Sylabus
The course can basically be divided into four parts. The first part will illustrate Asian IR theories and schools of thought. Second part will illustrate historical roots of present situation. Third part will make us understand cultural basis of the most ‘prominent’ societies in Asia (or, most relevant for current security environment, i.e. Japan, China, the Koreas, ASEAN). Fourth part will then connect these into interpretation of contemporary situation.
1) Introduction to the course
2) What is East Asia - formation of the region
3) IR theory and Asia - non Western approaches revisited
4) East Asian history
5) Cultures and societies - Japan, Koreas
6) Cultures and societies - China, Taiwan
7) Contemporary issues I - North Korea
8) Contemporary issues II - Island disputes
9) Contemporary issues III - rise of China
10) Contemporary issues IV - American pivot to Asia under Trump
11) Contemporary issues V - non-traditional issues (environment, health etc.)
12) Student presentations
13) Final game lecture
Anotace
In the FALL TERM OF 2021, this course is taught ONLINE ONLY.
The course is designed to shed light on the main security issues in the region of Asia Pacific. 20 years ago, Aaron Friedberg suspected that Europe’s violent past will be Asia’s future. The lecturer of this course believes that in order to predict potential conflicts and security issues in the region, simple power analogies without cultural basis are not sufficient. This course will thus go in different direction that Friedberg’s study; it will investigate Asian security in its historical, cultural and social context.