The multi- and interdisciplinary approach of MAREEES will develop understanding and the ability to interpret complex area-specific questions and their global inter-relatedness. The programme will prepare you for an array of professional environments.

The MAREEES curriculum is directly related to ongoing research projects at the Aleksanteri Institute, one of the largest and best-known research institute(s) for Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies in Europe. Studying in the programme means that you will obtain the most up-to-date knowledge available.

Why MAREEES?

In the MAREEES programme you will find a unique emphasis placed on the connections and interactions of countries in different regions, their interlinked-ness with global processes. You will find out how the spatial and temporal context matter in area studies.

While core courses are conducted within the Aleksanteri Institute, you are also provided access to other courses at the University of Helsinki. During your studies, you will develop knowledge on how issues pertaining to environmental challenges, migration flows, legal cultures, major security issues, identity and nationalism, political conflicts, the rule of law, and social tensions are affecting the region. The MAREEES programme utilizes a thematic approach. It places phenomena into a global context, enabling you to identify their importance to this area and the world.

The geographical area encompassed by the MAREEES programme is Eastern Europe -defined to cover the eastern flank of the EU and the Eastern partnership countries, including the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Eurasia focusing on Central Asia, Belarus and Russian Federation.

Courses and teaching:

The Master’s Programme in Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies is taught fully in English. The programme approaches political and societal phenomena from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics covered in the MAREEES curriculum include:

• Regional conflicts and sources of insecurity
• Global challenges and policy responses
• Inequality, social tensions and welfare provision
• Global migration, ideas and practices
• Relations between states, civil societies and religions
• Identities, nationalism and colonialism
• Governance, the rule of law and the transformations of political systems
• Environmental concerns, climate and energy politics.