93802 - East Asia And The International System

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to explore the role East Asia plays in the international system and how that role will develop in the coming years. At the end of the course, students will be able to handle a set of topics related to historical and contemporary patterns of state relations in East Asia, East Asian development models and economic integration, regional multilateral institutions, the impact of globalization on the region, and the political and economic interplay with the West.

Course contents

The course focuses on the role East Asia plays in the international system and how that role will develop in the coming years. Topics covered include the Chinese challenge to the liberal order, China and India's development path, China's "great rejuvenation" and the Chinese model, Asia's economic development (and its new role in the world economy), Asia trade in the new global order, the Belt and Road Initiative (and, therefore, China-Southeast Asia relations, China-Central Asia relations, China-EU relations), Energy Security in Asia and Eurasia, and China's role in the African continent (and the "confrontation" between the Washington and the Beijing consensus).

Teaching methods

The course will consist of a combination of lectures and class discussions related to the different readings. Students will be given the texts that must be read and analyzed, in order to be discussed in class.

Assessment methods

Presentation and class discussions of the materials assigned by the lecturer; written papers; and oral examination at the end of the course.

Teaching tools

Slides and short clips

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Fiori