IR3090 International politics of East Asia
Note
May only be chosen by students who registered prior to 30 November 2011. To be examined for the last time in 2013, except for a re-sit in 2014.
Prerequisites (applies to degree students only)
IR1011 Introduction to international relations
Syllabus
This course covers developments in the international politics of East Asia since the end of the Pacific War.
Part One analyses the international relations of the region against the backdrop of the impact of the global systemic rivalry, the legacy of colonialism and the significance of nationalism, as well as the interlinkages between the global, regional and local level. The topics of study covered in the first part include the advent of the Cold War and the policies of the major regional states during bipolarity, the implications of tripolarity, the development and character of regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Cambodia conflict and the legacy of the Cold War.
The second part of the course examines the regional impact of changes in the international structure after the end of the Cold War as well as the implications of the Asian financial crisis and 9/11 for East Asian international relations. It discusses in separate chapters the regional policies of the US, China and Japan as well as the development of ASEAN cooperation. Issues covered include US pre-eminence, the re-emergence of China, Japan's changing role, the major regional conflicts, and the establishment of new multilateral economic and security arrangements.
