SUİ339

School of Economics and Administrative Sciences \ Political Science and International Relations

3

6

Elective

English

-

The course is elective for students of the Department of Political Science and International Relations. Students from other departments can take it as an elective course

This course covers international relations in the Asia-Pacific region from historical times to the present. It focuses on the policies of the United States, Northeast Asia (China, Japan, South Korea), and Southeast Asia (ASEAN countries), as well as the relationships between them. If students are interested, South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) may also be included.

In the initial weeks, the course will provide a general overview of Asian history, followed by discussions on contemporary international relations in Asia. Topics include bilateral relations among major powers in Asia, the rise of China and U.S.-China relations, Japan’s transformation, cultural and political diversity in Asia (in terms of language, ethnicity, religion, and political systems), Southeast Asian economic integration (ASEAN), and the foreign and domestic policies of regional countries.

In the final weeks, the course is planned to focus on one or two Southeast Asian countries in detail.

Historical Background – Cold War Era:
Michael Yahuda (2004, 2nd ed.) The International Politics of the Asia Pacific. Routledge Curzon: London & New York.
Asia-Pacific Policies:
Shambaugh, D. (Ed.) (2022). International Relations of Asia. Rowman & Littlefield.
Domestic Political Systems and Bilateral Relations:
McDougall, D. (2024). Asia Pacific in World Politics. Boulder, Colo.: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Supplementary Readings:
Asia’s Historical Hegemonic System:
Andre Gunder Frank (1998). ReOrient. University of California Press.
Theoretical Approaches to International Relations and Asia:
G. John Ikenberry & Michael Mastanduno (Eds.) (2003). International Relations Theory and the Asia-Pacific. Columbia University Press: New York.
South Asia:
Devin T. Hagerty (Ed.) (2005). South Asia in World Politics. Rowman & Littlefield.

The aim of this course is to provide students with fundamental knowledge about the various regions of Asia, where two-thirds of the world's population resides, and key related topics. Additionally, the course seeks to equip students with the ability to apply the conceptual frameworks and methodologies they have learned in other courses to the processes and dynamics of this region.

1. Can analyze events and processes in the Asia-Pacific region using the fundamental concepts of the discipline.
2. Can compare the foreign policies of regional countries.
3. Can explain Asia-Pacific processes using sub-disciplinary tools such as International Relations theories, Political Economy, and Security Studies.
4. Can establish connections between historical, sociological, and economic issues.
5. Develops theoretical and empirical knowledge specifically focused on the Asia-Pacific region.
6. Acquires thematic or country-specific knowledge on key actors in the region.
7. Can present research conducted in class in a structured manner.
8. Enhances and applies academic terminology with a regional focus.

Week 1: Introduction to Asia's International Relations – General Overview
Week 2: Historical Background (Pre-20th Century)
Week 3: Cold War Era, Bipolar Period (1947-1971), Tripolar Period (1971-1989), Post-Cold War Era (Unipolar Period and Beyond)
Week 4: Cold War Era, Bipolar Period (1947-1971), Tripolar Period (1971-1989), Post-Cold War Era (Unipolar Period and Beyond)
Week 5: Great Powers in the Asia-Pacific: The U.S., China, & Japan
Week 6: Great Powers in the Asia-Pacific: The U.S., China, & Japan
Week 7: China-U.S. Relations
Weeks 8: Other Major Powers: India & South Korea
Weeks 9: Other Major Powers: India & South Korea
Week 10: Southeast Asia & ASEAN (International Organizations in Asia)
Week 11: Case Study of a Southeast Asian Country
Week 12: Student Presentations

• Midterm 40 %
• Participation: 30 %
• Thematic Presentation 20 %
• Southeast Asia Presentation 10 %