Quantitative Methods in Autocracy Research
The class aims to combine a brief introduction into the quantitative research in modern social sciences with the discussion of specific problems quantitative political science faces while studying authoritarian regimes. It builds upon the previous knowledge of quantitative methods (especially regression analysis) and focuses on the topics of causal identification. The class will be accompanied by the discussion of practical examples of studying authoritarian regimes using quantitative methods. 

Deutsche Außenpolitik zu Ost- und Südosteuropa: Herausforderungen der Politikberatung
The course is intended to provide insight into policy advice on numerous political and social challenges facing both the countries of Eastern and Southeastern Europe and German and EU policy towards these states. It will be organized in cooperation with LMU Munich; it is planned to hold the event as a block in the first week after the end of the semester and as a series of visits to relevant institutions; pandemic-related changes are of course reserved.

Kleptocracy, Rents, and Development in Eurasia
The seminar explores this variety of rent-seeking and development in Eurasian societies, which offer a rich empirical ground to ask about the different sources of rents, the ways in which they are controlled and distributed by various actors, and the conditions under which rent-driven development processes succeed, falter or fail. To this end, we will first explore conceptual approaches to the relationship between kleptocracy, rent and development. We will then look at processes of rent management, rent channelling, and rent circulation, using different country cases, levels and sectors, to find out how various state and non-state actors seek to navigate, alter or block Eurasia’s political economies.