How unique are politics in Russia? Can the tools, of comparative political analysis help us, understand the complexities of Russian politics?, This course will investigate these questions by, studying Russian politics in a comparative, perspective. Although this course will begin by, examining Russia's political development in the, early 20th century, emphasis will be placed on, developments in the post-communist period., Throughout the class, close attention will be, placed on the ways that Russia is both similar to, and different from countries in the "West," former, communist countries, and countries at Russia's, same level of economic development. We will then, use this information to untangle how Russia is, ruled today. Students can expect to read, predominantly scholarly articles, but will also be, exposed to various materials from novels, news, media, or films.