Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the major concepts used in analysing Soviet and Russian national security policy, and with the opportunity to apply those concepts to a series of case studies of policy decisions and outcomes.

Objectives
Upon completion of this option, students should be able to discuss the following:

• the institutions and processes involved in Soviet and Russian national security policymaking
• the uses of military and non-military instruments in Soviet and Russian national security policy, with reference to specific case studies
• the impact of Gorbachev and `new political thinking? on Soviet national security policy
• comparisons between Soviet and Russian national security policy