Strategic and Economic Analysis of the Pacific Bassin
[SPRI2650]
[15h] 5 credits
This course is taught in the 2d semester.
Teacher(s): Michèle Lauwers
Language: French
Level: Second
Aims
An analysis of the processes of regional cooperation and of the 20th century's key politi-cal events.
Main themes
- Definition: Region, geographical unity, and heterogeneity. Asia as seen by Europeans. Asia as seen by Asians.
- Political systems: History, cultures and religions. India conquered by the British, and independence. China: the Middle Empire and its relations with 19th century imperialism. Japan: From isolation to victory. South-east Asia: Colonial victories and independence movements. The cold war: Wars by proxy. Korea and Vietnam. ASEAN and small coun-tries affirm their presence.
- Strategic issues: The cold war: Ideological issues. The United States: Idealism and re-alism in international relations. Economic development and the ideological issue. The post-cold war: The crisis of international Communism and the process of democratisa-tion. The financial crisis of 1997 and the desegregation of the state: Forms of national-ism and forms of fundamentalism. The nuclear question: North Korea, India and Pakistan.
- Regional international organisations: What does the future hold for the Pacific Basin?
Content and teaching methods
Analysis of the strategic and economic importance:
1. India and Pakistan
2. China and Japan
Security and terrorism: the nuclear issue
1. The dilemma of the Indian subcontinent
2. The North Korean imbroglio
Economic Development and the race for raw materials:
1. The first generation: the four dragons
2. The second generation: small tigers
3. Economic liberalization in China and India
4. The south-east Asian
Method course ex cathedra, file mandatory preparatory readings and discussions by subject (3)
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)
See bibliography attached to the syllabus.