Asia - A Bird’s-Eye View

The intent of the initial class is to introduce students to the prerequisites of the course, to discuss the required texts and readings, and methodology, to cover the syllabus of the course, to discuss the exams and written assignments, and to respond to student questions concerning course objectives.  The initial lecture will provide an overview of the Asian countries, culture, and society and attempts to place the state and people in a historical perspective of the nineteenth century.

Required Reading:

·        David Shambaugh. “International Relations in Asia: The Two-Level Game”, in Shambaugh and Yahuda, 3-31. (29 pages)

Suggested Reading:

·        Samuel S. Kim. “The Evolving Asian System: Three Transformations”, in Shambaugh and Yahuda, 35-56. (22 pages)

Bipolarity and the Alliance System in Cold War East Asia

With the end of World War II, East Asia lay smoldering in ruins, but the region had little reprieve as the Soviet Union and the United States laid the foundation for a new worldwide conflict. Today, we will also discuss Neorealism as a theoretical lens through which to analyze regional politics. How might Neorealists explain the strategic situation in East Asia?  The beginning of the Cold War and especially the victory of the Communist Party in China turned East Asia into a major theater for the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. As a result, the United States established a series of bilateral alliances in the region, centered on Japan but also including South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Required Reading:

·        Amitav Acharya. “Theoretical Perspectives on International Relations in Asia”, in Shambaugh and Yahuda, 57-82. (26 pages)

Suggested Reading:

·        Christopher Hemmer and Peter J. Katzenstein. “Why Is There No NATO in Asia? Collective Identity, Regionalism, and the Origins of Multilateralism”, International Organization 56:3 (Summer 2002), 575-607. (33 pages)