INTL 5301 Frontlines and Faultlines in Eastern Christianity and Geopolitics

Its not hyberbole to suggest that international relations experts discovered Eastern Christianity either when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 or when Pope Leo traveled with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to commemorate the Council of Nicaeas 1700th anniversary. Both events are only two examples of Eastern Christianity on the frontlines and faultiness of contemporary geopolitics. This course introduces students to the centering, decentering, and rediscovery of Eastern Christianity in geopolitics, particularly focusing on the linkages between the global Orthodox Churches internal geography (unity/disunity) and regional geographies of Great Power competition (e.g. Russia-Ukraine, Middle East, Africa). Academic and policy readings, guest expert engagement, and customized assignments for graduate and undergraduates organize the course. Pre-requisites: Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students.