Line contains detailed current and archive information on Russia, Eurasia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Web address = Current news can be accessed immediately (look at their ‘week in review section’).
A range of case studies will be found in the Trade and Environment Database (TED), which includes environmental and economic studies which affect Russia and Central Asia. Web address =
A number of useful articles on International Relations, China, Islam and Foreign Policy, along with course materials will be found in the International Relations Portal at This site is maintained by the course coordinator and includes the journal The Culture Mandala, and Research Papers from the Centre for East-West Cultural and Economic Studies. 2003 lecture materials will be added towards the end of the semester.
A fair range of journal and news material on Eurasia can be found at the free database Findarticles at
The Brookings Institution has a wide range of materials on Russia, Central Asia, and Eurasia, located at
A useful Interactive Map Exercise on the Silk Road and its Central Asian environs can be found at
Some useful diplomatic updates on Eurasian, Russian and Central Asian affairs will be found in the Diplomacy Monitor, located at
The IRIN News service provides a range of useful International News Material on different regions, located at
Several journals and papers provide selective coverage of themes related to this course, some available in hard copy, others via databases. Some of these are listed below: -
Journals and Papers (most via Bond databases)
* The Adelphi Papers
* Asian Defence Reporter
* Asian Wall Street Journal
* Beijing Review
* Central Asian Survey
* China Quarterly
* Contemporary Economic Policy
* Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia
* The Economist
* Eurasia
* Europe-Asia Studies
* Far Eastern Economic Review
* Financial Times
* Foreign Affairs
* Foreign Policy
* International Affairs
* International Journal of Middle East Studies
* International Politics
* Journal of Northeast Asia Studies
* Newsweek
* NBR Analysis
* Political Science Quarterly
* Policy Review
* Problems of Communism
* Survival
* Time
* World Policy Journal
* World Politics
5. Assessment
Grades are awarded on the standard, qualitative Bond University scale. Students are expected to meet normal academic criteria. Students may use either the footnote or author-date system of referencing so long as this is done consistently (good advice on referencing and writing academic papers will be found at or via the Bond Library webpages). Essays without references within the body of the paper will not be accepted. Standard academic rules apply. Remember that plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged use of another person's words or ideas, verbatim or paraphrased, will result in severe penalties (see University policy). Please talk to your lecturer if in doubt about these issues. Standard referencing techniques, as taught in the Core Communication Skills subject, or in other Bond University International Relations subjects, are acceptable.
Assessment Breakdown:
Undergraduate students are encouraged to take an active part in class discussion and seminars. Assessment is composed of: -
1) Essay (approx. 2,250 words)30%*
2) Seminar Paper (approx. 2,250 words) 30%*
3) Exam30%
4) Seminar Presentation Mark 10%
*NB: Students, with the written approval of their lecturer, may opt for one long seminar paper of approximately 4,500 words (instead one seminar paper and one essay), so long as the topic is strong enough to carry this length.
Due Dates:
Seminar Presentation: As booked into Seminar Timetable (this will be passed out in the first tutorial, and finalised by Week 3). Presentation slots will be available for Weeks 2-11. Note that the oral presentation and the written paper are both compulsory parts of seminar process. Seminars which have not been presented will not be marked.
Written Seminar Paper: One week after Presentation.
Essays: Due end of Week 10. It is suggested that you have your topic finalised by Week 7. Extensions need to be negotiated in advance and on the basis of serious criteria accepted by the coordinator.
Seminar Guidelines
The aim of the seminars is to 1) expose other students to a wide range of topics, data, research and viewpoints 2) to stimulate thought and discussion on the topic 3) to sharpen presentation and discussion skills 4) to act as a 'risk free' run through of your paper 5) to cover subjects in more detail than can be done in the lectures. They are an integral part of the subject.
After verbal presentation of the seminar, the final version of the seminar paper is submitted one week later. Any ideas or areas for improvement which have been pointed out by the lecturer or other students should be incorporated into the final version of your paper. The seminars also help assess your progress in the subject, so that I can give you help or advice as required. Note, however, that the written up seminar papers should be as well-researched and referenced as your essay papers. Both the oral presentation and the written seminar paper are required components of the subject.
A range of themes are briefly indicated below. (Seminars need not be presented in the same week as the lecture theme to which they relate.) Choose one of these areas, or see the lecturer to plan an individual topic. Do not choose a seminar topic that is the same as, or overlaps too closely, with your essay question. You will need to do some individual research on this, and use current magazines, papers and journals to cover some issues. See the librarian for help in identifying some of these resources.
In the presentation, it is best to provide students with a 'base' information sheet, outlining your topic, the central question, the key facts, and a summary of your conclusion. Include a bibliography of your sources and ensure that you reference these properly. Since there will be 1-3 speakers each week, plan your speaking time for 15 minutes with 5-10 minutes discussion time. You will need to have prepared some key questions to lead this class discussion. You may use video sources, overheads, computer or audio materials but ensure that suitable equipment is available. If you are using video, use short and appropriate film selections. Remember, you will not be assessed on how good a speaker you are. You will be assessed on your ideas, evidence and arguments.
If you have booked in for a week ensure that you present at that time. If you need to re-book a time, see your lecturer in advance. Students will not be allowed to re-book into fully-loaded weeks. Material presented in seminars is an important part of the subject. Your final, written-up seminar paper should be handed in one week later, making any needed changes.
Sample Seminar Topics
You may choose one of these sample topics. Alternatively, speak to your lecturers of you wish to develop your own question, but make it relates to subject content. See the references attached to lecture handouts, and the General Bibliography (below) for research materials. Do not do a seminar that overlaps directly with your essay topic. (Author date references are listed at the end in the Research Bibliography.)
- Does the Russian nation have unique cultural features? If so, how has this affected their historical experience in the 20th century?
- Why did the early Russia state expand rapidly eastwards? What were the social and political costs of this expansion?
- Is Russia a mature, capitalist economy? Explain the implications for trade with the EU and Russia’s prospective membership in the WTO.
- Profile economic reforms in Kyrgyzstan since 1991. What are the current dangers for its future development?
- Outline the ecological disaster of the Aral Sea. Has the regional and international response been adequate to deal with this crisis?
- What caused the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict? Have these issues been fully resolved?
- Outline the different oil pipelines emerging to serve the Caspian Sea region. Are these routes determined by economics alone, or are key political concerns also involved?.
- What are the problems facing China's Xinjiang region. Why is this area important for the PRC’s strategic and economic planing?
- Outline the different ethnic groups within Afghanistan. What role do these different groups play in the national identity politics of Afghanistan through 2001-2005?
- Has there been a power-realignment in Central Asia? How have new U.S. allies in the region affected Russian and Chinese perceptions?
- Outline Iran’s civil nuclear program. What role have European nations played in moderating tensions over technology that may have a dual use (for possible weapons development)?
- Critically outline Mongolia’s strategic plan for its future economic and political development.
- Is the ‘Dalai Lama’ a viable institution in the 21st century? Outline its strengths and weaknesses.
- What impact do Korean politics have on the development of Siberia and Mongolia? What opportunities would cooperation on the Korean peninsular create regionally?
- Outline the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road. What influence did this have on the history of China?
- What role has the Orthodox Church played in the politics of modern Russia? To what extent was Orthodox Christianity central to Russian identity?
- Is Turkey likely to develop a major diplomatic role in the Caucasus and Central Asia? Critically discuss, noting trends through 2001-2005 (start with Katuk 2004).
- What have been the regional 'spill-over' effects of events in Iraq through 2001-2005 on the geo-politics of Iran?
- How far have political reforms over the last decade made Iran more democratic? Outline problems in the emergence of a more open political system through 2000-2005.
- Outline the diverse drug routes that previously operated out of Afghanistan. Have these flows been stopped through 2001-2005?
- Should Turkey and Australian be included the Asia-Europe Meetings (ASEM, 1996-2006)? Detail your arguments for and against these proposals.
- Outline the theory of multipolarity, as favoured in French, Russian and Chinese foreign policy. Can this idea help balance the international system, or does it have risks as well as possible benefits?
- Will China (the PRC) become more dominant (economically and politically) in Eurasian affairs over the next two decades? Critically discuss.
- Should Russia move more closely towards a European, Western identity, or remain a ‘Eurasian’ power that looks both East and West?
- What role does Islam play in the secular state of Turkey? What have been the implications of banning religious parties from politics? (Include consideration of the 1995-2005 period.)
- What relationship now exists between India and Russia? How has this changed over the last two decades?
- Does the ‘West’ lack a clear policy for stabilising the Black Sea region? Why is this area of importance to Europe and the U.S.? (begin with Asmus & Jackson 2004)
- Outline the politics of water insecurity in Central Asia. How can this problem begin to be solved? (begin with Gerstle 2004)
6. Sample Essay Questions
The following is a list of sample questions that may be chosen as your essay. Alternatively, you may wish to formulate new questions, or alter these, with the help of your lecturer (written approval in advance must be given by the coordinator for changes or new topics). See the references attached to lecture handouts, and the General Bibliography (below) for research materials. Do not do an essay that overlaps directly on your seminar paper.