The Geopolitics of Crises: Russia's Role as a System-Changing Actor in the International System Event Held

The Department of Political Science and International Relations (English) held an event titled “The Geopolitics of Crises: Russia's Role as a Disruptive Force in the International System” on December 22, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in B-309. Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Hazal Papuççular, the event featured Dr. Doğuş Sönmez, who discussed Russia's role as a game-changing actor in the international system, from the Kievan Rus to the present-day Russian Federation.

Dr. Sönmez emphasized geography, history, and identity as the fundamental variables shaping Russian foreign policy. He also outlined the three main schools of Russian foreign policy thought, namely Westernizers, Statists, and Civilizationists, and illustrated the impact of each school on foreign policy through historical and contemporary examples. Discussions focused particularly on Russia's geopolitical goals, border security, and its impact on the international system in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The event, attended by students and academic staff, concluded with a question-and-answer session and discussions on current crises and Russia's strategic approach.