East Asian International Relations

Lowell Dittmer et al, eds., Informal Politics in East Asia (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000).

Leon V. Sigal, Disarming Strangers: Nuclear Diplomacy with North Korea (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1998).

Michael Yahuda, The International Politics of the Asia-Pacific, 1945-1995 (New York: Routledge, 1996).

Suisheng Zhao, ed. Across the Taiwan Strait (New York: Routledge, 1999).

James W. Morley, ed., Driven By Growth: Political Change in the Asia-Pacific Region (Armonk, New York: M.E. Sharpe, 1999).

This course will examine the regional linkages in postwar East Asia. The emphasis will be on the military security and economic issues in international relations, though we will also study the domestic conditions driving those relations. Major themes will include defense and security, trade and development, and human rights. The first six weeks provide common ground for discussions of East Asian international relations. We will rely on books, articles and electronic resources to build a background of knowledge about East Asia.

As a simulation, this course will be high in student participation. The centerpiece of this course will be a four-week East Asian summit meeting. The purpose of this simulation is two-fold. First, I want you to explore different national perspectives on regional issues and concerns. Second, you will experience first-hand the frustration and excitement of international negotiations.

To prepare for the simulated summit meeting, you will complete three short writing assignments: one briefing paper on a specific East Asian country (which will serve as the basis for a presentation to the class); one briefing paper on the role you will play in the simulation; and one policy paper that will be written from the perspective of your assigned East Asian nation.

Grading will be done as follows: 2 briefing papers, 10% each; policy paper, 20%; participation and involvement in the course, 20%; binder submitted at the end of the simulation, 40%.

The Far Eastern Economic Review is available on line free of charge at www.feer.com. It is required reading for the course.

The Review is an important resource for this course and should be read weekly. It will provide us with real-life current events information to which we will apply concepts presented in the text. Students will be called on regularly — and randomly — to make intelligent comments on major issues in international politics. In particular, you should focus on the following sections: “Regional Briefs,” “Eye on Asia,” and “The 5^th Column.”

Boring Bureaucratic Stuff:

All work must be completed in order to pass this course. No makeup or extra credit work will be allowed. No alternate assignments will be offered. Attendance matters — unexcused absences will result in a one-third of a grade reduction in your final grade. Come to class.

PS 53, East Asian International Relations