The Department of International Relations and Foreign Policy

Active foreign policy after Ukraine having gained independence, shaping up its diplomatic body and entering international community predetermines the need for training highly qualified international political analysts. These are the issues the department targets.

Professor Borys V. Zazhyhaev is the head of the department.

The department ensures teaching of the following disciplines:

Ø Theory of International Relations;

Ø Theory of Civilizations;

Ø International Relations and World Policy;

Ø International and European Security;

Ø History of International Relations;

Ø Diplomatic and Consular Service;

Ø International Organizations;

Ø Foreign Policy of Ukraine;

Ø European Union in International Relations.

It is common for the department to conduct teaching of some disciplines both in English and Ukrainian. High proficiency of the teaching staff made it possible to elaborate courses of lectures in leading disciplines and provide own scientific and methodological background of all fundamental disciplines.  Authors of a number of textbooks used in the teaching process are professors of the department. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and different international organizations, famous politicians and members of parliament are invited to meet the students.

Scientific and research work is a top priority for the department. The teaching staff is actively involved in investigating the research topic of the International Relations Institute International and Legal Aspects of European Integration of Ukraine and the research topic of Globalization and Ukrainian European Integration Institute Ukraine in Terms of Globalization and European Integration, the latter comprising seven professors. Professor B. Zazhyhaev studies peculiarities of political processes in the Baltic and Black Sea regions, European integration of Ukraine, geopolitics and international relations in the present-day world; O. Chumachenko focuses on enlargement of the European Union and European integration of Ukraine; I. Sudak investigates into Ukrainian-Canadian relations; O. Chaikovska concentrates on national interests and security.

Scientific potential growth was marked by opening post-graduation studies by the speciality 07.00.02 World History. As of today there are 4 post graduates at the department.

Students of the department have practical trainings at parliamentary committees, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Europe Information Bureau, foreign embassies, international organizations, etc.  

A great number of students taking part in various programs at higher education institutions abroad, receiving grants of prestigious contests are the best testimony to the professional efficiency of the teaching staff of the department. I. Medynskyi and A. Tatarchuk got a Fulbright program grant in 2009 to study in the United States.

The Department takes pride in its graduates actively working in the diplomatic field and representing Ukraine in the international arena.