PLEASE FIND THE DETAILED SYLLABUS ON MOODLE: https://dl1.cuni.cz/course/view.php?id=8589

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.

Lecture outline - please find all the required literature in the Moodle.

1) Introduction

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 Korean nuclear program

8) Contemporary issues II - Island disputes

9) Contemporary issues III - the rise of China

10) Contemporary issues IV - US Pivot to Asia

11) Contemporary issues V - societal issues

12) Final review game