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The Great Game: Geopolitics of Russia NEW Hybrid: In person or online through a Zoom webinar. The lectures will also be recorded and available for one week. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world has witnessed an acceleration of global realignment, with Russia and China positioning themselves more and more openly as the flag bearers of an anti-West coalition. Xi Jinping stated that the two countries are “experiencing their best period in history,” and hailed the two countries’ “comprehensive partnership and strategic relationship.” And Vladimir Putin has called for a “fair multipolar world order.” Of the two powers, Russia is by far the most aggressive. To the surprise of many, not only has Russia’s economy not collapsed in the face of harsh sanctions, but it has managed to spread its influence, not to mention strengthen its strategic positions, in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Yet, Russia remains fragile and faces many challenges. Can it curb its demographic decline? How long can its economy resist ongoing sanctions? Will Putin be satisfied to play second fiddle to China and become its geopolitical puppet? Above all, what will be the consequences of the results of the U.S. elections for the future of the Ukrainian conflict? Many questions that call for a fresh look at Russia. Olivier Courteaux received his B.A. in history, M.A. in war and conflict studies and Ph.D. in contemporary international relations from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. He has lectured at various Canadian universities, including York University (Glendon College), Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan University), and the Royal Military College of Canada. He is the author of The War on Terror: The Canadian Dilemma (2009), Canada Between Vichy and Free France, 1940-1945 (2013) and Four Days That Rocked Quebec (2017). Dates: February 1 – March 29 (8 sessions, no class on Feb 15th) Time: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fee: $99
Instructor: Olivier Courteaux
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